The holiday season is just around the corner, and it’s time to start thinking about what delicious treats you’ll be serving up for your family and friends. One classic dessert that always makes an appearance at Christmas time is the yule log cake. This festive dessert is not only delicious, but it’s also a lot of fun to make, and there are so many different variations to choose from!
In this article, we’ll be sharing some of our favorite yule log cake ideas, along with all the information you need to make them yourself. So, let’s get started!
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 6 large eggs, separated
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
For the filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks and sugar together until thick and pale yellow. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
3. In another large bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the egg yolk mixture, alternating with the egg whites, until everything is well combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the surface. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when pressed lightly with your finger.
6. While the cake is still hot, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper and place it on a clean, damp kitchen towel. Roll up the cake tightly with the towel, starting at the short end. Allow it to cool completely in the rolled-up position.
7. While the cake is cooling, make the filling. In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form.
8. Once the cake has cooled, unroll it carefully and spread the filling over the top, leaving a small border around the edges.
9. Roll the cake back up tightly, using the towel to help you. Place it seam-side down on a serving platter.
10. Make the frosting by beating the softened butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy.
11. Spread the frosting evenly over the cake, using a spatula to create a bark-like texture. Use a fork to make lines in the frosting to resemble tree bark.
12. Decorate the cake with fresh berries, powdered sugar, and sprigs of fresh herbs, if desired.
Nutritional Information
Serving size: 1 slice
Calories: 350
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 140mg
Sodium: 105mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 28g
Protein: 5g
Cooking Time
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Equipment
- Jelly roll pan
- Parchment paper
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Baking spatula
- Clean, damp kitchen towel
- Serving platter
Serving Suggestions
This yule log cake makes a great centerpiece for any holiday gathering. Serve it with a cup of hot cocoa or eggnog for the perfect festive treat!
Variations
There are so many different ways to customize your yule log cake. Here are some ideas:
- Add peppermint extract to the frosting for a minty twist
- Swap out the vanilla extract in the filling for almond extract
- Add a layer of fruit preserves or chocolate ganache to the filling
- Use different types of berries or nuts to decorate the cake
Substitutions
If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, here are some possible substitutions:
- Use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour for a lighter texture
- Swap out the heavy cream for whipped topping or coconut cream
- Use coconut sugar or honey instead of granulated sugar
- Use almond milk or soy milk instead of whole milk in the frosting
Storage
This yule log cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
Tips
- Make sure to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form to ensure a light and airy cake
- Roll the cake up tightly while it’s still warm to prevent cracking
- Use a clean, damp kitchen towel to prevent the cake from sticking
- Decorate the cake just before serving to prevent the berries from getting mushy
Notes
This recipe makes one large yule log cake, but you can easily double the recipe to make two!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I freeze this yule log cake?
A: Yes! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Q: Can I use a different type of frosting?
A: Of course! Cream cheese frosting, whipped cream frosting, or even a chocolate ganache would all be delicious on this cake.
Personal Thoughts
This yule log cake is one of my favorite holiday desserts. It’s so festive and fun to make, and there are so many different variations to choose from. I love how the light and airy cake pairs with the rich and creamy filling and frosting. And the fresh berries add a pop of color and sweetness. I encourage everyone to try making their own yule log cake this holiday season!
In summary, the yule log cake is a classic Christmas dessert that can be customized in endless ways. This recipe yields a light and fluffy cake, a creamy filling, and a rich chocolate frosting. With a little creativity, you can make this dessert your own by adding different flavors, fillings, and decorations. So, why not give it a try this holiday season?