The holiday season is here, and what better way to celebrate than with a traditional yule log cake? This cake is a classic French dessert that is typically served during Christmas time. It’s a deliciously moist and chocolatey cake that is shaped like a log and decorated to look like a real log. In this blog post, we will be sharing our recipe for a traditional yule log cake that you can easily make at home. So, let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 6 eggs
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract together until light and fluffy.
- Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is still warm, carefully roll it up in the parchment paper and let it cool completely.
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the filling. In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form.
- In another mixing bowl, beat the butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt together until light and fluffy.
- Unroll the cooled cake and spread the filling evenly over the surface.
- Carefully roll the cake back up, using the parchment paper to help you. Trim off the ends of the cake and transfer it to a serving plate.
- Using a sharp knife, cut a diagonal slice from one end of the cake and position it on the side of the cake to resemble a branch.
- Decorate the cake with powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and fresh holly leaves to resemble a log.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 340
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 135mg
Sodium: 170mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 27g
Protein: 5g
Cooking Time:
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Equipment:
- 15×10-inch jelly roll pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Sharp knife
- Serving plate
Serving Suggestions:
This yule log cake is best served chilled with a dollop of whipped cream on top. It’s a great dessert to serve after a holiday meal or to enjoy with a warm cup of cocoa.
Variations:
If you want to switch things up, try adding some chopped nuts, raisins, or dried fruit to the filling for extra texture and flavor. You can also try using different flavors of cake, such as vanilla or red velvet, for a different twist on this classic dessert.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use whipped topping instead. You can also substitute the unsweetened cocoa powder with chocolate powder or hot chocolate mix. If you’re looking for a healthier version of this recipe, try substituting the sugar with honey or maple syrup.
Storage:
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cake for up to 1 month.
Tips:
- Make sure to roll the cake tightly to prevent it from cracking.
- Let the cake cool completely before adding the filling to prevent it from melting.
- Decorate the cake just before serving to prevent the decorations from getting soggy.
Notes:
This recipe makes 8-10 servings, depending on how thick you slice the cake. You can also double the recipe to make a larger cake.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make this cake up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it.
Q: Can I freeze this cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze this cake for up to 1 month. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container before freezing.
Q: Can I use a different type of filling?
A: Yes, you can use any type of filling you like. Some popular options include whipped cream, cream cheese, or fruit filling.
Personal Thoughts:
This traditional yule log cake recipe is a festive and delicious dessert that is perfect for the holiday season. It’s easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. The chocolate cake is moist and rich, and the whipped cream filling adds a light and fluffy texture. I love how this cake looks like a real log, and the fresh holly leaves make it look even more festive. I highly recommend giving this recipe a try!