Illustration of a smiling grandma in a chef hat and apron, holding a wooden spoon, with the text GrandmaRecipe.com below her.Search

dessert

Yule Log Cake

By Grandma Millie

Be the first to rate this recipe

A festive Yule Log cake decorated with powdered sugar, berries, and holly on a wooden table.

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.

Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 12 mins
Total: 1 hr 2 mins
Serves: 8 servings
Calories: 250

Recipe card

Print / PDF

Yule Log Cake

Rate this recipe

Be the first to rate

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
12 mins
cooling
30 mins
Total Time
1 hr 2 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: French
Calories: 250

Ingredients

  • 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 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)

Equipment

  • 1 10×15-inch baking sheetFor baking the cake
  • 1 Mixing bowlFor mixing ingredients
  • 1 whiskFor beating eggs and cream
  • 1 Parchment paperTo line the baking sheet
  • 1 Kitchen towelFor rolling the cake

Method

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. 2

    In a bowl, beat eggs and sugar together until thick and pale. This will take a few minutes, so keep mixing!

  3. 3

    Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt over the egg mixture. Gently fold it in to keep the batter light and airy.

  4. 4

    Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until just combined. Your batter should be smooth and delicious!

  5. 5

    Spread the batter evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cake is springy to the touch.

  6. 6

    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.

  7. 7

    In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. This will be the delicious filling!

  8. 8

    Unroll the cooled cake gently, spread the whipped cream evenly over it, and then re-roll the cake carefully.

  9. 9

    Frost the outside of the rolled cake with melted chocolate. Make it look as rustic as you like!

  10. 10

    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

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories250
Fat15g
Protein4g
Carbs30g

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.

Ingredients

Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need to make a delightful Yule Log cake!

A collection of ingredients for Yule Log cake displayed on a kitchen table, including eggs, sugar, flour, cocoa powder, and fresh berries.
  • 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-by-step process of making a Yule Log cake, including mixing ingredients, rolling the cake, and the final decorated cake.

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

FeatureDetails
CategoryDessert
CuisineFrench
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Extra Time30 minutes (cooling)
Total Time62 minutes
DietaryVegetarian
Serves8
Best ServedChilled 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.

Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.

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!

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers from the kitchen — storage, swaps, and common sticking points for this recipe.

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!
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.
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!
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!

Kitchen notes

Nutrition & sources

Calorie and nutrition figures on this page are estimates meant for general home-cooking guidance. Actual values vary with brands, portion size, and how the recipe is prepared.

Estimates draw on typical ingredient data from public nutrition databases such as the USDA FoodData Central. They are not a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice.

For how recipes are tested and when pages are updated, see How we test recipes. Full legal context lives in our disclaimers and affiliate disclosure.

Comments

Made this recipe? Share how it turned out for your family.

No comments yet — be the first to leave a note.

More to cook

Related Dessert recipes

More cozy favorites from the same kitchen shelf.

Browse all dessert
A plate of golden-brown fruit pastries filled with mixed fruits, garnished with sugar.

dessert

Fruit Pastry

Fruit pastry shines with golden, flaky layers wrapped around a colorful mix of ripe berries and tender fruit slices. Sweet strawberries, tart raspberries, and juicy peaches blend with a touch of vanilla and a splash of fresh orange juice for a filling that’s vibrant and naturally sweet. As it bakes, the buttery crust turns crisp and fragrant, filling your kitchen with warm, bakery-style aromas. Simple to prepare just roll, fill, and bake this easy fresh fruit pastry is perfect for brunch spreads, afternoon treats, or last-minute desserts. Every slice delivers bright fruit flavor, delicate crunch, and pure homemade comfort.

Continue reading →

A star-shaped cake on a white stand, decorated with colorful sprinkles.

dessert

Star Cake

Star cake brings a touch of magic to any dessert table with its soft vanilla crumb and bright hint of lemon zest. Fresh from the oven, star cake fills the kitchen with warm, sweet aromas that draw everyone in for a slice. A swirl of smooth buttercream frosting adds creamy richness, while the light, moist texture makes each bite feel special. Perfect for celebrations or simple family moments, star cake is an easy yet eye-catching treat that turns everyday baking into something memorable.

Continue reading →

A two-layer chocolate coconut cake with chocolate frosting and shredded coconut on top, set on a wooden table.

dessert

Chocolate Coconut Cake

Chocolate coconut cake combines rich chocolate flavor with the light, tropical sweetness of coconut in one irresistibly moist dessert. Tender cake layers made with coconut milk create a soft texture, while a smooth chocolate frosting adds deep, indulgent flavor. A sprinkle of coconut flakes on top brings gentle crunch and extra coconut aroma, balanced by warm notes of vanilla. Simple ingredients and easy steps make chocolate coconut cake perfect for celebrations or everyday treats when you want something comforting, flavorful, and a little special.

Continue reading →