Yule Log Cake Recipe for Holiday Cheer

There’s something undeniably magical about a yule log cake as it sits proudly on the holiday table, dusted with powdered sugar like fresh snow. Its rich chocolate sponge, rolled and filled with a velvety cream, evokes nostalgia and joy, making your taste buds dance with delight. You can almost hear the crackling of the fireplace in the background as you slice into this delicious dessert.

Picture this: family gathered around, laughter filling the air, and that first bite of yule log cake melting in your mouth, transporting you to simpler times. This cake not only adds a festive flair to any gathering but also brings back memories of holiday traditions that warm your heart. You won’t want to miss out on experiencing this delightful treat.

Ingredients for yule log cake

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient for structure; sift it for a light sponge.
• Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for deep chocolate flavor; it’s essential in making this cake rich.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the batter perfectly and helps create that fluffy texture.
• Baking Powder: This leavening agent ensures your cake rises beautifully; check the expiration date for best results.
• Eggs: Fresh eggs provide moisture and richness; they act as binding agents in our sponge cake.
• Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness to both the sponge and filling; be sure to soften it beforehand.
• Heavy Cream: Essential for whipping into fluffy frosting; chilled cream whips up better.
• Powdered Sugar: For sweetness and stability in the frosting; sifted is best for smooth results.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances flavors in both cake and frosting; don’t skimp on quality!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make yule log cake

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a jelly roll pan (15×10 inches) with butter and line it with parchment paper. This will help your yule log come out effortlessly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sugar until well combined. In another bowl, beat eggs until frothy and add melted butter along with vanilla extract. Combine both mixtures gently until smooth—this is where magic begins!

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour your batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Keep an eye on it—no one likes a dry yule log!

Step 4: Roll It Up

Once baked, remove from oven and let cool slightly before rolling it up in a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Let it cool completely while rolled up—this helps retain its shape.

Step 5: Make Your Filling

While cooling, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Carefully unroll your cooled sponge cake and spread the whipped cream evenly over it.

Step 6: Assemble Your Yule Log

Roll the cake back up gently without the towel this time! Place seam-side down on a serving platter. Dust again with powdered sugar and decorate as desired—maybe some chocolate shavings or fresh berries!

Transfer slices to plates for serving alongside hot cocoa or coffee for an enchanting holiday experience!

And there you have it—the irresistible charm of yule log cake awaits you at your next celebration!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing the chocolate sponge cake and letting it cool. While that’s happening, whip up the filling and frosting. Once cooled, roll the sponge with the filling inside, frost it, and decorate to your heart’s content.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chocolate for other flavors like vanilla or coffee. You can also add nuts or fruit preserves to the filling for an extra burst of flavor. The decoration is your canvas—get creative!

Storing & Reheating

Store your Yule log in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. For best results, enjoy it cold but let it sit out for about 10 minutes before serving to soften the frosting slightly.

It was Christmas Eve when I first made this Yule log cake. Friends gathered around my kitchen as I rolled it up, and their gasps of delight made all the floury chaos worth every minute!

FAQs:

What is a Yule Log Cake?

A Yule log cake, or bûche de Noël, is a traditional dessert enjoyed during the holiday season. This delightful treat resembles a log and is often made from chocolate sponge cake rolled with cream filling. It is typically decorated to look like a tree log, featuring frosting that mimics bark and garnishes like powdered sugar or meringue mushrooms. This festive cake not only tastes delicious but also adds a touch of whimsy to holiday gatherings.

How do you store a Yule Log Cake?

Storing your Yule log cake properly ensures it stays fresh and flavorful. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to five days, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil. If you want to preserve it for longer, consider freezing it. Wrap the cake securely and place it in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw it in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Can I customize my Yule Log Cake?

Absolutely! One of the joys of making a Yule log cake is its versatility. You can experiment with different fillings like raspberry jam, coffee cream, or even ice cream for a unique twist. Additionally, try various decorations such as edible glitter, fresh berries, or nuts to enhance its appearance and flavor profile. Your creativity will make each Yule log cake truly special.

What are some common mistakes when making a Yule Log Cake?

Some common mistakes include overbaking the sponge cake, which can make it dry and difficult to roll. Ensure you whip the eggs well for optimal fluffiness and avoid cracking when rolling. Another mistake is insufficient cooling time; rolling the cake while it’s too warm can lead to breakage. Finally, be mindful of using too much filling, which may cause the cake to split during assembly.

If you’re craving more sweet treats, explore these delightful dessert recipes for your next baking adventure.

Conclusion for yule log cake:

Creating a Yule log cake is not just about baking; it’s an opportunity to bring joy and festivity into your home during the holiday season. From selecting the right ingredients to decorating creatively, each step adds personality and flavor to this classic dessert. Remember to store your cake correctly and feel free to customize it according to your taste preferences. Enjoy sharing this delicious treat with family and friends as you celebrate together!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Delightful Yule Log Cake

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in the festive charm of a Yule log cake, featuring a rich chocolate sponge rolled with a luscious cream filling—perfect for holiday celebrations.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Sponge Cake:

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 4 large eggs
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Filling:

• 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Decoration:

• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Optional: Chocolate shavings or fresh berries for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

For the Sponge Cake:

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a jelly roll pan (15×10 inches) and line it with parchment paper.
2. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and granulated sugar until well combined.
3. 3. In another bowl, beat eggs until frothy. Add melted butter and vanilla extract. Combine both mixtures gently until smooth.
4. 4. Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. 5. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before rolling in a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Cool completely while rolled.

For the Filling:

1. 6. While the sponge is cooling, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
2. 7. Carefully unroll the cooled sponge cake and spread whipped cream evenly over it.
3. To Assemble:
4. 8. Roll the cake back up gently without the towel, seam-side down on a serving platter.
5. 9. Dust again with powdered sugar and decorate as desired with chocolate shavings or fresh berries.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (95g)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 75mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 80mg