Yule Log cake brings a little winter magic to your table, with a soft sponge that rolls up like fresh snow around a swirl of rich chocolate buttercream. A hint of vanilla and fluffy marshmallow like sweetness make every slice feel cozy and nostalgic, revealing beautiful spirals meant for sharing. Instead of spirits, a touch of coffee essence and honey sweetened cocoa adds deep, festive flavor. Finished with sugared cranberries and mint sprigs, this Yule Log cake becomes a stunning holiday centerpiece that tastes as joyful as it looks.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Yule Log cake
- It’s a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table.
- Rich chocolate flavor that melts in your mouth.
- Fun to decorate with family and friends.
- Perfect for making ahead of time.
- Customizable with your favorite fillings and toppings.
Yule Log cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, beat eggs and sugar together until thick and pale. This will take a few minutes, so keep mixing!
- Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt over the egg mixture. Gently fold it in to keep the batter light and airy.
- Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until just combined. Your batter should be smooth and delicious!
- Spread the batter evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cake is springy to the touch.
- Lay a clean kitchen towel on a countertop and dust it with powdered sugar. Turn the cake onto the towel, peel off the parchment, and roll it up from the short end. Let it cool completely.
- In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. This will be the delicious filling!
- Unroll the cooled cake gently, spread the whipped cream evenly over it, and then re-roll the cake carefully.
- Frost the outside of the rolled cake with melted chocolate. Make it look as rustic as you like!
- Dust with confectioners’ sugar to resemble snow, and garnish with berries or holly for a festive touch. Slice and enjoy your Yule Log cake!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbs | 30g |
Ingredients
Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need to make a delightful Yule Log cake!
- 4 large eggs – for a light, fluffy texture
- ¾ cup granulated sugar – to sweeten the cake
- ½ cup all-purpose flour – for structure
- ¼ cup cocoa powder – to add that rich chocolate flavor
- 1 tsp baking powder – to help the cake rise
- pinch of salt – to enhance the flavors
- 2 tbsp melted butter – to keep the cake moist
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – for additional flavor
- 1 cup heavy cream – to whip for the filling
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar – to sweeten the whipped cream
- 4 oz melted dark chocolate – for the rich ganache
- confectioners’ sugar – for dusting
- fresh berries or holly sprigs – for garnish
How to Make Yule Log Cake
This delightful Yule Log cake is a festive treat perfect for the holiday season. With a preparation time of about 20 minutes, a cooking time of 10-12 minutes, and a cooling time of 30 minutes, you’ll have a beautiful dessert ready to impress your guests!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
In a bowl, beat eggs and sugar together until thick and pale. This will take a few minutes, so keep mixing!
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt over the egg mixture. Gently fold it in to keep the batter light and airy.
Step 4: Add Butter and Vanilla
Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until just combined. Your batter should be smooth and delicious!
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Spread the batter evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cake is springy to the touch.
Step 6: Roll the Cake
Lay a clean kitchen towel on a countertop and dust it with powdered sugar. Turn the cake onto the towel, peel off the parchment, and roll it up from the short end. Let it cool completely.
Step 7: Whip the Cream
In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. This will be the delicious filling!
Step 8: Fill and Re-roll the Cake
Unroll the cooled cake gently, spread the whipped cream evenly over it, and then re-roll the cake carefully.
Step 9: Frost the Cake
Frost the outside of the rolled cake with melted chocolate. Make it look as rustic as you like!
Step 10: Garnish and Serve
Dust with confectioners’ sugar to resemble snow, and garnish with berries or holly for a festive touch. Slice and enjoy your Yule Log cake!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Dessert |
| Cuisine | French |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 12 minutes |
| Extra Time | 30 minutes (cooling) |
| Total Time | 62 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 8 |
| Best Served | Chilled and garnished for the holidays! |
Pro Tips for Making Yule Log cake
- Use room temperature eggs for a fluffier batter.
- Roll the cake while it’s warm to prevent cracking.
- Dust the cake with powdered sugar before rolling for a sweet touch.
- Experiment with different fillings like whipped cream or fruit preserves.
- Decorate with fresh berries or edible flowers for a festive look.
How to Serve this Yule Log cake
- Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or coconut cream.
- Pair with fresh berries for a pop of color and flavor.
- Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- Accompany with a warm cup of spiced tea or hot chocolate.
- Garnish with edible flowers or mint leaves for a festive touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can make this cake ahead and store it easily:
Storing Yule Log cake Leftovers
- Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place in an airtight container for extra protection.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Yule Log cake
- Wrap the cake in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.
- Label with the date and type of cake.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Yule Log cake
- Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight.
- Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
- If desired, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What is the filling in a Yule log cake?
The filling in a Yule log cake typically consists of a rich chocolate ganache or a creamy buttercream. Some variations may include flavored fillings like coffee or hazelnut, but the classic choice is a chocolate filling that complements the cake’s rich flavor. You can also use whipped cream or a fruit preserve for a lighter touch!
2. What is the tradition of the Yule log cake?
The Yule log cake, or Bûche de Noël, is a traditional French dessert served during the Christmas season. It symbolizes the Yule log that families would burn in the fireplace to celebrate the winter solstice. The cake is often decorated to resemble a log, complete with bark-like textures and festive decorations, making it a centerpiece for holiday gatherings and a sweet way to honor this age-old tradition.
3. What’s the difference between a Swiss roll and a Yule log?
While both the Swiss roll and Yule log are rolled cakes, the Yule log is specifically associated with Christmas and often features a chocolate flavor and festive decorations. The Swiss roll can be made with various flavors and fillings and is not tied to any particular holiday. The Yule log’s presentation, resembling a log with frosting and decorations, sets it apart as a seasonal treat!
4. How do you decorate a Yule log cake?
Decorating a Yule log cake can be a fun and creative process! Start by spreading a chocolate ganache or buttercream over the rolled cake, then use a fork to create bark-like textures. You can add edible decorations like meringue mushrooms, marzipan figures, or fresh berries for a pop of color. Dusting with powdered sugar can mimic snow, adding a festive touch to your beautiful creation!
Final Thoughts
As you gather around the table this holiday season, let the delightful Yule Log cake bring warmth and joy to your celebrations. It’s a simple yet rewarding treat that will surely impress your loved ones. So roll up your sleeves, have fun, and enjoy every delicious bite of this festive dessert. Happy baking!