The holiday season is all about family, friends, and delicious food. And what better way to celebrate than with a homemade yule log? This classic dessert has been a staple of Southern living for generations, and for good reason. It’s rich, chocolatey, and oh-so-decadent. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our yule log recipe Southern Living style!
Ingredients:
- 6 large eggs, room temperature, separated
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
- powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat egg yolks and granulated sugar until thick and pale yellow in color. Add in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture until no white streaks remain.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out with a spatula. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cake springs back when touched.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar and turn the cake onto the towel. Peel off the parchment paper and roll the cake up in the towel. Let it cool completely.
- In a large bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Unroll the cake and spread a layer of raspberry jam over the top. Then, spread the whipped cream evenly over the jam.
- Roll the cake back up, starting at one end and using the towel to help you roll. Place the cake seam-side down on a serving platter and dust with powdered sugar.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Nutritional Information:
Serving size: 1 slice (1/10th of the yule log)
Calories: 320
Total Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 170mg
Sodium: 120mg
Total Carbohydrates: 33g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 26g
Protein: 6g
Cooking Time:
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour
Equipment:
- 10×15 inch jelly roll pan
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Bowl
- Spatula
- Clean kitchen towel
- Serving platter
Serving Suggestions:
This yule log pairs perfectly with a hot cup of cocoa or coffee. Serve it at your next holiday gathering or bring it to a potluck. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Variations:
If you’re not a fan of raspberry jam, try using strawberry or apricot jam instead. You can also swap out the whipped cream for cream cheese frosting for a tangier taste.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have cream of tartar on hand, you can substitute it with white vinegar or lemon juice. And, if you’re looking for a lower calorie option, you can use whipped coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
Storage:
Store any leftover yule log in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips:
- Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before using them. This will help them whip up better.
- Be gentle when folding the egg whites into the chocolate mixture. You want to keep as much air in the mixture as possible for a light and fluffy cake.
- Don’t overfill the cake with jam and whipped cream. Too much filling can cause the cake to crack or tear when rolling.
Notes:
If you want to get really fancy, you can decorate your yule log with meringue mushrooms or sugared cranberries. But, it’s just as delicious without any extra decoration!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this yule log recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cake portion of the yule log up to 2 days ahead of time. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the yule log.
Can I freeze this yule log?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled yule log for up to 1 month. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
What other flavors can I use for the filling?
You can use any flavor jam you like, or even try using Nutella or peanut butter for a different twist. You can also add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the whipped cream filling for some extra crunch.
This yule log recipe Southern Living style is the perfect holiday treat. It’s rich, chocolatey, and sure to impress your guests. Don’t be intimidated by the rolling process – it’s easier than it looks! So, grab your apron and get baking. Your taste buds will thank you!