It’s that time of the year again when the air is filled with the aroma of freshly baked treats, holiday lights brighten up the streets, and everyone is in a cheery mood. And what better way to set the festive tone than with a cozy crackling fireplace? Thanks to the Yule Log Channel on Uverse 2022, you can bring the warmth and comfort of a roaring fire to your TV screen, complete with holiday music and snowfall. But why not take it a step further and pair it with a homemade Yule Log cake?
Ingredient
- 6 eggs, separated
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Festive decorations (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 15×10 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and grease it with non-stick spray.
- In a large bowl, beat egg yolks and sugar on high speed until thick and lemon-colored, about 5 minutes. Reduce speed to low and gradually add flour, cocoa powder, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold egg whites into the batter until no white streaks remain.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cake springs back when touched. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Place a clean kitchen towel on the counter and dust it with powdered sugar. Carefully invert the cake onto the towel and peel off the parchment paper. Starting at the short end, roll up the cake and towel together. Place it seam-side down on a wire rack and let cool completely.
- In a large bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Carefully unroll the cake and spread the filling evenly on top, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
- Re-roll the cake without the towel and place it seam-side down on a serving platter. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and heavy cream in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract. Let the chocolate sauce cool slightly before pouring it over the cake, covering it completely.
- Decorate with festive ornaments or leave it plain. Refrigerate until the chocolate sets, about 30 minutes. Serve chilled.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of recipe)
Calories: 456
Total Fat: 31.7g
Saturated Fat: 18.5g
Cholesterol: 153mg
Sodium: 134mg
Total Carbohydrate: 44.2g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Total Sugars: 33.3g
Protein: 5.5g
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Equipment
- 15×10 inch jelly roll pan
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
Serving Suggestions
Yule Log cake is a classic holiday dessert that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Serve it with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy evening in. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for an extra touch of sweetness.
Variations
There are endless ways you can customize your Yule Log cake to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas:
- Swap out the filling for your favorite flavor of frosting, such as cream cheese, chocolate, or peppermint.
- Add chopped nuts or candy to the filling for extra crunch.
- Use white chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate for a lighter flavor.
- Top the cake with fresh berries or fruit for a pop of color.
Substitutions
If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, here are some substitutions you can make:
- Use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
- Use dark cocoa powder instead of unsweetened cocoa powder for a richer flavor.
- Use margarine instead of unsalted butter if you don’t have it.
- Use milk chocolate chips instead of semisweet chocolate chips for a sweeter taste.
Storage
Store leftover Yule Log cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cake (without the chocolate sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Tips
- Make sure to beat the egg yolks and sugar until they are thick and pale yellow. This will help the cake rise properly.
- When folding in the egg whites, be careful not to overmix or you’ll lose the airiness. Fold gently until no white streaks remain.
- Roll up the cake while it’s still warm and pliable to prevent it from cracking.
- Chill the cake before adding the chocolate sauce to prevent it from melting and making a mess.
Notes
This Yule Log cake recipe is adapted from Taste of Home. It makes 10 servings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Yule Log cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cake up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add the chocolate sauce and decorations just before serving.
Can I use a different filling?
Yes, you can use any frosting or filling that you like. Just make sure it’s not too runny or it will make the cake soggy.
How do I prevent the cake from cracking?
Roll up the cake while it’s still warm and pliable, and use a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. If it does crack, don’t worry – you can cover it up with frosting and decorations.
Final Thoughts
The Yule Log cake is a delightful dessert that’s sure to impress your guests and add to the festive mood. It may seem daunting at first, but with a little patience and practice, you’ll be rolling it up like a pro. The combination of fluffy cake, creamy filling, and decadent chocolate sauce is simply irresistible. So why not give it a try this holiday season and treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of Yule Log goodness?