Opening
Are you ready to get in the holiday spirit? Let’s bring some fun and joy to your kitchen with this delicious Yule Log inspired by National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation! This dessert is not only easy to make, but it’s also a great way to impress your guests during the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 15x10x1-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until thick and pale. Add the milk and vanilla, and beat until combined.
- Gradually beat in the flour mixture until just combined.
- In another large bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and beat until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture until no white streaks remain.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting by beating the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Once the cake is done, transfer it to a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Roll up the cake with the towel and let it cool completely.
- When the cake is cool, unroll it and spread the frosting over the cake. Then, sprinkle the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts on top of the frosting.
- Roll the cake back up and place it on a serving dish. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 320
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 115mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 24g
Protein: 5g
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Equipment
- 15x10x1-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Medium bowl
- Large bowl
- Mixer
- Spatula
- Clean kitchen towel
- Serving dish
Serving Suggestions
This Yule Log is perfect for any holiday party or gathering. You can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder on top for an extra festive touch.
Variations
You can add different toppings to this Yule Log, such as chopped hazelnuts, shredded coconut, or even crushed candy canes. You can also switch up the frosting by using cream cheese frosting or a chocolate ganache instead.
Substitutions
If you don’t have walnuts, you can use pecans or almonds instead. You can also substitute the semisweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate or white chocolate chips.
Storage
Store any leftover Yule Log in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
Tips
- Make sure to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form to ensure a light and fluffy cake.
- When rolling up the cake with the towel, make sure to do it gently to avoid cracking the cake.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to make it easier to slice.
Notes
This recipe makes 8-10 servings depending on the size of the slices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Yule Log ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cake and frosting up to 2 days in advance. Just make sure to store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and serve.
Can I freeze this Yule Log?
Yes, you can freeze the cake (without the frosting and toppings) for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.
Can I use a different type of nut for the topping?
Yes, you can use any type of nut you prefer or omit them altogether if you have a nut allergy.
Personal Thoughts
This Yule Log inspired by National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is not only delicious, but it’s also a fun way to add some holiday cheer to your dessert table. The cake is moist and chocolatey, while the frosting adds a creamy and sweet contrast. The chocolate chips and walnuts on top add a nice crunch and texture to the cake. I highly recommend giving this recipe a try this holiday season!
Summary
Yule Log National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a festive and fun dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for any holiday gathering. The cake is moist, chocolatey, and rolled with a creamy frosting, chocolate chips, and walnuts on top. This recipe can be made ahead of time and frozen for later use. Try out this recipe and impress your guests with a delicious dessert!
Encouragement
Don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe! You can add different toppings, switch up the frosting, or even make it into a different shape. Have fun with it and enjoy the holiday season!