The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in sweet treats, and what better way to do so than with a homemade Yule Log Cake? This delicious dessert is a staple of Christmas celebrations all around the world, and it’s easy to see why. With its moist sponge cake and rich chocolate frosting, this cake is the perfect way to add some festive cheer to your dessert table.
In this article, we’ll be sharing a recipe for a Yule Log Cake that is not only tasty but also easy to make. We’ll also be sharing some tips and tricks to help you customize the recipe to your liking. So, let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on high speed for 5 minutes or until thick and pale yellow. Add water and vanilla and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
- While the cake is still warm, invert it onto a kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Remove the parchment paper and roll the cake tightly with the towel. Allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt, mixing until well combined.
- Unroll the cooled cake, spread the frosting evenly over the top, and carefully roll it back up. Place the cake seam-side down on a serving platter and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar and decorate with fresh berries, whipped cream, or chocolate shavings as desired.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this Yule Log Cake contains approximately 270 calories, 14g fat, 33g carbohydrates, and 4g protein.
Cooking Time
This Yule Log Cake takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to prepare and cook.
Equipment
- Electric mixer
- 10×15-inch jelly roll pan
- Parchment paper
- Kitchen towel
- Wire rack
- Serving platter
Serving Suggestions
This Yule Log Cake is best served chilled, so be sure to keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. You can also dust the top with powdered sugar and decorate it with fresh berries, whipped cream, or chocolate shavings for an extra festive touch.
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try experimenting with different flavors and fillings for your Yule Log Cake. For example, you could substitute the cocoa powder in the cake batter for matcha powder to make a green tea flavored cake. You could also try filling the cake with jam or whipped cream instead of chocolate frosting.
Substitutions
If you don’t have all of the ingredients on hand, don’t worry! There are plenty of substitutions you can make. For example, you can use vegetable oil instead of butter, or almond extract instead of vanilla extract. You could also use a gluten-free flour blend if you need to make this recipe gluten-free.
Storage
This Yule Log Cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 1 month.
Tips
- Be sure to beat the eggs and sugar for the full 5 minutes to ensure that the cake is light and fluffy.
- Don’t overbake the cake or it will be dry and difficult to roll.
- Be sure to roll the cake tightly while it’s still warm to prevent cracking.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the frosting to set.
Notes
This recipe makes one Yule Log Cake, which serves approximately 8 people.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Yule Log Cake?
A Yule Log Cake, also known as a Bûche de Noël, is a traditional dessert served during the Christmas season. It consists of a rolled sponge cake filled with frosting and decorated to look like a log.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze this cake for up to 1 month. Be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
Can I use a different filling for this cake?
Yes, you can use a different filling for this cake if you prefer. Jam, whipped cream, or even cream cheese frosting would all be delicious options.
This Yule Log Cake recipe is the perfect way to add some festive cheer to your holiday dessert table. It’s easy to make, customizable, and absolutely delicious. Whether you choose to stick with the classic chocolate frosting or try out some new flavors and fillings, this cake is sure to be a hit with your friends and family. So, what are you waiting for? Give it a try for yourself!