Christmas is just around the corner and what better way to celebrate the season than with a delicious yule log cake? This traditional dessert is a must-have during the holidays and it’s not hard to see why. From the rich chocolate cake to the creamy frosting and cute decorations, the yule log cake is a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds. In this blog post, we’ll be sharing our favorite yule log cake recipe that’s sure to impress your friends and family. So let’s get started!
Ingredients
- For the cake:
- 6 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the frosting:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the decoration:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks and sugar together until pale and fluffy. Add the cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture until no white streaks remain.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cake is set and springs back when touched.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
- Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar and invert the cake onto it. Carefully remove the parchment paper and roll the cake up tightly in the towel. Let it cool completely.
- Unroll the cake and spread the frosting evenly over the surface, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Roll the cake back up tightly and place it on a serving platter or tray.
- For the decoration, mix the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and heavy cream together until a smooth paste forms. Spread it over the top and sides of the cake to create a bark-like texture. Use a fork to create grooves in the frosting and sprinkle sliced almonds over the top to resemble branches.
- Dust the cake with powdered sugar and chill it in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
Nutritional Information
Serving size: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)
Calories: 410
Total Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 155mg
Sodium: 160mg
Total Carbohydrates: 40g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 34g
Protein: 6g
Cooking Time
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Decoration time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Equipment
- 10×15 inch jelly roll pan
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Baking spatula
- Clean kitchen towel
- Serving platter or tray
Serving Suggestions
The yule log cake is a showstopper on its own, but you can make it even more festive by adding some holiday decorations. Dust the cake with powdered sugar to resemble snow, add some holly leaves and berries made from fondant, or write a holiday message in chocolate letters. Serve it alongside a cup of hot cocoa or eggnog for the ultimate holiday treat.
Variations
The yule log cake is a classic dessert, but you can put your own spin on it by changing up the flavors. Instead of chocolate, try making a vanilla or red velvet cake. Swap out the cream cheese frosting for a chocolate buttercream or peppermint whipped cream. You can also experiment with different decorations like fresh fruit, chocolate ganache, or meringue mushrooms.
Substitutions
- You can use granulated sugar instead of powdered sugar for the frosting, but it will be slightly grainy.
- If you don’t have sliced almonds, you can use chopped walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts instead.
- You can use almond extract or peppermint extract instead of vanilla extract for a different flavor.
Storage
The yule log cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To thaw, let it sit at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Tips
- Make sure to beat the egg yolks and sugar until pale and fluffy. This will give the cake a light and airy texture.
- When folding in the egg whites, be gentle and don’t overmix. You want to keep as much air in the batter as possible.
- Roll the cake up tightly in the kitchen towel while it’s still warm. This will help prevent cracking and make it easier to roll later.
- Before frosting the cake, make sure it’s completely cool. Otherwise, the frosting will melt and slide off.
- Use a serrated knife to cut the cake into slices. This will help prevent the frosting from smearing.
Notes
The yule log cake is also known as a Bûche de Noël in French. It’s a traditional dessert that dates back to the 19th century and is said to resemble a yule log, which was burned on the hearth during the winter solstice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a yule log cake?
A yule log cake is a dessert that’s traditionally served during the holidays. It’s made from a chocolate sponge cake that’s rolled up with a creamy filling and decorated to resemble a log.
What kind of frosting is used for a yule log cake?
A yule log cake is typically frosted with a whipped cream or buttercream frosting. Cream cheese frosting is also a popular choice.
Can I make a yule log cake in advance?
Yes, you can make a yule log cake in advance and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
The yule log cake is a beloved holiday tradition that’s sure to bring joy to anyone who tries it. This recipe is easy to follow and yields a delicious and impressive dessert that will be the highlight of any holiday gathering. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, we encourage you to give this recipe a try and share it with your loved ones. Happy holidays!