It’s that time of year again – the holiday season is upon us! And what better way to celebrate than with a delicious yule log? This classic dessert has been a staple of Christmas celebrations for years, and our version puts a Kansas City twist on it. With rich chocolate and creamy filling, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs, separated
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candy
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add in the granulated sugar, beating until the mixture is glossy and thick.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Add in the egg yolks and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- Gently fold the egg white mixture into the egg yolk mixture, being careful not to deflate the egg whites.
- Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake is set and springs back when lightly touched.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add in the powdered sugar and peppermint extract, and mix until well combined.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, then fold in the crushed peppermint candy.
- Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately turn it out onto a clean kitchen towel. Carefully peel off the parchment paper.
- Spread the filling evenly over the cake, leaving a small border around the edges. Carefully roll up the cake, starting at the short end and using the towel to help you roll it tightly.
- Wrap the rolled cake in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of our yule log (1/12th of the recipe) contains approximately:
- Calories: 230
- Total Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 26g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 4g
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Equipment
- 10×15 inch jelly roll pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Clean kitchen towel
- Plastic wrap
Serving Suggestions
Our yule log is perfect for serving at holiday parties or family gatherings. It’s a festive treat that’s sure to impress your guests. Serve it with a dusting of powdered sugar and a few sprigs of fresh mint for a beautiful presentation.
Variations
While our Kansas City yule log is delicious as is, you can also customize it to your liking. Try swapping out the peppermint extract for almond or vanilla extract, or adding in chopped nuts or dried fruit to the filling. You can also experiment with different types of cake, such as a red velvet or pumpkin spice cake.
Substitutions
If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can use whipped topping instead. You can also substitute the cream cheese for mascarpone or ricotta cheese.
Storage
Store any leftover yule log in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months – just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
Tips
- Be sure to use room temperature eggs for the best results.
- When rolling up the cake, be gentle and use the towel to help you roll it tightly.
- Refrigerate the rolled cake for at least 1 hour before serving to help it hold its shape.
Notes
This recipe makes a 10-12 inch yule log. If you want a smaller log, you can halve the recipe and use an 8×8 inch square pan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this yule log ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the cake and filling up to 2 days ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply assemble and roll up the cake.
Can I use a different type of cake for this recipe?
Absolutely! While we used a chocolate cake for our yule log, you can use any flavor of cake that you like.
Can I freeze this yule log?
Yes, you can freeze the rolled yule log for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
Our Kansas City yule log is a delicious and festive dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season. With its rich chocolate cake and creamy peppermint filling, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just looking for a special treat to enjoy at home, we highly recommend giving this recipe a try. Happy holidays!