Introduction: Get Ready to Impress Your Guests
The holiday season is fast approaching, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious and impressive dessert? If you’re looking for a show-stopping treat that’s easy to make and can be prepared in advance, then look no further than this make ahead yule log recipe. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner party or simply want to add a touch of festive cheer to your family meals, this dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, let’s get started!
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and set aside. 2. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. 3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Stir in the egg yolks, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined. 4. Gently fold the egg white mixture into the batter until no white streaks remain. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. 5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. 6. Lay a clean kitchen towel onto a flat surface and dust it with cocoa powder. Carefully invert the cake onto the towel and peel off the parchment paper. 7. Starting at one of the short ends, roll the cake and towel together tightly. Let it cool completely in the rolled-up position. 8. While the cake is cooling, make the filling. In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue beating until stiff peaks form. 9. Once the cake has cooled completely, carefully unroll it and spread the filling over the top, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. 10. Roll the cake tightly again, this time without the towel. Place it seam-side down on a serving platter and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours. 11. To make the frosting, beat the butter in a large bowl until creamy. Add the cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract and beat until smooth and well combined. 12. Remove the cake from the refrigerator and spread the frosting over the top and sides, using a spatula to create the texture of tree bark. 13. Use a fork to create lines along the length of the cake to resemble bark. Decorate with meringue mushrooms, fresh berries, or any other festive decorations of your choice. 14. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Slice and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Serving size: 1 slice (1/12th of the cake) Calories: 350 Fat: 22g Saturated Fat: 12g Cholesterol: 110mg Sodium: 115mg Carbohydrates: 38g Fiber: 2g Sugar: 32g Protein: 4g
Cooking Time
Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes Chilling time: 1-24 hours
Equipment
- 10×15-inch jelly roll pan
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- Large mixing bowls
- Clean kitchen towel
- Serving platter
Serving Suggestions
This make ahead yule log pairs perfectly with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. Serve it as a festive dessert after a holiday meal, or enjoy it as a sweet treat any time of day.
Variations
For a fun twist on the classic yule log, try incorporating different flavors or fillings. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Peppermint: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the filling and frosting for a refreshing holiday twist.
- Orange: Substitute orange zest for the vanilla extract in the filling and frosting for a citrusy burst of flavor.
- Chocolate Hazelnut: Spread a layer of Nutella over the cooled cake before adding the filling for a decadent twist on the classic yule log.
Substitutions
If you don’t have all of the ingredients on hand, here are a few substitutions you can try:
- Granulated sugar: You can substitute honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar for the granulated sugar in equal amounts.
- Heavy cream: You can use whipped coconut cream or cashew cream as a dairy-free alternative.
- All-purpose flour: You can substitute almond flour or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
Storage
This make ahead yule log can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it with plastic wrap or a cake dome to keep it fresh.
Tips
- Make sure to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form to ensure a light and fluffy cake.
- Don’t overfill the cake with the filling, or it may crack when you roll it up.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to make it easier to frost and decorate.
Notes
This recipe makes one 10×15-inch cake, which serves 12 people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this make ahead yule log?
Yes, you can freeze this yule log for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container in the freezer. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, that’s the beauty of this make ahead yule log! You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Can I use a different type of filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your filling choices. Some other ideas include whipped cream cheese, chocolate ganache, or fruit preserves.
Final Thoughts
This make ahead yule log is a delicious and impressive dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season. With its rich chocolate cake, fluffy whipped cream filling, and decadent chocolate frosting, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Plus, the fact that you can make it in advance means less stress on the day of your holiday gathering. So, give this recipe a try and impress your guests with your baking skills!