The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the spirit than by baking a yule log cake? This classic dessert is a staple at Christmas parties and gatherings, and with Sally’s Baking Addiction recipe, you can create a delicious and beautiful cake that is sure to impress your guests.
So, let’s get started on this festive and delicious adventure!
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar (for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract for 3 minutes until thickened and pale yellow in color. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth into an even layer. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cake springs back when touched. While the cake is still warm, roll it up in the parchment paper and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until just simmering. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped chocolate until melted and smooth. Let cool to room temperature.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar and beat until smooth. Add the milk and vanilla extract and beat until light and fluffy.
- Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread the chocolate ganache over the surface, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Gently roll the cake back up and transfer to a serving platter.
- In a small bowl, combine the chocolate chips and vegetable oil. Microwave in 15-second increments, stirring between each, until melted and smooth. Drizzle over the cake roll.
- Dust the cake with confectioners’ sugar to resemble snow. Serve and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Serving size: 1 slice (12 servings). Calories per serving: 440. Total fat: 26g. Saturated fat: 15g. Cholesterol: 131mg. Sodium: 143mg. Total carbohydrates: 48g. Dietary fiber: 2g. Total sugars: 37g. Protein: 6g.
Cooking Time
Total cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes (30 minutes prep time, 12 minutes bake time, 45 minutes cooling time, and 3 minutes decorating time).
Equipment
- 10×15 inch jelly roll pan
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
- Large bowl
- Separate bowl
- Whisk
- Small saucepan
- Mixer
- Spatula
- Serving platter
- Small bowl
- Microwave
Serving Suggestions
Serve this yule log cake with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. It’s the perfect dessert to enjoy after a hearty holiday meal.
Variations
You can get creative with this recipe and add your own personal touch. Try using white chocolate ganache instead of semisweet, or add a layer of raspberry jam for a sweet and tart twist.
Substitutions
If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can use whole milk as a substitute. And if you’re out of semisweet chocolate, you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate instead.
Storage
Store the yule log cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
Tips
- Make sure to roll the warm cake in the parchment paper while it’s still pliable to avoid cracking.
- Let the ganache cool to room temperature before spreading onto the cake to avoid melting the cake.
- Make sure the butter is softened before adding the confectioners’ sugar to avoid lumps.
Notes
This recipe is adapted from Sally’s Baking Addiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can make this cake up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
- Can I freeze this cake? Yes, you can freeze this cake for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
- Can I use a different type of frosting? Yes, you can use any frosting you like, but make sure it’s thick enough to hold its shape when rolled.
Personal Thoughts
This yule log cake is a showstopper! It’s beautiful and delicious, and it’s sure to impress your guests. The cake is moist and chocolatey, and the ganache is rich and decadent. I love the addition of the chocolate drizzle and the confectioners’ sugar to resemble snow. It’s the perfect dessert to enjoy during the holiday season, and I highly recommend giving this recipe a try!
To summarize, the yule log cake Sallys Baking Addiction recipe is a festive treat that is easy to make and sure to impress. The cake is moist and chocolatey, and the ganache is rich and decadent. The chocolate drizzle and confectioners’ sugar add a beautiful touch, making this dessert perfect for the holiday season. So, get your baking supplies ready and let’s get started on this delicious and beautiful adventure!
Don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe and add your own personal touch. And if you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Happy baking!