Introduction
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and what better way to celebrate the holiday season than with a delicious yule log cake? This classic dessert is not only a feast for the taste buds, but it also adds a festive touch to any holiday gathering. In this recipe blog, we’ll take you through the steps of making a mouth-watering yule log cake that is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
For the cake: – 4 eggs – 120g caster sugar – 120g self-raising flour – 1 tsp baking powder – 2 tbsp cocoa powder – 2 tbsp boiling water For the filling: – 200g dark chocolate – 200ml double cream – 25g unsalted butter – 1 tsp vanilla extract For the decoration: – Powdered sugar – Sprigs of fresh holly or berries – Edible glitter
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas mark 6. Grease and line a 33 x 23cm swiss roll tin with baking parchment. 2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy. 3. Sift the flour, baking powder, and cocoa powder into the egg mixture and fold gently until just combined. 4. Add the boiling water and continue to fold until you have a smooth batter. 5. Pour the batter into the prepared tin and smooth out the surface with a spatula. 6. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the cake is springy to the touch. 7. While the cake is still warm, carefully roll it up starting at the short end and using the baking parchment to help you. Leave to cool completely in the rolled up position. For the filling: 1. Break the chocolate into small pieces and place in a heatproof bowl. 2. Heat the cream and butter in a small saucepan until the butter has melted and the cream is hot but not boiling. 3. Pour the cream mixture over the chocolate and stir until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth. 4. Stir in the vanilla extract and leave to cool until the mixture has thickened and is spreadable. 5. Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread the filling evenly over the surface, leaving a 1cm border around the edges. 6. Roll up the cake again, this time without the baking parchment, and place seam-side down on a serving platter. For the decoration: 1. Dust the cake with powdered sugar to resemble snow. 2. Use a fork to create lines on the surface of the cake to resemble tree bark. 3. Garnish with sprigs of fresh holly or berries and a sprinkle of edible glitter.
Nutritional Information
– Calories: 285 – Fat: 16g – Saturated Fat: 9g – Carbohydrates: 31g – Sugar: 23g – Protein: 4g – Sodium: 55mg – Cholesterol: 95mg
Cooking Time
– Preparation time: 30 minutes – Cooking time: 12 minutes – Cooling time: 2 hours
Equipment
– 33 x 23cm swiss roll tin – Baking parchment – Mixing bowl – Whisk – Spatula – Heatproof bowl – Small saucepan
Serving Suggestions
This yule log cake is perfect for any holiday gathering, from Christmas parties to New Year’s Eve celebrations. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Variations
For a festive twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter. You can also experiment with different fillings, such as a whipped cream and berry filling or a salted caramel filling.
Substitutions
If you don’t have self-raising flour, you can make your own by combining 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 tsp of baking powder and 1/4 tsp of salt. For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead of double cream and vegan butter instead of unsalted butter.
Storage
This yule log cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips
– Make sure to roll the cake while it’s still warm to prevent cracking. – Use a sharp knife to trim the edges of the cake before rolling it up. – Don’t overfill the cake with filling, as this can cause it to burst.
Notes
– This recipe makes one yule log cake, which serves 8-10 people. – You can make the cake and filling in advance and assemble the cake on the day you plan to serve it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the yule log cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 1 month. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for the filling?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter filling.
Can I make the cake without cocoa powder?
Yes, you can omit the cocoa powder, but the cake won’t have a chocolate flavor.
Conclusion
Making a yule log cake is a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday season. With a delicious chocolate cake, rich filling, and snowy decoration, this dessert is sure to impress your guests. Try out this recipe for yourself and enjoy a taste of the holidays!