Name: Christmas Yule Log Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 90 min
Ingredients: 1 cup All-purpose flour; 3 tablespoons Cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon Baking powder; 6 large Eggs; 1 cup Sugar; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 2 teaspoons Vanilla; 1/2 cup Vegetable oil; 1 1/2 cups Cold heavy whipping cream; 1 cup Powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon Baking liqueur; 1 tablespoon Cocoa powder; 8 ounces Mascarpone cheese; 1/4 cup Chopped macadamia nuts; Ganache; Sugared cranberries; Sugared rosemary; Meringue mushrooms

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

There’s something truly magical about the holiday season, and one of the highlights for me is making a Christmas Yule Log Cake. This dessert, also known as Bûche de Noël, has been a family tradition for as long as I can remember. I fondly recall the first time I attempted to make it. The kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of chocolate and freshly whipped cream, while my family gathered around, eager to taste the results. It was a delightful challenge to master the art of rolling the cake, and I felt a surge of pride as I unveiled my creation. The moment we sliced into the cake, revealing the luscious filling, was pure joy. This dessert not only satisfies the sweet tooth but also brings everyone together, making it a centerpiece for our holiday celebrations.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
1 hr 30 mins

Prep Time:
30 mins

Cook Time:
60 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
350 kcal

Protein:
6 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
15 g

Tools Used:
Chef’s Knife, Baking Sheet, Mixing Bowl, Whisk

Why You Need This Christmas Yule Log Cake

It’s a Showstopper

There’s no denying that a Christmas Yule Log Cake is a real crowd-pleaser. Its elaborate appearance, with chocolate ganache and decorative touches like sugared cranberries, instantly elevates any holiday gathering. When you bring it to the table, everyone is captivated, and you can feel the excitement in the air.

Chocolate Lovers Unite

If you’re a chocolate aficionado, this cake is a dream come true. The combination of rich chocolate sponge and velvety mascarpone filling creates a heavenly experience with every bite. It’s the ultimate indulgence for those cold winter nights.

Versatile and Fun

Part of the charm of making a Christmas Yule Log Cake is that you can tailor it to fit your taste. Whether you want to add different fillings, like raspberries or a hint of coffee, or decorate it with seasonal themes, the possibilities are endless. It’s a fun way to express your creativity while baking.

Perfect for Make-Ahead

One of the best aspects of this cake is that you can prepare it ahead of time. This means less stress on the day of your holiday gathering. It can sit comfortably in the fridge, waiting to be the star of your festive feast. You can focus on spending time with your loved ones instead of being stuck in the kitchen.

Family Tradition

Making a Christmas Yule Log Cake has become a cherished family tradition. Each year, we gather in the kitchen, sharing stories and laughter while we bake together. It fosters a sense of togetherness and creates lasting memories that we’ll treasure for years to come.

Deliciously Decadent

Let’s be honest: enjoying a slice of this cake is a decadent experience. From the fluffy sponge to the rich ganache, each bite is a delightful treat. It’s an indulgence that makes special occasions even more memorable, and I find myself eagerly anticipating the next slice.

Essential Ingredients for Christmas Yule Log Cake

Every great recipe starts with quality ingredients, and for the Christmas Yule Log Cake, this is no exception. The combination of flavors and textures in this cake creates a delicious contrast. Key players like all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and heavy whipping cream come together to create a holiday masterpiece that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

All-purpose flour – The backbone of the cake, it provides structure and a light texture that allows the cake to roll easily.
Cocoa powder – Adds rich chocolate flavor to the cake, ensuring every bite is a chocolate lover’s dream.
Baking powder – Helps the cake rise, giving it a light and airy texture, perfect for rolling.
Large eggs – Essential for moisture and richness, eggs help bind the ingredients and create a tender crumb.
Sugar – Sweetens the cake and contributes to its moistness, balancing the rich flavors of chocolate.
Salt – Enhances the sweetness and flavors, ensuring a well-rounded taste in the finished cake.
Vanilla – A key flavor that adds warmth and depth to the cake’s overall flavor profile.
Vegetable oil – Keeps the cake moist and tender, preventing it from becoming dry.
Heavy whipping cream – A luxurious filling that gives the cake a creamy texture, making it irresistibly delicious.
Powdered sugar – Sweetens the whipped cream filling and helps stabilize it, ensuring it holds its shape.
Mascarpone cheese – Adds a rich and creamy element to the filling, making it decadent and smooth.
Chopped macadamia nuts – Offers a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, enhancing the overall texture of the cake.
Ganache – A silky chocolate topping that gives the cake its signature finish, making it look just as good as it tastes.
Sugared cranberries – Beautiful garnishes that add a pop of color and a hint of tartness to balance the sweetness.
Sugared rosemary – A unique decorative touch that provides an aromatic element, enhancing the cake’s appeal.
Meringue mushrooms – A fun and whimsical addition that mirrors traditional decorations, making the cake festive and playful.

How to Assemble Christmas Yule Log Cake

Making a Christmas Yule Log Cake is a labor of love, but believe me, it’s worth every moment spent in the kitchen. Let’s dive into the steps and create something magical together. Follow along, and you’ll have a stunning cake to impress your family and friends!

In a large bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder, and baking powder. This ensures that there are no lumps and gives the cake a smooth texture. Sifting is a key step, as it helps aerate the flour, resulting in a lighter cake.
Next, add in the sugar, vanilla, eggs, and vegetable oil. Using a whisk, vigorously combine the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and well blended. It should turn a beautiful chocolate color, indicating that the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Transfer this luscious batter to a 13 by 18-inch cookie sheet that has been lined with parchment paper. Use an offset spatula to spread the batter evenly across the pan. This will ensure that the cake bakes evenly, resulting in a perfect roll.
Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 15 to 17 minutes. Keep a close eye on it; the cake should spring back when touched lightly. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, indicating that it’s done.
Once baked, carefully invert the cake onto a large clean kitchen towel dusted with ¼ cup of cocoa powder. Remove the parchment paper gently. This is a critical moment; it helps shape the cake without cracking.
Roll the cake up in the towel, starting from one short end, and let it cool completely at room temperature. This cooling process takes about 2 to 2 and a half hours. Allowing it to cool in this rolled shape helps it maintain its form when unrolled later.
While the cake is cooling, prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cocoa powder. Whip until medium-stiff peaks form. This means the cream should hold its shape but still be smooth and spreadable.
Next, fold in the mascarpone cheese until the mixture reaches stiff peaks. This will create a rich and creamy filling that is simply irresistible. Keep this filling in the refrigerator to stay cool until the cake has cooled completely.
Prepare the ganache and any additional decorations like sugared cranberries, sugared rosemary, and meringue mushrooms. These will add a beautiful finishing touch to your cake.
Once the cake has fully cooled, gently unroll it. Spread the creamy mascarpone whipped cream filling evenly from edge to edge. Make sure to cover every inch for maximum flavor.
Carefully roll the cake back up, ensuring that the filling doesn’t spill out of the edges. Wrap the rolled cake tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps the cake set nicely and stabilizes the shape.
When ready to serve, slice the cake at an angle to create a log-like appearance. Use some ganache or leftover whipped cream filling to attach the cut piece to the side of the cake, creating a branch effect.
Spread the ganache generously all over the top and sides of the Christmas Yule Log Cake, leaving the cut ends exposed for a rustic look. To create a bark-like texture, take a fork and lightly run it along the surface, making streaks that resemble tree bark.

Things Worth Knowing

Choosing good quality cocoa powder can greatly enhance the flavor of your cake.
Make sure to sift your dry ingredients to avoid lumps and ensure even distribution.
Cooling the cake while rolled helps prevent cracks when unrolling it.
Be gentle when spreading the filling to avoid tearing the delicate sponge cake.
Decorations like sugared cranberries and rosemary add both flavor and visual appeal.

Recipe Tips about Christmas Yule Log Cake

Here are some great tips to ensure your Christmas Yule Log Cake turns out perfect every time. Baking is an art, and sometimes those little details make all the difference.

Storage: Keep any leftovers covered and refrigerated. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze this cake for up to 3 months. Just slice it and wrap it tightly for optimal freshness.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the cake a day in advance. Simply store it in the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before serving.
Cracking: Small cracks in the roll are fine. The ganache will cover them up, and it adds to the rustic charm.
Chilling the Cake: If you want to hyper-chill it after rolling, pop it in the freezer for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Nut Variations: Feel free to swap out the macadamia nuts for hazelnuts or pecans for a different flavor profile.

Serve This Christmas Yule Log Cake With

Presenting your Christmas Yule Log Cake can elevate your holiday festivities, and there are numerous ways to serve it:

Seasonal Berries: Serve alongside fresh seasonal berries for a pop of color and tartness that complements the rich chocolate.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on the side enhances the creamy texture of the filling.
Hot Beverages: Pair with hot chocolate or coffee for a cozy winter treat.
Holiday Gatherings: This cake is perfect for holiday parties, Christmas dinners, or family gatherings.
Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Garnishes: Use additional sugared cranberries or rosemary to beautify your serving platter.

FAQ

A Yule Log Cake, or Bûche de Noël, is a traditional holiday dessert that resembles a log. It’s made from a chocolate sponge cake rolled with a delicious filling, often whipped cream or buttercream. The cake is typically decorated to resemble a log, using chocolate ganache for a bark-like appearance, and is often adorned with festive decorations like sugared cranberries or meringue mushrooms. It’s a delightful treat that captures the spirit of the season.

Absolutely! One of the best things about the Yule Log Cake is that it can be made a day in advance. Just be sure to cover it gently and keep it in the refrigerator. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving to enhance the flavors and textures. This makes it a perfect option for holiday gatherings, as it minimizes last-minute preparation stress.

To prevent cracking, it’s essential to roll the cake while it’s still warm in a kitchen towel dusted with cocoa powder. This helps shape the cake without breaking it. Additionally, if you notice small cracks during rolling or unrolling, don’t worry—those can be easily covered with ganache once you finish decorating. The rustic look adds to the charm of the Yule Log!

You can get creative with decorations for your Yule Log Cake! Traditional options include chocolate ganache to mimic bark, along with festive elements like sugared cranberries, rosemary sprigs, or meringue mushrooms. Nuts can also be used for added texture, and you can sprinkle powdered sugar over the top for a snowy effect. The decorations not only enhance the visual appeal but also add contrasting flavors.

Conclusion

The Christmas Yule Log Cake is a truly special dessert that brings joy and warmth during the holiday season. With its rich flavors and festive presentation, it’s bound to impress your family and friends. I encourage you to try making this delightful cake; it’s not just a treat, but a memorable experience that will create lasting holiday traditions.