Looking for a unique and tasty dessert to serve at your holiday gathering? Look no further than Yule Log Van Dykes! This sweet treat puts a delicious spin on the classic yule log, and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease and line a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out with a spatula. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched lightly in the center.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, sift together the powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Set aside.
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until just simmering. Remove from heat and pour over the powdered sugar and cocoa mixture. Whisk until smooth. Allow to cool to room temperature.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla and mix until combined.
- Add the cooled chocolate mixture to the butter mixture and beat until smooth and creamy.
- Once the cake has cooled for a few minutes, turn it out onto a clean kitchen towel that has been dusted with powdered sugar. Roll the cake up in the towel, starting at the short end. Allow to cool completely.
- When the cake has cooled, gently unroll it and spread the filling over the top, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll the cake up again, using the towel to help you. Trim the ends of the cake on a diagonal.
- Place the cake on a serving platter and dust with powdered sugar. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Nutritional Information:
One serving of Yule Log Van Dykes contains approximately:
- Calories: 280
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 105mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 21g
- Protein: 3g
Cooking Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 12 minutes
Total time: 32 minutes
Equipment:
- 10×15 inch jelly roll pan
- Medium mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Kitchen towel
- Serving platter
Serving Suggestions:
Yule Log Van Dykes is a perfect dessert to serve after a holiday meal. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkling of chopped nuts for an extra special touch.
Variations:
Feel free to experiment with different fillings for your Yule Log Van Dykes. Try a fruit filling, such as raspberry or strawberry, or a nutella filling for a delicious twist.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can substitute whole milk or half-and-half. You can also use margarine instead of butter in the recipe.
Storage:
Yule Log Van Dykes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
Tips:
- Be sure to grease and line your jelly roll pan before baking to prevent sticking.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before filling and rolling to prevent it from cracking.
- Use a sharp knife to trim the ends of the cake on a diagonal for a neat appearance.
Notes:
This recipe makes 8-10 servings.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I freeze Yule Log Van Dykes?
Yes, Yule Log Van Dykes can be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I make Yule Log Van Dykes ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Yule Log Van Dykes up to 2 days ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Can I add nuts to the filling?
Yes, you can add chopped nuts to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
Conclusion:
Yule Log Van Dykes is a delicious and unique twist on the classic yule log. With its rich chocolate filling and moist sponge cake, it’s sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering. Try it out for yourself and see why it’s become a holiday favorite!