A Festive Treat to Wow Your Friends and Family
The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in delicious treats, and what better way to celebrate than with a festive yule log? This classic dessert is a favorite among many, and with our make ahead yule log recipe, you can impress your guests with a delicious treat that’s both easy to make and perfect for any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs, separated
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 15×10 inch jelly roll pan and line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add in the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and continue to beat until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the egg white mixture into the egg yolk mixture until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, lay out a clean dish towel and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
- When the cake is done, immediately invert it onto the prepared dish towel. Remove the parchment paper and roll up the cake along with the towel. Let cool completely.
- In a medium bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Unroll the cooled cake and spread the whipped cream mixture evenly over the top.
- Roll the cake back up carefully and transfer to a serving platter.
- In a small saucepan, melt the chocolate chips and butter together over low heat. Stir in the cocoa powder until smooth.
- Spread the chocolate mixture over the top and sides of the cake, using a spatula to create a bark-like texture.
- Refrigerate the yule log for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 250
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 115mg
Sodium: 100mg
Total Carbohydrates: 24g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 18g
Protein: 5g
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours, 45 minutes
Equipment
- 15×10 inch jelly roll pan
- Parchment paper
- Clean dish towel
- Medium bowl
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- Small saucepan
Serving Suggestions
The yule log is a classic holiday dessert that is perfect for any gathering. Serve it alongside a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of mulled wine for the ultimate holiday treat.
Variations and Substitutions
If you want to switch up the recipe a bit, try adding different flavors to the whipped cream mixture. For example, you could add peppermint extract for a festive twist or almond extract for a nutty flavor. You could also substitute the semisweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate or white chocolate chips.
Storage
The yule log can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it covered to prevent it from drying out.
Tips and Notes
- Make sure to roll up the cake while it is still warm to prevent it from cracking.
- If you don’t have a jelly roll pan, you can use a 9×13 inch baking dish instead.
- When melting the chocolate and butter, be sure to stir constantly to prevent it from burning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the yule log?
Yes, you can freeze the yule log for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing.
Can I make the yule log ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare the cake and filling up to 2 days in advance and then assemble the yule log when you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
This make ahead yule log recipe is the perfect dessert for any holiday gathering. With its delicious chocolate flavor and festive appearance, it’s sure to impress your guests. Plus, the fact that it can be made ahead of time makes it a stress-free addition to your holiday menu. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how delicious and easy it can be?