The holiday season is here, and nothing screams Christmas like a delicious Yule Log! This recipe by Jamie Oliver, featured on Channel 4, will have you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. The perfect dessert to impress your guests at any holiday gathering, this Yule Log is easy to make and tastes absolutely divine! So let’s get baking!
Ingredients:
- 200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids), broken up
- 150g caster sugar
- 6 large eggs, separated
- 50g plain flour
- 25g cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp icing sugar, for dusting
- 300ml double cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 200g raspberries
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, making sure the bowl does not touch the water. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk the sugar and egg yolks together until pale and thick.
- Add the cooled melted chocolate to the egg mixture and mix well.
- Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt into the bowl and fold in gently.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Take a quarter of the egg whites and add to the chocolate mixture, folding in gently. Then add the remaining egg whites and fold in until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking tray and spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the sponge is just firm to the touch.
- While the sponge is baking, lay a large piece of parchment paper on a clean work surface and dust with icing sugar.
- As soon as the sponge is ready, remove it from the oven and turn it out onto the dusted parchment paper. Peel away the baking parchment, then roll the sponge up with the parchment paper inside it. Leave to cool completely.
- Whip the double cream and vanilla extract together until soft peaks form.
- Once the sponge has cooled, unroll it and spread the whipped cream over the surface. Scatter the raspberries over the cream.
- Roll the sponge back up again, using the parchment paper to help you. Transfer to a serving platter.
- Dust with icing sugar and serve.
Nutritional Information:
Each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 28g
Cooking Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
Equipment:
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Heatproof bowl
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Sieve
- Spatula
- Serving platter
Serving Suggestions:
This Yule Log can be served on its own or with a side of fresh raspberries and a dollop of whipped cream.
Variations:
You can change the raspberries for any fruit of your preference, such as strawberries, blueberries, or cherries. You can also add a touch of alcohol to the whipped cream, such as Brandy or Baileys Irish Cream, for an adult version of the dessert.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have raspberries, you can use any other fruit of your choice. For a gluten-free option, you can substitute the flour for almond flour or gluten-free flour.
Storage:
The Yule Log can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Tips:
- Make sure to whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form, as this will give the sponge its light and airy texture.
- Be gentle when folding in the egg whites to avoid knocking out any air.
- Roll the sponge while it’s still warm to avoid cracking.
Notes:
This recipe serves 8 people.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I freeze the Yule Log?
No, it’s not recommended to freeze the Yule Log as the whipped cream will not hold up well.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sponge a day ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Assemble the Yule Log the day you plan to serve it.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate, but the Yule Log will be sweeter and less rich.
Personal Thoughts:
This Jamie Oliver Yule Log recipe is a game-changer! It’s easy to make, and the result is a rich, chocolatey, and fruity dessert that will impress everyone at your holiday gathering. The sponge is light and airy, and the whipped cream and raspberries add a fresh, fruity touch. I love how versatile this recipe is, and you can change the fruit and add your favorite alcohol to make it your own. Overall, this Yule Log is a must-try, and I encourage everyone to give it a go!