The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than by baking a delicious yule log with cherry filling? This crowd-pleasing dessert is the perfect centerpiece for any Christmas gathering or a cozy night in with loved ones. With its chocolatey sponge and sweet cherry filling, this recipe is sure to impress. So, let’s get started!
Ingredients
- For the sponge:
- 6 large eggs, separated
- 150g caster sugar
- 150g plain flour
- 50g cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the filling:
- 400g can of cherry pie filling
- 250ml double cream
- 2 tbsp icing sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the decoration:
- Chocolate shavings or sprinkles
- Edible holly leaves and berries
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Grease and line a 30x20cm Swiss roll tin with baking parchment.
- In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks and caster sugar together until pale and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Fold the mixture together until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture until no white streaks remain.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and spread it out evenly. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the sponge is springy to the touch.
- While the sponge is still warm, turn it out onto a sheet of baking parchment dusted with icing sugar. Peel off the lining paper and roll the sponge up tightly from the short end. Leave it to cool completely in the rolled-up position.
- Meanwhile, make the filling by whisking the double cream, icing sugar, and vanilla extract together until soft peaks form. Unroll the sponge and spread the cherry pie filling evenly over it, followed by the whipped cream.
- Roll the sponge up tightly again, using the baking parchment to help you. Transfer the log to a serving plate and chill in the fridge for at least an hour.
- To decorate, dust the yule log with icing sugar and sprinkle over some chocolate shavings or sprinkles. Arrange some edible holly leaves and berries on top for a festive touch.
Nutritional Information
Per serving:
- Calories: 315
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 128mg
- Sodium: 54mg
- Potassium: 183mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 23g
- Vitamin A: 801IU
- Vitamin C: 1mg
- Calcium: 58mg
- Iron: 2mg
Cooking Time
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Equipment
- Swiss roll tin (30x20cm)
- Baking parchment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric whisk/stand mixer
- Spatula
- Serving plate
Serving Suggestions
This yule log with cherry filling is perfect for serving as a festive dessert after a holiday meal. It pairs well with a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine. You can also garnish the log with fresh cherries or whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Variations
If you’re not a fan of cherry filling, you can swap it out for other fruit fillings such as raspberry or strawberry. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate for the sponge, such as dark or milk chocolate.
Substitutions
If you don’t have caster sugar, you can use granulated sugar instead. You can also use whipped coconut cream instead of double cream for a vegan option. Additionally, you can substitute gluten-free flour for the plain flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
Storage
Store any leftovers of this yule log with cherry filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Tips
- Make sure to use a Swiss roll tin for this recipe, as it’s the perfect size and shape for rolling up the sponge.
- Don’t overbake the sponge, as it will become dry and difficult to roll up. Keep an eye on it and take it out of the oven as soon as it’s springy to the touch.
- Make sure the sponge is completely cool before spreading the filling, or the cream will melt and become runny.
- Decorate the yule log with your favorite festive garnishes, such as holly leaves, berries, or even small Christmas figurines.
Notes
This recipe serves 8 people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this yule log with cherry filling up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Can I freeze this yule log with cherry filling?
No, this recipe is not suitable for freezing.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries if you prefer. Simply pit and chop them and mix them with a little sugar to make the filling.
Personal Thoughts
This yule log with cherry filling is a festive favorite in my household. The combination of rich chocolate sponge and sweet cherry filling is irresistible, and the whipped cream adds a lightness and creaminess that balances out the flavors perfectly. It’s a fun and festive dessert that’s sure to impress your guests, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. So why not give it a try this holiday season?