Are you looking for a delicious and visually appealing dessert to impress your guests during the holiday season? Look no further than the Yule Log on Optimum! This traditional French dessert, also known as Buche de Noel, is a chocolate sponge cake filled with whipped cream and frosted with buttercream frosting. It’s then decorated with meringue mushrooms, holly leaves, and other festive decorations to resemble a log.
In this article, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of making the perfect Yule Log on Optimum. From the ingredients to the serving suggestions, we’ve got you covered!
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Assorted decorations (meringue mushrooms, holly leaves, etc.)
Instructions
- Preheat your Optimum oven to 350°F.
- Line a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on either end.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on high speed until thick and pale yellow in color.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the egg yolk mixture and beat on low speed until just combined.
- Beat in the hot water and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched.
- While the cake is still warm, use the overhang to carefully lift it out of the pan and onto a clean kitchen towel.
- Carefully roll the cake up in the towel and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
- In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream and powdered sugar with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread the whipped cream over it.
- Roll the cake back up and place it on a serving platter.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.
- Spread the buttercream frosting over the top and sides of the cake to resemble a log.
- Decorate the cake with meringue mushrooms, holly leaves, and other festive decorations.
- Chill the cake in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving.
Nutritional Information
One serving of Yule Log on Optimum (1 slice) contains approximately:
- Calories: 400
- Total fat: 25g
- Saturated fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
- Sodium: 70mg
- Total carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 32g
- Protein: 6g
Cooking Time
The total cooking time for this recipe is approximately 30 minutes, plus 2 hours of chilling time.
Equipment
- Electric mixer
- 10×15 inch jelly roll pan
- Parchment paper
- Clean kitchen towel
- Serving platter
Serving Suggestions
This Yule Log on Optimum is the perfect dessert to serve at your holiday parties or dinners. It pairs well with a hot cup of cocoa, coffee, or tea. You can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
Variations
There are many variations of the Yule Log on Optimum that you can try. Here are a few ideas:
- Use a different frosting flavor, such as peppermint or orange.
- Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the whipped cream filling.
- Use a different cake flavor, such as vanilla or red velvet.
- Top the cake with fresh berries or chocolate shavings instead of meringue mushrooms.
Substitutions
If you don’t have all of the ingredients on hand or want to make some substitutions, here are a few ideas:
- You can use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
- If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter and omit the pinch of salt in the frosting.
- You can use whipped topping instead of heavy cream for a lighter filling.
Storage
This Yule Log on Optimum can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
Tips
- Make sure to beat the egg yolks and sugar until they are pale yellow in color, as this will help the cake rise properly.
- Be careful not to overbeat the egg whites, as this can cause them to deflate.
- Use a clean kitchen towel to roll up the warm cake, as this will help it keep its shape.
- Let the cake cool completely before filling it with whipped cream, as this will prevent the cream from melting.
- Chill the cake in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving, as this will help it hold its shape.
Notes
This recipe makes one Yule Log on Optimum, which serves approximately 10 people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this Yule Log on Optimum up to 2 days ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and decorate it right before serving.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, you can freeze this Yule Log on Optimum for up to 1 month. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this Yule Log on Optimum gluten-free by using gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular all-purpose flour.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can make this Yule Log on Optimum dairy-free by using a dairy-free whipped cream substitute and a dairy-free butter substitute in the frosting.
Personal Thoughts
The Yule Log on Optimum is a classic dessert that never fails to impress. It’s the perfect combination of chocolate, cream, and festive decorations that will delight your taste buds and your eyes. While it may seem intimidating to make at first, the step-by-step instructions in this article make it easy and accessible for anyone. So why not give it a try this holiday season and impress your friends and family with your baking skills?