Introduction
The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the tradition of the yule log. This delicious treat is a staple in many households during the holiday season. It’s a dessert that’s both festive and fun to make. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the origins of the yule log, the ingredients needed to make it, and step-by-step instructions on how to make one yourself.
Ingredients
– 6 eggs – 1 cup sugar – 1 cup flour – 1/2 cup cocoa powder – 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – 1/4 teaspoon salt – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – 1/2 cup heavy cream – 1/2 cup powdered sugar – 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract – Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 15 x 10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. 2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy. 3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. 4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, stirring until well combined. 5. Stir in the vanilla extract. 6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. 7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cake springs back when touched. 8. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. 9. While the cake is cooling, make the filling. In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. 10. In a separate bowl, beat the powdered sugar and softened butter together until light and fluffy. 11. Stir in the peppermint extract. 12. Fold the whipped cream into the butter mixture. 13. Once the cake has cooled, flip it over onto a clean kitchen towel. 14. Carefully remove the parchment paper. 15. Spread the filling over the cake, leaving a small border around the edges. 16. Use the towel to help you roll the cake up, starting at one of the short ends. 17. Place the rolled cake onto a serving platter. 18. Dust the top with powdered sugar to resemble snow. 19. Slice and serve.
Nutritional Information
– Calories: 263 – Fat: 14g – Saturated Fat: 8g – Cholesterol: 116mg – Sodium: 77mg – Carbohydrates: 32g – Fiber: 1g – Sugar: 23g – Protein: 4g
Cooking Time
Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes Total time: 45 minutes
Equipment
– Large mixing bowl – Hand mixer or stand mixer – 15 x 10-inch jelly roll pan – Parchment paper – Clean kitchen towel – Serving platter
Serving Suggestions
Serve the yule log on a festive platter with a dusting of powdered sugar to resemble snow. Add a sprig of holly or a few fresh berries for a pop of color.
Variations
For a different twist on this classic dessert, try swapping out the peppermint extract for another flavor such as almond or orange. You can also use different fillings such as whipped cream, chocolate ganache, or fruit preserves.
Substitutions
If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can use whipped topping instead. You can also substitute the unsalted butter for margarine or another type of butter.
Storage
Store any leftover yule log in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips
– Be sure to sift the dry ingredients to ensure a smooth batter. – Let the cake cool for a few minutes before flipping it over onto the towel. – Use the towel to help you roll the cake up. – Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar to resemble snow.
Notes
The yule log is a traditional dessert that originated in France. It’s said to represent the logs that were burned during the winter solstice as a way to ward off evil spirits. Today, it’s a popular treat during the holiday season and is enjoyed by many.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a yule log? A yule log is a rolled cake that’s filled with frosting or cream and decorated to resemble a log. What is the history of the yule log? The yule log originated in France as a way to ward off evil spirits during the winter solstice. Today, it’s a popular dessert during the holiday season. Can I make a yule log ahead of time? Yes, you can make a yule log ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Personal Thoughts
The yule log is a classic dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season. It’s a fun dessert to make and is sure to impress your guests. I love the combination of chocolate and peppermint in this recipe, but you can easily switch it up to suit your tastes. Give it a try and see for yourself how delicious it is!