Nothing says “Happy Holidays” quite like a rich and delicious yule log. And when it comes to yule logs, nobody does it quite like Porto’s Bakery. Their version of this classic dessert is a showstopper, with layers of moist chocolate cake, fluffy whipped cream, and a rich chocolate ganache coating. Plus, it’s shaped like a log, which adds an extra festive touch to any holiday table. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to make your own Porto’s Bakery Yule Log at home. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients:
- For the cake:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the whipped cream:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the ganache:
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture and stir until well combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan.
- In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form.
- Cut the cake in half lengthwise and carefully remove it from the pan.
- Spread half of the whipped cream onto one half of the cake and place the other half on top.
- Spread the remaining whipped cream on top of the cake.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips until the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the ganache over the cake, using a spatula to spread it evenly over the top and sides.
- Use a fork to create the texture of tree bark on the ganache.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving.
Nutritional Information:
Each serving of Porto’s Bakery Yule Log (1/12 of the cake) contains approximately:
- Calories: 540
- Total Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
- Sodium: 160mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 36g
- Protein: 6g
Cooking Time:
This Porto’s Bakery Yule Log takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. Allow an additional hour for cooling and refrigeration.
Equipment:
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Medium mixing bowl
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- Medium saucepan
- Fork
Serving Suggestions:
This Porto’s Bakery Yule Log is a perfect dessert for any holiday gathering. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra indulgent treat. Or, pair it with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of red wine for a cozy evening in.
Variations:
If you want to switch things up, try adding some chopped nuts or dried fruit to the whipped cream filling for added texture and flavor. You could also experiment with different flavors of cake or ganache, like vanilla or peppermint.
Substitutions:
If you’re looking for a lighter version of this yule log, you could try using a whipped coconut cream instead of heavy cream. You could also use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour if you have dietary restrictions.
Storage:
This Porto’s Bakery Yule Log can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Tips:
- Make sure to let the cake cool completely before assembling the yule log.
- When making the ganache, be careful not to overheat the cream or it may curdle.
- Use a fork to create the texture of tree bark on the ganache for a more realistic look.
Notes:
This recipe makes a fairly large yule log, so it’s perfect for feeding a crowd. If you’re serving a smaller group, you can easily halve the recipe to make a smaller cake.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this yule log ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the cake and whipped cream filling up to 1 day in advance, then assemble and decorate the yule log the day you plan to serve it.
Can I freeze this yule log?
While this Porto’s Bakery Yule Log can be frozen, we don’t recommend it as the whipped cream filling may not hold up well after thawing.
Can I use a different type of chocolate for the ganache?
Yes! You can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate if you prefer.
This Porto’s Bakery Yule Log is a true showstopper of a dessert. It’s rich, decadent, and absolutely delicious. While it may take a bit of time and effort to make, the end result is well worth it. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or just enjoying it with your loved ones at home, this yule log is sure to impress. So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!