It’s that time of year again, and what better way to celebrate the festive season than with a delicious Marks and Spencer Yule Log! This classic dessert has been a staple of Christmas celebrations for generations, and with this recipe, you can make your own homemade version that’s sure to delight your family and friends. So, let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 6 large eggs
- 150g caster sugar
- 150g self-raising flour
- 50g cocoa powder
- 300ml double cream
- 100g dark chocolate, broken into pieces
- Icing sugar, to dust
- Edible decorations, to garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas mark 6. Grease and line a 23cm x 33cm Swiss roll tin with baking parchment.
- Whisk the eggs and caster sugar together in a large mixing bowl until pale and thick.
- Sift in the self-raising flour and cocoa powder, and gently fold in until just combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and smooth out the surface.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the sponge is springy to the touch.
- While the sponge is baking, lay out a large sheet of baking parchment and sprinkle with icing sugar.
- When the sponge is ready, remove from the oven and immediately turn out onto the sugared parchment.
- Carefully peel off the baking parchment from the sponge.
- Starting from the short end, gently roll the sponge up with the sugared parchment inside, and leave to cool completely.
- Meanwhile, heat the double cream in a small saucepan until just boiling.
- Remove from the heat and add the chocolate pieces.
- Stir until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Unroll the cooled sponge and spread the chocolate cream over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Gently roll the sponge up again, using the parchment to help you, and transfer to a serving plate.
- Dust with icing sugar and decorate with edible decorations, if desired.
- Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
Nutritional Information:
Each slice of this Marks and Spencer Yule Log contains approximately:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 60mg
Cooking Time:
This Marks and Spencer Yule Log takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare, and 10-12 minutes to bake. Allow additional time for cooling and chilling.
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric whisk or stand mixer
- 23cm x 33cm Swiss roll tin
- Baking parchment
- Baking sheet or large tray
- Small saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Serving plate
Serving Suggestions:
This Marks and Spencer Yule Log is delicious served on its own, or with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. It’s also the perfect dessert to share with family and friends during the festive season.
Variations:
If you want to mix things up, you can try adding different flavors to the sponge or cream filling. For example, you could add orange zest to the sponge or replace the dark chocolate with milk chocolate. You could also try adding chopped nuts or dried fruit to the filling for extra texture.
Substitutions:
- If you don’t have self-raising flour, you can use plain flour instead, but you’ll need to add 2 teaspoons of baking powder.
- If you don’t have caster sugar, you can use granulated sugar instead, but it may take longer to whisk to the correct consistency.
- If you don’t have double cream, you can use whipping cream or heavy cream instead, but the filling may be slightly less rich.
- If you don’t have dark chocolate, you can use milk chocolate or white chocolate instead, but the flavor and texture will be different.
Storage:
This Marks and Spencer Yule Log will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Tips:
- Make sure your eggs and caster sugar are at room temperature before whisking, as this will help them to whip up more easily.
- Don’t overmix the flour and cocoa powder into the egg mixture, as this can cause the sponge to become tough and dry.
- Be gentle when rolling up the sponge, as it can crack if handled too roughly.
- Make sure the chocolate cream filling is cool and thick enough before spreading onto the sponge, as it can cause the sponge to become soggy if too warm or runny.
Notes:
This Marks and Spencer Yule Log recipe serves 8-10 people, depending on portion size.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I freeze this Marks and Spencer Yule Log?
Yes, you can freeze this Yule Log. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Can I use a different type of filling?
Yes, you can experiment with different fillings, such as buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or fruit curd. Just make sure the filling has a spreadable consistency and complements the chocolate sponge.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can make the sponge and filling up to 1 day in advance and assemble the Yule Log on the day you want to serve it. Keep the sponge wrapped in plastic wrap and the filling in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to use.
This Marks and Spencer Yule Log recipe is a festive treat that’s sure to impress your family and friends. With its rich chocolate sponge and creamy filling, it’s the perfect dessert to share during the holiday season. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and produces delicious results. So why not give it a try and see for yourself?