As the holiday season approaches, a Yule log cake is the perfect treat to get you into the festive spirit. This traditional dessert is a classic French delicacy that is shaped like a log and is typically made with sponge cake, whipped cream, and chocolate frosting. In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to make the perfect traditional Yule log cake that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
Ingredients:
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup Nutella
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, and fold gently until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out evenly.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake is fully cooked through.
- While the cake is still hot, carefully roll it up with the parchment paper and let it cool for 20-30 minutes.
- To make the whipped cream filling, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form.
- Unroll the cake and spread the whipped cream filling over the surface, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Spread the Nutella over the whipped cream filling, and roll the cake back up tightly.
- Place the cake onto a platter and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- To make the chocolate frosting, beat the butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy.
- Remove the cake from the fridge and frost the cake with the chocolate frosting, creating a bark-like texture with a fork.
- Decorate the cake with rosemary sprigs, powdered sugar, and cranberries to give it a festive look.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutritional Information:
Each serving of this traditional Yule log cake contains approximately:
- Calories: 452
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 126mg
Cooking Time:
The total cooking time for this recipe is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, including prep time.
Equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- 10×15 inch jelly roll pan
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- Platter
Serving Suggestions:
This traditional Yule log cake is the perfect dessert to serve during the holiday season. It pairs well with a hot cup of cocoa or coffee and can be enjoyed with family and friends after a festive meal.
Variations:
If you want to switch things up, you can try making a different filling for your Yule log cake. Some popular variations include a raspberry filling, a peppermint filling, or even a chestnut filling.
Substitutions:
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and the butter with vegan butter. You can also use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
Storage:
This Yule log cake can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to remove it from the fridge 30 minutes before serving to bring it back to room temperature.
Tips:
- Make sure to roll the cake up while it’s still hot to prevent it from cracking.
- Use a serrated knife to slice the cake to prevent it from squishing.
- Refrigerate the cake before frosting it to make it easier to handle.
Notes:
This traditional Yule log cake is a labor of love but is well worth the effort. The combination of the fluffy sponge cake, creamy whipped cream, and rich Nutella filling is a match made in heaven.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make this Yule log cake ahead of time?
- Can I freeze this Yule log cake?
- Can I use a different frosting for this Yule log cake?
Yes! You can make this cake up to 2 days ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it.
Yes, you can freeze this Yule log cake for up to 1 month. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container before freezing.
Yes, you can use any frosting you like for this Yule log cake. Some popular options include cream cheese frosting, buttercream frosting, or even a marshmallow frosting.
Overall, this traditional Yule log cake is the perfect dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth during the holiday season. Give it a try, and we guarantee it will become a staple in your holiday dessert lineup!