The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious Yule Log Cake? This traditional dessert is a staple in many households during the holidays, and it’s easy to see why. The chocolatey goodness and festive decoration make it a crowd-pleaser. So, if you’re in Edmonton and want to make a Yule Log Cake, we’ve got you covered!
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs, separated
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan and line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and vanilla extract, and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and immediately roll it up with the parchment paper. Let it cool for 30 minutes.
- In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Unroll the cake and spread the whipped cream over the surface. Roll the cake back up, removing the parchment paper as you go.
- In another large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, whole milk, and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
- Use a knife or spatula to spread the chocolate frosting over the surface of the cake, creating a bark-like texture.
- Decorate the cake with meringue mushrooms, holly leaves, or any other festive decorations you like.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving.
Nutritional Information
One serving of Yule Log Cake contains:
- Calories: 330
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 90mg
Cooking Time
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour
Equipment
- 10×15 inch jelly roll pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
Serving Suggestions
Yule Log Cake is perfect for serving at holiday dinners or parties. It pairs well with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. You can also dust the cake with powdered sugar or cocoa powder for an extra festive touch.
Variations
There are many ways to customize your Yule Log Cake. You can add chopped nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips to the batter. You can also switch up the frosting by using cream cheese frosting, peppermint frosting, or caramel frosting. The possibilities are endless!
Substitutions
- If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use whipped topping or whipped coconut cream instead.
- If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter and omit the salt in the recipe.
- If you don’t have whole milk, you can use any type of milk you like.
Storage
Yule Log Cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cake (without decorations) for up to 1 month. Let it thaw in the refrigerator before decorating and serving.
Tips
- Make sure to roll the cake up with the parchment paper immediately after baking. This will help prevent cracking.
- Let the cake cool completely before adding the whipped cream and frosting.
- Use a serrated knife to cut the cake for a clean, even slice.
Notes
This recipe makes one 10×15 inch Yule Log Cake, which serves about 12 people.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Yule Log Cake?
A Yule Log Cake, also known as a Buche de Noel, is a traditional dessert made during the holiday season. It’s a sponge cake rolled up with whipped cream and decorated to look like a log.
Can I make a Yule Log Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cake and frosting ahead of time and assemble the cake when you’re ready to serve. Just make sure to store the cake and frosting separately in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze Yule Log Cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake (without decorations) for up to 1 month. Let it thaw in the refrigerator before decorating and serving.
Yule Log Cake is a delicious and festive dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season. This recipe is easy to follow and yields a beautiful, chocolatey cake that’s sure to impress your guests. You can customize it to your liking with different flavors and decorations. We hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy it as much as we do!