Introduction
The holiday season is upon us, and that means it’s time to start thinking about all of the delicious treats that come with it. One classic dessert that never goes out of style is the yule log, a festive cake that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. But if you’ve never made a yule log before, you might be intimidated by the rolling process. Don’t worry – with these yule log rolling tips, you’ll be able to create a beautiful and delicious dessert that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the cake: – 4 eggs – 1/2 cup granulated sugar – 1/2 cup all-purpose flour – 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – 1 tsp baking powder – 1/4 tsp salt For the filling: – 1 1/2 cups heavy cream – 1/4 cup powdered sugar – 1 tsp vanilla extract For the frosting: – 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – 3 cups powdered sugar – 1/3 cup milk – 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper. 2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until pale and fluffy. 3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. 4. Fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined. 5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. 6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake is springy to the touch. 7. While the cake is baking, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form. 8. When the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. 9. Lay a clean kitchen towel on a flat surface and dust it with powdered sugar. 10. Carefully invert the cake onto the towel and peel off the parchment paper. 11. Spread the whipped cream filling evenly over the cake, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. 12. Use the towel to help you roll the cake into a log shape, starting at one of the short ends. 13. Transfer the rolled cake to a serving platter and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. 14. While the cake is chilling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the butter until smooth. 15. Add the cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. 16. When the cake is chilled, use a spatula to spread the frosting over the top and sides of the cake. 17. Use a fork or toothpick to create a bark-like texture on the frosting. 18. Decorate with fresh berries, powdered sugar, or other festive decorations.
Nutritional Information
This recipe makes 12 servings. Each serving contains approximately: – 385 calories – 25g fat – 39g carbohydrates – 4g protein
Cooking Time
This recipe takes approximately 45 minutes to prepare, plus additional time for chilling and decorating.
Equipment
– 10×15 inch jelly roll pan – Parchment paper – Large mixing bowls – Electric mixer – Spatula – Kitchen towel – Serving platter
Serving Suggestions
Serve your yule log with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. You can also decorate it with fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or other festive decorations.
Variations
– Chocolate hazelnut: Add a layer of Nutella or hazelnut spread to the whipped cream filling. – Peppermint: Add a drop of peppermint extract to the whipped cream filling or frosting for a festive twist. – Gingerbread: Add gingerbread spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves) to the cake batter for a warm and spicy flavor.
Substitutions
– Gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for the regular flour. – Dairy-free: Substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream and vegan butter for the butter in the frosting. – Vegan: Use aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) in place of the eggs in the cake batter, and use vegan whipped cream and frosting.
Storage
Store your yule log in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.
Tips
– Be sure to roll the cake while it’s still warm, or it may crack. – Don’t overfill the cake with the whipped cream filling, or it will be difficult to roll. – Chill the rolled cake before frosting it to make it easier to handle. – Use a fork or toothpick to create a bark-like texture on the frosting.
Notes
– You can make the cake and filling ahead of time and assemble the yule log the day you plan to serve it. – If you don’t have a jelly roll pan, you can use a rimmed baking sheet instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I freeze the yule log? A: Yes, you can freeze the rolled and frosted cake for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Q: Can I use a different type of frosting? A: Yes, you can use any type of frosting you like. Cream cheese frosting or whipped cream frosting would both be delicious.
Conclusion
Creating a yule log can be a fun and festive holiday tradition. With these yule log rolling tips, you’ll be able to make a beautiful and delicious dessert that’s sure to impress your guests. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and decorations – the possibilities are endless!