Introduction
Looking for a tasty and visually impressive dessert to serve at your holiday gathering? Look no further than the classic Yule Log cake! Also known as a Buche de Noel, this festive treat is a must-have for any Christmas celebration. And fortunately, you don’t have to be a professional baker to make a show-stopping Yule Log cake that will impress your guests. With the help of YouTube, you can find plenty of step-by-step guides that will guide you through the process. In this article, we’ll share our favorite Yule Log recipe YouTube video, complete with all the ingredients, instructions, nutritional information, cooking time, equipment, serving suggestions, variations, substitutions, storage, tips, notes, and frequently asked questions you need to make a perfect Yule Log of your own.
Ingredients
To make this Yule Log recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 6 eggs, separated
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to start baking! Follow these steps to make your Yule Log:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 10×15-inch (25×38-cm) baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks with the granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the cocoa powder, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt, and mix until well combined. Stir in the flour.
- In a separate mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold the egg whites into the batter until just combined.
- Pour the batter onto the prepared baking sheet and smooth it out into an even layer. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake is firm to the touch.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- When the cake is done, remove it from the oven and carefully invert it onto a clean kitchen towel. Remove the parchment paper and roll the cake up tightly in the towel. Let it cool completely.
- When the cake is cool, unroll it and spread the raspberry jam over the surface. Then spread the whipped cream over the jam.
- Carefully roll the cake up again, using the towel to help you. Place the cake on a serving platter.
- Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or on the stovetop. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of the cake, using a fork or pastry bag to create a decorative pattern.
- Sprinkle powdered sugar over the top of the cake as a final touch.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving.
Nutritional Information
This Yule Log recipe makes about 10 servings. Here’s the approximate nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Protein: 5g
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 170mg
Cooking Time
This Yule Log recipe takes about 30 minutes of active prep time, plus 12-15 minutes of baking time and at least 1 hour of refrigeration time.
Equipment
To make this Yule Log recipe, you’ll need the following equipment:
- 10×15-inch (25×38-cm) baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Kitchen towel
- Serving platter
- Microwave or stovetop for melting chocolate
Serving Suggestions
This Yule Log cake is a stunning centerpiece for any holiday table. Serve it with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee to complete the cozy winter vibe. You can also garnish the cake with fresh raspberries or mint leaves to add a pop of color.
Variations
Want to mix up the flavors of your Yule Log? Try these variations:
- Swap the raspberry jam for strawberry or blueberry jam.
- Add a layer of sliced bananas or strawberries to the whipped cream filling.
- Use peppermint extract instead of vanilla extract for a minty twist.
- Top the cake with crushed candy canes or holiday sprinkles.
Substitutions
If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand or want to make some swaps, here are some substitutions you can make:
- Instead of raspberry jam, use another flavor of jam or jelly.
- Substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream to make a dairy-free version.
- Use gluten-free flour to make a gluten-free Yule Log.
- Swap the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips.
Storage
Store any leftover Yule Log cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Tips
Here are some tips to keep in mind when making your Yule Log cake:
- Be sure to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form for a light and fluffy cake.
- Roll the cake up tightly in the towel to help it hold its shape later on.
- Let the cake cool completely before filling and rolling it.
- Drizzle the chocolate over the cake in a decorative pattern for a professional-looking finish.
Notes
This Yule Log recipe is adapted from the Tasty YouTube channel. You can find the original video tutorial here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Yule Log cake?
A Yule Log cake, also known as a Buche de Noel, is a traditional French dessert that is typically served during the Christmas season. It’s a sponge cake that is rolled up with a filling, then decorated to look like a log.
Why is it called a Yule Log?
The Yule Log cake is named after the traditional Yule log that was burned in many European countries as part of the Christmas celebrations. The cake is meant to resemble a log that has been cut from the Yule tree.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the Yule Log cake up to 2 days ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to decorate it with the powdered sugar and chocolate drizzle before serving.
Personal Thoughts
I absolutely love making Yule Log cakes for the holidays – they’re such a fun and festive dessert that never fails to impress. And this recipe is definitely one of my favorites. The cake itself is moist and chocolatey, while the raspberry jam and whipped cream filling add a delicious burst of flavor. And of course, the chocolate drizzle and powdered sugar on top make it look like a work of art. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, I highly recommend giving this Yule Log recipe a try. It’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends!