Introduction
The holiday season is here and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious and festive Yule Log Cake! This classic dessert, also known as a Bûche de Noël, is a showstopper at any holiday gathering. In this article, we will share the Joy of Baking Yule Log Cake recipe along with tips and tricks to make this dessert a success.
Ingredients
For the cake: – 4 large eggs – 3/4 cup granulated sugar – 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – 1/2 teaspoon salt – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – 3/4 cup all-purpose flour – 1 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 – 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar – 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – 1/4 cup heavy cream – 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract For decoration: – Powdered sugar – Fresh berries – Sprigs of fresh mint
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper. 2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy. 3. Add the cocoa powder, salt, and vanilla extract to the bowl and mix until well combined. 4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. 5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, stirring until just combined. 6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top. 7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. 8. While the cake is still warm, carefully roll it up with the parchment paper and let it cool completely. 9. To make the filling, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form. 10. Unroll the cooled cake and spread the filling over the top, leaving a small border around the edges. 11. Roll the cake back up, using the parchment paper to help you. Place it seam-side down on a serving platter. 12. To make the frosting, beat the butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until well combined. 13. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract to the bowl and beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy. 14. Frost the cake with a thin layer of frosting, using a spatula to create a bark-like texture. 15. Use a fork to create lines on the frosting to mimic the texture of a tree bark. 16. Dust the cake with powdered sugar and decorate with fresh berries and sprigs of fresh mint.
Nutritional Information
One serving of Yule Log Cake contains approximately: – 290 calories – 15g fat – 35g carbohydrates – 4g protein
Cooking Time
Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes Total time: 45 minutes
Equipment
– 10×15 inch jelly roll pan – Parchment paper – Mixing bowls – Electric mixer – Spatula – Fork
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Yule Log Cake as a dessert for your holiday gathering. It goes well with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee.
Variations
– Add chopped nuts to the filling for a crunchy texture. – Use different types of berries for decoration such as raspberries or blueberries. – Add a splash of rum or brandy to the filling for an extra kick.
Substitutions
– Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version. – Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream for a dairy-free version. – Use maple syrup instead of powdered sugar for a refined sugar-free version.
Storage
Store the Yule Log Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips
– Be sure to roll the cake while it is still warm to avoid cracking. – Use a serrated knife to cut the cake for a clean cut. – Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to make it easier to slice.
Notes
The Yule Log Cake is a traditional French dessert that dates back to the 19th century. It is believed that the cake was inspired by the custom of burning a Yule log during the winter solstice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make the cake ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make the cake up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to fill and frost it. Q: Can I freeze the cake? A: Yes, you can freeze the unfilled and unfrosted cake for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the refrigerator before filling and frosting. Q: How do I prevent the cake from cracking? A: Roll the cake while it is still warm and be sure not to overfill it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Yule Log Cake is a delicious and festive dessert that is perfect for the holiday season. With its chocolatey sponge cake, creamy filling, and rich frosting, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. We hope this Joy of Baking Yule Log Cake recipe and tips have inspired you to give it a try for yourself. Enjoy and happy holidays!