The holiday season is here, and it’s time to start planning your festive treats. If you’re looking for a fun and easy dessert that will impress your guests, you can’t go wrong with a Mary Berry Yule Log. This classic recipe is a favorite in the UK and is perfect for Christmas or any winter gathering. In this blog post, we’ll share with you the step-by-step instructions on how to make this delicious dessert, as well as tips, variations, and serving suggestions.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 100g caster sugar
- 65g self-raising flour
- 40g cocoa powder
- 300ml double cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 50g icing sugar
- sugar decorations or icing sugar to dust
Instructions
- 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.
- Whisk the eggs and caster sugar together in a large bowl until the mixture is pale, thick and foamy.
- Sift the flour and cocoa powder into the bowl and gently fold in with a large metal spoon, taking care not to knock out the air.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and smooth it out evenly.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the sponge is firm to the touch and springs back when pressed gently with your finger.
- While the sponge is still warm, loosen the edges with a knife and turn it out onto a sheet of baking parchment lightly dusted with icing sugar.
- Carefully roll up the sponge from the short end, using the parchment to help you, and leave to cool completely.
- Whip the double cream and vanilla extract together until it forms soft peaks.
- Unroll the sponge and spread the cream mixture over the top.
- Carefully re-roll the sponge and place it onto a serving plate.
- Dust with icing sugar or decorate with sugar decorations.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Mary Berry’s Yule Log contains approximately:
- Calories: 323
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 53mg
Cooking Time
The total cooking time for this recipe is approximately 20-25 minutes, with an additional 30 minutes for cooling and assembly.
Equipment
- 33 x 23cm Swiss roll tin
- Baking parchment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Metal spoon
- Spatula
- Electric mixer (optional)
Serving Suggestions
This Mary Berry Yule Log is perfect for serving as a dessert at Christmas or winter gatherings. You can dust it with icing sugar or decorate it with sugar decorations, berries, or whipped cream. Serve it with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee, and enjoy!
Variations
If you’d like to mix things up, here are a few variations you can try:
- Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the cream mixture for extra texture and flavor.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the log for an extra chocolatey treat.
- Replace the vanilla extract with peppermint extract for a festive twist.
Substitutions
If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, here are some substitutions you can make:
- You can use regular sugar instead of caster sugar, but it may take longer to whisk to the right consistency.
- If you don’t have self-raising flour, you can use all-purpose flour and add 1 tsp of baking powder for every 100g of flour.
- You can use whipped topping instead of double cream if you prefer.
Storage
Store any leftover Mary Berry Yule Log in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the log for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Tips
- Make sure to grease and line your Swiss roll tin well to prevent the sponge from sticking.
- Don’t overmix the batter, as this can cause the sponge to become dense and heavy.
- Use a light hand when folding in the flour and cocoa powder to avoid knocking out too much air.
- Make sure your cream is cold before whipping to ensure it thickens properly.
Notes
This recipe is adapted from Mary Berry’s recipe for Chocolate Yule Log. You can find the original recipe on her website or YouTube channel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sponge ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to assemble the log. You can also make the log a day ahead and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Can I use a different filling?
Yes, you can use any filling you like. Some popular options include whipped cream and jam, cream cheese frosting, or Nutella.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour instead of self-raising flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
The Mary Berry Yule Log is a classic Christmas dessert that’s sure to impress your guests. With its rich chocolate sponge and creamy filling, it’s the perfect sweet treat for any winter gathering. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to your liking with different fillings and decorations. So why not give it a go this holiday season and see how it turns out? Happy baking!