With the holiday season just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about desserts that will impress your family and friends. One classic dessert that never fails to impress is the Yule Log. But what exactly is a Yule Log, and how can you make it yourself?
In this article, we’ll dive into the history of the Yule Log, explore its ingredients and cooking instructions, and provide tips and tricks to make it the perfect addition to your holiday spread. So grab some hot cocoa and let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs, separated
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 15x10x1-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on each end. Grease parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat egg yolks and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on high speed for 5 minutes or until thick and lemon colored. Gradually beat in flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt on low speed just until combined.
- In another large bowl, beat egg whites on medium speed until stiff peaks form (tips stand straight). Fold egg yolk mixture into egg whites. Spread batter evenly in pan.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Immediately loosen cake from edges of pan; turn cake out onto a clean kitchen towel sprinkled with confectioners’ sugar. Remove parchment paper. Roll up cake and towel together, starting from a short side. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until well combined.
- Unroll cake; remove towel. Spread cream cheese mixture over cake to within 1/2 inch of edges. Roll up cake again, using parchment paper to lift and guide cake. Trim ends. Place cake, seam side down, on a serving platter.
- In a medium bowl, beat heavy cream, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Spread over cake. Using a fork, make lines resembling tree bark. If desired, dust with additional cocoa powder. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Yule Log (1 slice) contains:
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 47g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 38g
- Protein: 6g
Cooking Time
The total cooking time for this recipe is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Equipment
- Electric mixer
- 15x10x1-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Clean kitchen towel
- Serving platter
Serving Suggestions
The Yule Log is a festive dessert that can be served as a centerpiece on your holiday table. It’s best served chilled, so be sure to refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving. You can also dust it with additional cocoa powder for an extra touch of elegance.
Variations
If you want to mix things up, you can try the following variations on the classic Yule Log recipe:
- Chocolate Hazelnut Yule Log: Add 1/2 cup of Nutella to the cream cheese mixture before spreading it on the cake.
- Peppermint Yule Log: Add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the cream cheese mixture before spreading it on the cake. Top with crushed candy canes.
- Red Velvet Yule Log: Replace the cocoa powder with red velvet cake mix in the cake batter.
Substitutions
If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, you can make the following substitutions:
- Granulated sugar: You can replace this with brown sugar or coconut sugar.
- All-purpose flour: You can use cake flour or gluten-free flour instead.
- Heavy cream: You can replace this with whipped cream or coconut cream.
- Cream cheese: You can use mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt instead.
Storage
You can store the Yule Log in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to wait to add the whipped cream topping until just before serving.
Tips
- Be sure to beat the egg yolks and sugar until they are thick and lemon colored. This will help the cake rise properly.
- When rolling the cake, use a clean kitchen towel sprinkled with confectioners’ sugar to prevent it from sticking.
- Use a fork to create lines resembling tree bark in the whipped cream topping.
Notes
The Yule Log is a traditional Christmas dessert that originated in France. It is also known as a Bûche de Noël, which means “Christmas log.” The cake is shaped to resemble a log and is often decorated with whipped cream to resemble snow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Yule Log dessert?
A Yule Log is a festive dessert that is shaped to resemble a log. It is typically made with a sponge cake that is rolled up with a cream cheese filling and topped with whipped cream.
What is the origin of the Yule Log dessert?
The Yule Log originated in France in the 19th century. It was traditionally made by burning a large log on Christmas Eve and then using the ashes to fertilize crops in the spring. The dessert version of the Yule Log was created as a way to celebrate Christmas without burning a real log.
What is the difference between a Yule Log and a Bûche de Noël?
There is no difference between a Yule Log and a Bûche de Noël. Bûche de Noël is simply the French name for the dessert, which translates to “Christmas log.”
Can I make a Yule Log in advance?
Yes, you can make a Yule Log in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to wait to add the whipped cream topping until just before serving.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt instead.
Can I freeze a Yule Log?
You can freeze a Yule Log without the whipped cream topping. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before adding the whipped cream topping and serving.
Personal Thoughts
The Yule Log is a classic dessert that never fails to impress. It’s a bit time-consuming to make, but the end result is well worth the effort. The cake is light and fluffy, while the cream cheese filling adds a rich and creamy texture. And the whipped cream topping is the perfect finishing touch.
If you’re looking for a festive dessert to serve at your holiday gathering, I highly recommend giving the Yule Log a try. It’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!