Are you ready to get into the holiday spirit? Look no further than the classic yule log cake! Not only is this dessert delicious, but it also adds a festive touch to any holiday gathering. In this article, we’ll guide you through how to make a yule log cake with some fun images to inspire you.
Ingredients:
- 6 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar for dusting
- Christmas decorations of your choice
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 15 x 10-inch (38 x 25-cm) jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until pale and fluffy.
- Sift the flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder into the egg mixture and gently fold it all together.
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan, and then fold it into the batter. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out with a spatula. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of the cake.
- While the cake is still warm, transfer it onto a clean kitchen towel that has been dusted with powdered sugar. Gently roll the towel with the cake inside and set it aside to cool completely.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the powdered sugar and heavy cream together until smooth. Add the chocolate chips and microwave for 30 seconds, then stir until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is silky smooth.
- Carefully unroll the cooled cake from the towel and spread the chocolate mixture all over it. Re-roll the cake, then cut off a small piece from one end to make a branch. Place the cake on a platter, with the cut piece to the side, and use a bit of the remaining chocolate mixture to “glue” the branch to the side of the cake to make it look like a log.
- Dust the cake with powdered sugar and decorate it however you’d like. We suggest using some festive decorations like holly leaves, berries, and mushrooms made from meringue or marzipan.
- Chill the cake in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 325
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 114mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 42g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 31g
- Protein: 6g
Cooking Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour
Equipment:
- Jelly roll pan
- Parchment paper
- Kitchen towel
- Spatula
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Platter
Serving Suggestions:
Pair with a hot cup of cocoa or cider for the perfect winter treat. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra special touch.
Variations:
Swap out the chocolate filling for a fruity jam or jelly for a lighter, fresher taste. You could also add some chopped nuts or dried fruit to the filling for some extra texture.
Substitutions:
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try substituting the flour for a gluten-free flour blend. You could also use margarine instead of butter for a dairy-free version.
Storage:
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Tips:
- Make sure to roll the cake while it’s still warm to avoid cracking.
- Be careful not to overbake the cake, as it will dry out and be difficult to roll.
- Let the chocolate mixture cool for a few minutes before spreading it over the cake to avoid melting the cake.
- Use a serrated knife to cut the cake for a clean, even slice.
Notes:
The cake can be made a day ahead of time and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is a yule log cake?
- Can I make the cake without the filling?
- What decorations can I use on the cake?
A yule log cake is a traditional Christmas dessert that originated in France. It’s made from a sponge cake that’s rolled up with a creamy filling and often decorated to look like a log.
Yes, you can skip the filling and just dust the cake with powdered sugar for a simpler version.
You can use any festive decorations you like, such as holly leaves, berries, mushrooms made from meringue or marzipan, or even small plastic animals to create a winter forest scene.
Personal Thoughts:
Yule log cakes are not only delicious, but they’re also a fun and festive way to celebrate the holidays. This recipe is relatively simple to make and has a rich chocolate filling that’s sure to please any chocolate lover. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or just enjoying it with your family at home, this yule log cake is sure to bring some extra cheer to your holiday season.
So why not give it a try for yourself? Follow our recipe and get creative with your decorations – the possibilities are endless!