Yule logs have been a part of Christmas traditions for centuries. This year, why not add a decadent twist to the classic? Presenting the salted caramel chocolate yule log, a heavenly treat that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy. With gooey caramel, rich chocolate, and a hint of saltiness, this dessert is perfect for the festive season. So, let’s dive right in and learn how to make this delightful dessert.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until thick and pale yellow.
- Add the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to the egg mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Add the melted butter and vanilla extract to the mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out evenly.
- Bake the cake for 10-12 minutes or until it springs back when you gently press the surface.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Place a clean kitchen towel on a flat surface and dust it with cocoa powder.
- Flip the cake onto the prepared towel and gently peel off the parchment paper.
- Roll the cake up with the towel and let it cool completely.
- In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, sugar, water, and salt. Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil.
- Remove from the heat and add the chocolate chips. Stir until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Unroll the cake and spread the chocolate mixture evenly over the surface.
- Roll the cake back up tightly and chill it in the fridge for at least an hour.
- Sprinkle sea salt over the top of the cake before serving.
Nutritional Information
This recipe makes 8-10 servings. Here’s the nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: 380
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 34g
- Protein: 6g
Cooking Time
The total cooking time for this recipe is about 2 hours, including prep time and chilling time.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Jelly roll pan
- Parchment paper
- Clean kitchen towel
- Saucepan
- Spatula
Serving Suggestions
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle some powdered sugar and crushed candy canes on top of the yule log before serving. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance out the sweetness.
Variations
If you want to switch things up, you can play around with the flavors and fillings. Instead of salted caramel, you can use peanut butter, raspberry jam, or even Nutella. You can also add some chopped nuts or dried fruits to the filling for added texture.
Substitutions
If you’re looking for a lighter version of this recipe, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or Greek yogurt. You can also swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate or white chocolate, depending on your preference.
Storage
You can store the salted caramel chocolate yule log in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving.
Tips
- Make sure to roll the cake up tightly with the towel to prevent cracking.
- When spreading the chocolate filling, make sure to leave some space around the edges to avoid overflowing.
- Chill the yule log for at least an hour before slicing to get clean and even slices.
Notes
This recipe requires some patience and attention to detail, but the end result is well worth the effort. The combination of chocolate and salted caramel is simply divine, and the texture is soft and moist. This dessert is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I freeze the yule log?
Yes, you can freeze the yule log for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
3. Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cake a day ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to fill and roll it.
Final Thoughts
The salted caramel chocolate yule log is a showstopper dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season. With its rich and indulgent flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite. This recipe requires some time and effort, but the end result is well worth it. So, gather your ingredients, put on some Christmas music, and get ready to indulge in this festive delight!