The holiday season is here, and what better way to celebrate than with a classic yule log cake? This delightful dessert is the perfect combination of rich chocolate cake and creamy frosting, all rolled up into a festive log shape. Don’t let the appearance intimidate you – rolling a yule log cake is easier than you might think, and the end result is sure to impress. Follow this recipe for a delicious and fun dessert that will have your guests coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips, melted
- powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 15×10 inch jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs until light and fluffy. Gradually add the sugar, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until smooth. Stir in the melted butter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is still warm, sprinkle a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar. Carefully invert the cake onto the towel and remove the parchment paper. Roll up the cake in the towel, starting from the short end. Let it cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
- Unroll the cooled cake and spread the whipped cream over the top, leaving a small border around the edges. Drizzle with melted chocolate chips.
- Gently roll the cake back up, using the towel to help you. Transfer to a serving platter and dust with powdered sugar. Serve and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Serving size: 1 slice
Calories: 320
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 105mg
Sodium: 120mg
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 30g
Protein: 4g
Cooking Time
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Equipment
- 15×10 inch jelly roll pan
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Kitchen towel
- Serving platter
Serving Suggestions
This yule log cake is a perfect dessert for any holiday gathering. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream and some fresh berries, or dust it with powdered sugar and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. Pair it with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy and delicious treat.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe can be easily adapted to suit your tastes. Try using different flavors of cake mix or frosting, or add in some chopped nuts or dried fruit for extra texture. You can also substitute the heavy cream for whipped coconut cream, and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan option.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Tips and Notes
- Make sure to roll the cake while it’s still warm, but not too hot, or it may crack.
- If you don’t have a jelly roll pan, you can use a rimmed baking sheet instead.
- Be sure to use heavy cream for the frosting, as it will hold up better when rolled.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this cake ahead of time?
- Can I freeze the cake?
- Can I use a different frosting?
Yes! You can bake and roll the cake up to a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to frost and serve.
Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
Of course! This cake would also be delicious with a cream cheese frosting or a buttercream frosting.
Personal Thoughts
This yule log cake recipe is a holiday classic for a reason – it’s delicious and festive, and so much fun to make! Don’t be intimidated by the rolling process – just take your time and follow the instructions, and you’ll have a beautiful and delicious dessert in no time. I love how versatile this recipe is, and how easily it can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Give it a try this holiday season, and enjoy!