The holiday season is all about indulging in sweets and treats, and what better way to do that than with a delicious yule log cake? This classic French dessert, also known as a bûche de Noël, is a festive and impressive addition to any holiday table. And with a sweet and tangy raspberry filling, this yule log cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 6 eggs, separated
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan and line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks and granulated sugar together until thick and pale. Gradually sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, and fold until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture until no streaks remain.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake is springy to the touch.
- While the cake is still warm, invert it onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with confectioners’ sugar. Peel off the parchment paper.
- Roll up the cake tightly in the towel and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
- In a medium bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Unroll the cooled cake and spread the raspberry jam over the surface.
- Spoon the whipped cream over the jam and scatter the fresh raspberries on top. Carefully roll up the cake and place it seam-side down on a serving platter.
- Dust the cake with confectioners’ sugar and decorate with fresh raspberries and mint leaves, if desired.
- Chill the yule log cake for at least 1 hour before serving.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 320
Total Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 155mg
Sodium: 120mg
Total Carbohydrates: 32g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 23g
Protein: 6g
Cooking Time:
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 15 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Equipment:
- 15×10-inch jelly roll pan
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Clean kitchen towel
- Wire rack
- Spatula
- Medium mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Serving platter
Serving Suggestions:
This yule log cake makes a beautiful centerpiece for any holiday dessert spread. Serve it alongside a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for the perfect winter treat.
Variations:
If raspberries aren’t your thing, you can easily swap them out for another berry or fruit. Strawberry, blueberry, or even sliced bananas would all be delicious in this yule log cake.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have raspberry jam on hand, you can use any other flavor of jam or jelly. Apricot or blackberry would be particularly tasty.
Storage:
Store this yule log cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap so it doesn’t dry out.
Tips:
- Make sure to roll the cake up tightly in the towel while it’s still warm. This will help it keep its shape when you unroll it later.
- Don’t overbeat the whipped cream or it may become grainy. Stop beating as soon as stiff peaks form.
- For an extra festive touch, sprinkle the finished yule log cake with edible glitter or gold leaf.
Notes:
This recipe makes 10-12 servings, depending on how thick you slice the cake.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this yule log cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the cake and filling up to a day in advance. Just be sure to store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and serve.
Can I freeze this yule log cake?
While it’s possible to freeze a yule log cake, we don’t recommend it. The whipped cream filling may become watery when thawed, which can affect the texture of the cake.
Can I use a different type of cake for the yule log?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses a classic chocolate sponge cake, you could also use a vanilla or almond cake if you prefer.
Final Thoughts:
This yule log cake with raspberry filling is a showstopper dessert that’s perfect for any holiday celebration. It’s not too difficult to make, but the end result is impressive and delicious. Give it a try and impress your family and friends this holiday season!