Introduction
The holidays are here, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a delicious vanilla yule log cake. This classic dessert is perfect for any festive occasion, and the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a stunning dessert that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
For the cake: – 4 large eggs – 3/4 cup granulated sugar – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – 1/2 cup all-purpose flour – 1/4 cup cornstarch – 1 teaspoon baking powder – 1/4 teaspoon salt For the filling: – 1 cup heavy cream – 2 tablespoons powdered sugar – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For the frosting: – 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – 2 cups powdered sugar – 2 tablespoons milk – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 15×10 inch jelly roll pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper. 2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until thick and pale. Add in the vanilla extract and mix well. 3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined. 4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake is lightly golden and springs back when touched. 5. Remove the cake from the oven and immediately transfer it onto a clean kitchen towel. Peel off the parchment paper and carefully roll up the cake (along with the towel) from the short end. Let it cool completely on a wire rack. 6. While the cake is cooling, make the filling by whipping the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until it forms stiff peaks. 7. To make the frosting, beat the butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together until it becomes light and fluffy. 8. Once the cake has cooled, carefully unroll it and spread the filling over the surface. Roll the cake back up again and transfer it onto a serving plate. 9. Spread the frosting over the cake, using a fork or knife to create a bark-like texture. Decorate with powdered sugar and any other toppings of your choice. 10. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutritional Information (per serving)
– Calories: 283 – Fat: 16g – Carbohydrates: 32g – Protein: 3g – Sugar: 25g – Sodium: 88mg
Cooking Time
Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes Total time: 45 minutes
Equipment
– 15×10 inch jelly roll pan – Parchment paper – Kitchen towel – Mixing bowls – Electric mixer – Spatula – Wire rack – Serving plate
Serving Suggestions
This vanilla yule log cake is perfect for serving at holiday parties, family gatherings, or any festive occasion. Pair it with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for the ultimate dessert experience.
Variations and Substitutions
– Chocolate Yule Log Cake: Substitute cocoa powder for 1/4 cup of the flour in the cake batter and use chocolate frosting instead of vanilla. – Cream Cheese Filling: Replace the heavy cream with cream cheese and mix in some powdered sugar and vanilla extract. – Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour in the cake batter.
Storage
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips and Notes
– Make sure to roll up the cake while it’s still warm to prevent it from cracking. – Dust the kitchen towel with powdered sugar before rolling up the cake to prevent it from sticking. – Let the cake cool completely before spreading the filling and frosting to prevent it from melting. – Use a serrated knife to slice the cake for a clean cut.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make the cake up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Q: Can I freeze this cake? A: Yes, you can freeze the cake (without frosting) for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving. Q: Can I use a different type of filling or frosting? A: Yes, you can use any type of filling or frosting that you like. Get creative and try different flavors to find your favorite combination.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this vanilla yule log cake recipe is a festive delight that’s easy to make and sure to impress. With its light and fluffy cake, sweet filling, and creamy frosting, it’s the perfect dessert to serve at any holiday gathering. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how delicious it can be? Happy baking!