The holidays are a time of joy, love, and of course, delicious treats! One classic holiday dessert that everyone loves is the Yule Log. This festive dessert is not only delicious, but it also adds to the holiday decor. In this article, we’ll be sharing with you the Joy of Baking Yule Log recipe that is sure to bring joy to your holiday table.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups whipped cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Chocolate shavings or powdered sugar, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 15×10 inch (38x25cm) baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- Add the flour mixture to the egg mixture and gently fold them together.
- Add the milk and melted butter and mix until fully combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out evenly.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Place a clean kitchen towel on a flat surface and sprinkle powdered sugar on it.
- Carefully flip the cake onto the towel and remove the parchment paper.
- Roll the cake gently with the towel and let it cool completely.
- Meanwhile, prepare the whipped cream by mixing the whipped cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until it forms stiff peaks.
- Unroll the cake and spread the whipped cream evenly on top.
- Gently roll the cake back up and place it on a serving platter.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings or powdered sugar.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
- Sodium: 140mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 33g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 25g
- Protein: 4g
Cooking Time
Total Time: 2 hours
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cooling Time: 1 hour
Equipment
- 15×10 inch (38x25cm) baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Clean kitchen towel
- Serving platter
Serving Suggestions
The Yule Log is a classic holiday dessert that is perfect for any festive occasion. It can be served as a standalone dessert or as part of a larger holiday spread. This dessert pairs perfectly with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of your favorite holiday beverage.
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try adding different flavors to the whipped cream filling. Some popular options include peppermint, hazelnut, or cinnamon. You can also add a layer of fruit or jam to the filling for added flavor and texture.
Substitutions
- You can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of the Yule Log.
- If you don’t have cocoa powder, you can substitute it with melted dark chocolate.
- If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter and omit the salt from the recipe.
- If you don’t have whipped cream, you can use cream cheese frosting or buttercream frosting instead.
Storage
The Yule Log can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
Tips
- Make sure to roll the cake gently with the towel to prevent it from cracking.
- Let the cake cool completely before adding the whipped cream to prevent it from melting.
- Chill the Yule Log in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to allow the whipped cream to set.
- Use a serrated knife to slice the Yule Log for a clean cut.
Notes
Make sure to sift the flour and cocoa powder before mixing them together to prevent lumps in the batter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Yule Log in advance?
Yes, you can make the Yule Log up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Can I freeze the Yule Log?
Yes, you can freeze the Yule Log for up to 2 months. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
How do I prevent the Yule Log from cracking?
Make sure to roll the cake gently with the towel and let it cool completely before adding the whipped cream to prevent it from cracking.
Can I use a different filling for the Yule Log?
Yes, you can use any filling of your choice, such as fruit, jam, or cream cheese frosting.
Personal Thoughts
The Joy of Baking Yule Log recipe is a classic holiday dessert that I always look forward to making. The combination of the chocolate cake and whipped cream filling is simply irresistible. This recipe is easy to follow and always turns out perfectly. I love how festive it looks on the holiday table, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. I highly recommend giving this recipe a try for your next holiday gathering.
In summary, the Joy of Baking Yule Log recipe is a deliciously fun holiday treat that is easy to make and perfect for any festive occasion. With its chocolatey cake and creamy whipped cream filling, it’s sure to bring joy to your holiday table. So gather your ingredients and get ready to impress your guests with this classic holiday dessert.