Yule Log Cake
Every festive season, I find myself reminiscing about the joyful times spent with family, gathered around the table, and indulging in delicious treats like the Yule Log Cake. This charming dessert not only captures the essence of winter celebrations but also serves as a centerpiece that sparks conversation and laughter. The first time I made a Yule Log Cake, I was enchanted by its beauty and the surprise of rolling a cake into a log shape. It felt like a magical experience, reminiscent of childhood stories about winter wonderlands. As the sweet aroma of chocolate wafted through my kitchen, I couldn’t help but feel that this cake was an invitation to share joy and warmth with my loved ones.
Traditionally enjoyed during Christmas, the Yule Log Cake brings together rich flavors and festive decorations, making it a delightful end to any holiday meal. Each bite is a perfect blend of soft chocolate cake, creamy filling, and a luscious ganache that leaves a lasting impression. I remember the excitement of decorating it with sugared cranberries and fresh herbs, transforming a simple dessert into a stunning work of art. It’s not just about the taste; it’s about the memories created while preparing and sharing this beautiful dessert with those we cherish.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, the Yule Log Cake is a rewarding project that fills your kitchen with love and laughter. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will surely become a beloved tradition in your home as it has in mine.
Recipe Snapshot
2 hr 42 mins
150 mins
12 mins
Hard
290 kcal
3 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
18 g
Large Pot, Frying Pan, Oven, Whisk, Mixing Bowl, Peeler, Baking Sheet
Why This Yule Log Cake Is So Good
It’s a Showstopper
When it comes to holiday desserts, the Yule Log Cake is undeniably a showstopper. Picture your friends and family’s faces lighting up as you present this beautifully rolled cake, adorned with chocolate ganache and festive decorations. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a conversation piece and a testament to your baking skills. The effort you put in will not go unnoticed, and it will surely become a highlight of your holiday gatherings.
Rich and Decadent
The luxurious flavor of chocolate in the Yule Log Cake is a treat for the senses. With each bite, you’ll experience the rich cocoa flavor complemented by the creamy fillings and ganache. The combination is designed to satisfy even the most discerning chocolate lovers. It’s the kind of cake that not only pleases the palate but also brings comfort and warmth during the chilly winter months.
Perfect for Sharing
One of my favorite aspects of the Yule Log Cake is how it naturally invites sharing. This dessert makes twelve delightful slices, perfect for holiday parties or family gatherings. You can slice it into generous pieces, allowing everyone to indulge in this festive treat. There’s something heartwarming about sharing a slice of cake with loved ones, sparking laughter and stories that will last a lifetime.
Customizable Creations
The beauty of the Yule Log Cake lies in its versatility. While the traditional chocolate flavor is beloved, you can easily adapt the recipe to include different flavors or fillings. Imagine a coffee-flavored filling or a hint of orange zest in the ganache. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to personalize this cake to your liking while impressing your guests with unique twists.
Creating Lasting Memories
Making a Yule Log Cake is more than just following a recipe; it’s about creating memories in the kitchen. I fondly recall the joy of rolling the cake and the laughter that ensued when things didn’t go as planned. These moments are what truly matter, and they will be cherished long after the last slice of cake is gone. Invite your family or friends to join you in the process, and you’ll find that the experience is just as sweet as the cake itself.
Holiday Tradition
Once you’ve made the Yule Log Cake, it’s likely you’ll want to make it every holiday season. This cake has a way of bringing people together, and creating your version will allow it to become a cherished tradition. Whether enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa by the fire or served at a festive gathering, this cake is sure to become a beloved staple in your holiday celebrations.
What’s In This Yule Log Cake
When it comes to crafting the perfect Yule Log Cake, the ingredients play a crucial role in delivering both flavor and texture. The key players in this recipe are the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and heavy cream, which come together to create a rich, moist cake with a delightful filling. Each ingredient contributes uniquely, ensuring that every bite is a celebration of festive flavors.
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure, this ingredient gives the cake its base and helps it maintain its shape when rolled.
- Dark Cocoa Powder: Adds depth to the flavor, making the cake rich and chocolatey.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps the cake rise, ensuring it has a light texture.
- Instant Coffee: Enhances the chocolate flavor, providing a subtle richness that elevates the cake.
- Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
- Eggs: They provide moisture and richness, contributing to the cake’s structure.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake, helping achieve that perfect balance of flavors.
- Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang, enhancing the cake’s richness.
- Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender crumb in the cake.
- Vanilla Extract: Infuses a warm, sweet aroma that complements the chocolate.
- Cream Cheese: Used for the filling, it adds a creamy texture and tanginess that perfectly contrasts with the rich chocolate.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling and helps achieve a smooth consistency.
- Heavy Cream: Essential for whipping, it adds a luxurious texture to the filling and ganache.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Used in the ganache, they provide a rich chocolate flavor and a glossy finish.
- Sugared Cranberries: For decoration, they add a pop of color and a touch of sweetness.
- Rosemary or Thyme: Fresh herbs used for decoration, adding a rustic touch to the finished cake.
Recipe Directions for Yule Log Cake
Preparing the Yule Log Cake is an enjoyable experience, filled with delightful aromas and the promise of a sweet reward. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to create this stunning dessert.
Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit. Grab a 17×12 inch rimmed baking sheet and prepare it by spraying it with non-stick baking spray. To take it a step further, line the bottom with parchment paper, allowing at least a one-inch overhang on all sides. This will help with easy removal later. A light spray on the parchment is also a good idea to prevent sticking.
In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, dark cocoa powder, baking powder, instant coffee, and salt. Mix thoroughly and set aside. This step is important as it combines all the dry ingredients and ensures even distribution.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and well combined. The color should brighten as you whisk, creating a beautiful, fluffy mixture. Then, add in the sour cream, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.
Now, it’s time to fold in the dry ingredients from your earlier bowl. Do this gently, taking care not to overmix; you want the batter to be just combined.
In another clean bowl, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This means that when you pull the whisk out, the whites should hold their shape. This is a crucial step, as it adds volume to your batter.
Start by folding one-third of the whipped egg whites into the batter. This helps loosen the mixture. Once combined, gently add in the remaining egg whites, folding them until there are no visible white streaks left. Be careful not to deflate the egg whites; we want to keep that airy texture.
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Use an offset spatula to ensure even distribution, then place it in the oven to bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The cake is done when it springs back to the touch.
Once baked, let the cake cool for about 2 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare a clean kitchen towel by dusting it lightly with powdered sugar. Run a knife around the edges of your cake to loosen it, then carefully turn it out onto the towel. Slowly peel back the parchment paper, ensuring the cake doesn’t tear. Dust the top lightly with more powdered sugar.
Take the towel and starting from one short end, roll the warm cake snugly, with the towel inside. This step is crucial as it helps form the log shape. Place the rolled cake seam-side down to cool completely for about an hour.
While the cake cools, prepare the cream cheese filling. In a stand mixer, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar and mix at medium speed for about a minute, then set it aside.
In the stand mixer, whip the heavy cream and additional vanilla until medium-soft peaks form. Fold in the cream cheese mixture until smooth and fluffy.
Next, for the ganache, place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a mixing bowl. Heat the heavy cream in the microwave until steaming (but not boiling) for about a minute. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for a few minutes. Whisk them together until combined and let the ganache cool to room temperature. If you want to speed this up, place it in the fridge for about 20 minutes.
Once the ganache has cooled, whip it for about 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes light in color and thick. This will give it a lovely fluffy texture.
Gently unroll the cake from the towel, ensuring none of it sticks. Spread the whipped cream filling evenly over the cake, making sure to leave about a quarter-inch border at the edges. Carefully re-roll the cake, using the towel to help you.
Wrap the rolled cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour, or up to overnight. This chill time helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
When you’re ready to frost, remove the cake from the fridge and unwrap it. Cut off about 3 inches from one end at a sharp angle to create a branch effect. Place this piece against the main log.
Spread the whipped ganache around the entire cake, smoothing it with a frosting spatula. Use a fork or the spatula to create a bark-like texture, making it look rustic and authentic.
Finally, dust with powdered sugar and decorate the cake with sugared cranberries and fresh rosemary or thyme. Your beautiful Yule Log Cake is now ready to be served!
Things Worth Knowing
- Technique Matters: Ensure your egg whites are whipped to stiff peaks; this is crucial for a light and airy cake.
- Cooling Time: Allow the cake to cool completely when rolled. This will help maintain its shape without cracking.
- Ganache Glaze: Let your ganache cool to room temperature before whipping; this will give it a fluffy consistency.
- Decorating Tips: Be creative with your decorations! Use fresh fruits, herbs, or even edible glitter to enhance the festive vibe.
- Storage: The Yule Log Cake can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just cover it well to prevent it from drying out.
Change It Up
There are countless ways to personalize your Yule Log Cake to suit your tastes or the occasion. Here are some ideas:
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different cake flavors such as mocha or vanilla to create a unique twist.
- Filling Options: Consider using fruit preserves or flavored whipped creams as a filling alongside or instead of the cream cheese mixture.
- Decorative Elements: Get creative with decorations! Try using chocolate shavings, nuts, or edible flowers for a beautiful finish.
- Serving Styles: Serve slices with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Leftover Cake: If you have any leftover cake, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
What Complements This Yule Log Cake
The Yule Log Cake is perfect for a variety of occasions, especially during the holiday season. Here are some ideas on how to serve this delightful dessert:
- Festive Gatherings: It serves wonderfully at Christmas parties or family dinners, becoming the highlight of your dessert table.
- Warm Beverages: Pair slices with hot cocoa or spiced cider to enhance the cozy, winter vibe.
- Seasonal Fruits: Serve alongside seasonal fruits like pomegranates or citrus for a refreshing contrast.
- Leftovers: If there are any leftovers, store them in the fridge, wrapped tightly to maintain freshness. This cake can also be enjoyed for days after its creation!
- Vibrant Decorations: Consider decorating the table with winter-themed decor, such as pine cones or candles, to create a festive atmosphere.
FAQ
Conclusion
The Yule Log Cake embodies the spirit of the holidays, combining rich flavors with festive presentation. It’s not just a dessert but an experience that brings joy and warmth to gatherings. I encourage you to try making this delightful cake, creating special memories with your loved ones as you do. Enjoy the process as much as the delicious result!
Yule Log Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit. Grab a 17×12 inch rimmed baking sheet and prepare it by spraying it with non-stick baking spray. To take it a step further, line the bottom with parchment paper, allowing at least a one-inch overhang on all sides. This will help with easy removal later. A light spray on the parchment is also a good idea to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, dark cocoa powder, baking powder, instant coffee, and salt. Mix thoroughly and set aside. This step is important as it combines all the dry ingredients and ensures even distribution.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and well combined. The color should brighten as you whisk, creating a beautiful, fluffy mixture. Then, add in the sour cream, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.
- Now, it’s time to fold in the dry ingredients from your earlier bowl. Do this gently, taking care not to overmix; you want the batter to be just combined.
- In another clean bowl, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This means that when you pull the whisk out, the whites should hold their shape. This is a crucial step, as it adds volume to your batter.
- Start by folding one-third of the whipped egg whites into the batter. This helps loosen the mixture. Once combined, gently add in the remaining egg whites, folding them until there are no visible white streaks left. Be careful not to deflate the egg whites; we want to keep that airy texture.
- Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Use an offset spatula to ensure even distribution, then place it in the oven to bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The cake is done when it springs back to the touch.
- Once baked, let the cake cool for about 2 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare a clean kitchen towel by dusting it lightly with powdered sugar. Run a knife around the edges of your cake to loosen it, then carefully turn it out onto the towel. Slowly peel back the parchment paper, ensuring the cake doesn’t tear. Dust the top lightly with more powdered sugar.
- Take the towel and starting from one short end, roll the warm cake snugly, with the towel inside. This step is crucial as it helps form the log shape. Place the rolled cake seam-side down to cool completely for about an hour.
- While the cake cools, prepare the cream cheese filling. In a stand mixer, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar and mix at medium speed for about a minute, then set it aside.
- In the stand mixer, whip the heavy cream and additional vanilla until medium-soft peaks form. Fold in the cream cheese mixture until smooth and fluffy.
- Next, for the ganache, place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a mixing bowl. Heat the heavy cream in the microwave until steaming (but not boiling) for about a minute. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for a few minutes. Whisk them together until combined and let the ganache cool to room temperature. If you want to speed this up, place it in the fridge for about 20 minutes.
- Once the ganache has cooled, whip it for about 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes light in color and thick. This will give it a lovely fluffy texture.
- Gently unroll the cake from the towel, ensuring none of it sticks. Spread the whipped cream filling evenly over the cake, making sure to leave about a quarter-inch border at the edges. Carefully re-roll the cake, using the towel to help you.
- Wrap the rolled cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour, or up to overnight. This chill time helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- When you’re ready to frost, remove the cake from the fridge and unwrap it. Cut off about 3 inches from one end at a sharp angle to create a branch effect. Place this piece against the main log.
- Spread the whipped ganache around the entire cake, smoothing it with a frosting spatula. Use a fork or the spatula to create a bark-like texture, making it look rustic and authentic.
- Finally, dust with powdered sugar and decorate the cake with sugared cranberries and fresh rosemary or thyme. Your beautiful Yule Log Cake is now ready to be served!
