Introduction
The holiday season is here and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious and indulgent yule log cake? This traditional dessert is a staple during Christmas and is enjoyed by all ages. In this recipe, we will be using dark chocolate to create a rich and decadent cake that will leave your taste buds wanting more. So, let’s get into the ingredients and instructions.
Ingredients
For the cake: – 4 eggs – 1/2 cup granulated sugar – 1/2 cup all-purpose flour – 1/4 cup cocoa powder – 1 tsp baking powder – Pinch of salt For the filling: – 1 cup heavy cream – 8 oz dark chocolate chips For the frosting: – 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – 1/2 cup cocoa powder – 2 cups powdered sugar – 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy. 3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. 4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, mixing until well combined. 5. Pour the batter onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out evenly. 6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cake springs back when touched. 7. Remove from the oven and let the cake cool completely. 8. While the cake is cooling, prepare the filling by heating the heavy cream in a saucepan until it starts to simmer. 9. Remove from heat and add the dark chocolate chips, stirring until the chocolate has completely melted. 10. Let the mixture cool to room temperature. 11. Once the cake has cooled, spread the chocolate filling evenly over the cake. 12. Using the parchment paper, roll the cake tightly into a log shape. 13. Place the log in the fridge for 30 minutes to set. 14. While the cake is setting, prepare the frosting by beating the butter until light and fluffy. 15. Add the cocoa powder and powdered sugar, beating until well combined. 16. Gradually add the milk until the frosting reaches a spreading consistency. 17. Remove the cake from the fridge and carefully unroll the log. 18. Spread the frosting over the cake and roll it back up. 19. Cut a small piece off the end of the log to create a branch.
Nutritional Information
– Serving size: 1 slice – Calories: 380 – Fat: 23g – Carbohydrates: 42g – Protein: 5g
Cooking Time
– Preparation time: 30 minutes – Cooking time: 15 minutes – Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Equipment
– Mixing bowls – Electric mixer – Baking sheet – Parchment paper – Saucepan – Spatula
Serving Suggestions
– Dust with powdered sugar before serving – Serve with a dollop of whipped cream on top – Garnish with fresh berries or mint leaves
Variations
– Swap out the dark chocolate for milk or white chocolate – Add a layer of fruit preserves to the filling – Use different frosting flavors such as cream cheese or vanilla
Substitutions
– Gluten-free flour can be used in place of all-purpose flour – Coconut cream can be used in place of heavy cream for a dairy-free option
Storage
– The yule log can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days – Freeze the yule log for up to 1 month
Tips
– Use a serrated knife to cut the cake for a cleaner slice – Let the filling cool completely before spreading it on the cake to prevent the cake from becoming too moist – Dust the parchment paper with cocoa powder before spreading the batter to prevent sticking
Notes
– This recipe yields 8-10 servings – The cake can be made a day in advance for easier preparation on the day of serving
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate? A: Yes, you can use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter flavor. Q: Can I make the cake ahead of time? A: Yes, the cake can be made a day in advance for easier preparation on the day of serving. Q: Can I freeze the yule log? A: Yes, the yule log can be frozen for up to 1 month.
Personal Thoughts
This yule log recipe is the perfect way to indulge during the holiday season. The rich and decadent dark chocolate cake paired with the creamy filling and frosting is a match made in heaven. The recipe is easy to follow and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. I highly recommend giving this recipe a try, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Happy baking!