The holiday season is always a time for indulging in delicious treats, and what better way to celebrate than with a mini yule log? This classic dessert is a staple of UK Christmas celebrations and is sure to impress your guests. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a fun and festive way to get into the holiday spirit. So, without further ado, let’s get baking!
Ingredients:
- 150g dark chocolate, chopped
- 150g unsalted butter
- 150g caster sugar
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 100g self-raising flour
- 50g cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 150g icing sugar
- 2 tbsp water
- Chocolate flakes or sprinkles, to decorate
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F/gas mark 4. Grease and line a 20 x 30cm baking tin.
- Melt the chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the sugar, followed by the beaten eggs, flour, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- While the cake is still warm, roll it up tightly from the short end, using the baking paper to help you. Leave to cool completely.
- To make the icing, mix the icing sugar with the water until smooth. Unroll the cake and spread the icing over the top.
- Roll the cake back up tightly and cut into mini yule logs. Decorate with chocolate flakes or sprinkles.
- Enjoy your delicious and festive mini yule logs!
Nutritional Information:
Per serving (1 mini yule log):
- Calories: 215
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 54mg
- Sodium: 15mg
- Potassium: 115mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 21g
- Vitamin A: 290IU
- Calcium: 16mg
- Iron: 1mg
Cooking Time:
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Equipment:
- 20 x 30cm baking tin
- Baking paper
- Heatproof bowl
- Saucepan
- Spatula
- Cake board or serving plate
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your mini yule logs on a festive platter surrounded by fresh berries, sprigs of holly, and a dusting of icing sugar. They also pair well with a hot cup of cocoa or mulled wine.
Variations:
You can customize your mini yule logs by adding chopped nuts, dried fruit, or a splash of brandy or rum to the cake batter. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate and cocoa powder to create a unique flavour profile.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have self-raising flour, you can make your own by adding 1 1/2 tsp of baking powder to 100g of plain flour. You can also substitute the dark chocolate for milk or white chocolate, or use margarine instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
Storage:
Your mini yule logs will keep for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Tips:
- Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before adding them to the cake batter to prevent the mixture from curdling.
- Use a serrated knife to cut your mini yule logs for a clean and even slice.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add a bit of green food colouring to your icing to create a festive holly effect.
Notes:
This recipe makes approximately 12 mini yule logs.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a yule log?
A yule log is a traditional Christmas dessert made from a rolled sponge cake that is shaped to resemble a log. It is often decorated with icing or frosting to look like bark and garnished with seasonal decorations.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can make your mini yule logs a day or two in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve them.
How do I prevent my cake from cracking when rolling it up?
Make sure you roll up your cake while it’s still warm and pliable. You can also try rolling it up with a clean tea towel to help prevent cracking.
There’s nothing quite like the taste of a homemade mini yule log to get you in the holiday spirit. This recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results that are sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re looking for a festive dessert to serve at your Christmas dinner or you just want to indulge in a sweet treat, these mini yule logs are the perfect choice. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get baking!