Ah, the Christmas Yule log! This delightful dessert has a rich history that dates back to ancient winter solstice celebrations, where a real log was burned in the hearth to bring warmth and good fortune to the home. Over time, this tradition transformed into a delicious cake that mimics the appearance of a log. I can’t tell you how much joy it brings to my holiday table! There’s just something magical about rolling up that chocolate cake, filling it with fluffy cream, and decorating it to look like a festive log. Every bite is a celebration of the season, and trust me, your family will love this sweet twist on a timeless tradition!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Chocolate shavings for decoration
How to Prepare the Christmas Yule Log
Preheat and Prepare the Pan
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a 15×10 inch jelly roll pan and grease it up. Then, line the bottom with parchment paper—trust me, this will make it a breeze to remove the cake later!
Mix the Dry Ingredients
Now, in a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they’re well blended. This step is super important because it ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed, which helps the cake rise perfectly. So, don’t skip it!
Whip the Eggs and Sugar
In another bowl, it’s time to get a little arm workout! Beat 3 large eggs and 1 cup of granulated sugar together until the mixture thickens and turns a lovely pale yellow color. You want it to be thick enough to leave a ribbon when you lift the whisk out—this usually takes about 5 minutes. Your patience will pay off here!
Combine the Mixtures
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture. I like to do this in thirds to keep it light and fluffy. Use a spatula and be careful not to over-mix; we want to maintain that airy consistency. It’s like wrapping a warm hug around your ingredients!
Bake and Cool the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel that’s dusted with powdered sugar—this will keep it from sticking!
Assemble the Christmas Yule Log
Now for the fun part! Once the cake has cooled completely, unroll it gently from the towel. Spread a generous layer of whipped cream (made from 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract) over the surface. Re-roll the cake, this time with the cream inside. Frost the outside with any remaining cream and get creative with chocolate shavings for decoration. Voilà, your beautiful Christmas Yule log is ready to impress!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Christmas Yule log turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First off, use high-quality cocoa powder—trust me, it makes a world of difference in flavor. You want that rich, chocolatey taste to shine through!
Next, don’t rush the mixing process. When you’re whipping the eggs and sugar, take your time to really get that thick consistency. It’s the key to a light and fluffy cake! And when you fold in the dry ingredients, be gentle—overmixing can deflate all that lovely air you just incorporated.
Also, make sure your cake is completely cool before you start frosting it. If it’s even a little warm, the cream can melt and make a mess. Oops! And remember, a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar is your best friend for rolling the cake. It prevents sticking and adds an extra touch of sweetness.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to get creative with your decorations! That’s part of the fun. Whether it’s chocolate shavings, berries, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a snowy effect, let your imagination run wild. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. The following are typical estimates for one slice of the Christmas Yule log:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
These values are meant to give you a general idea, but make sure to adjust according to your own ingredients for the most accurate count. Enjoy your holiday baking and indulging!
FAQ Section
Can I make the Christmas Yule log ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dessert actually tastes better after sitting for a day. Just make sure you keep it covered in the refrigerator. It’ll save you time on the big day!
What if my cake cracks while rolling?
Don’t worry if that happens! It’s a common occurrence. Just use some extra whipped cream to patch it up or decorate it creatively with chocolate shavings to hide any imperfections. It’s all about the taste, right?
Can I use a different filling instead of whipped cream?
Definitely! You can swap out the whipped cream for a rich chocolate ganache or even a fruity filling like raspberry or strawberry for a fun twist. The possibilities are endless, and it’s a great way to customize the Yule log!
Is the Christmas Yule log gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your cocoa powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well. You can still enjoy a festive treat!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Yule log in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a showstopper dessert that brings festive charm to your holiday gatherings.
- Quick and easy to prepare, leaving you more time to spend with loved ones.
- Deliciously rich chocolate flavor paired with fluffy whipped cream—what’s not to love?
- Perfectly customizable with your favorite fillings and decorations, making it uniquely yours.
- A delightful conversation starter that’s sure to impress family and friends.
- Each slice is a little piece of holiday magic, transporting you to a winter wonderland!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious Christmas Yule log fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay good for about 3 days, but I bet it won’t last that long! If you want to savor it beyond that, you can freeze it. Just wrap the Yule log tightly in plastic wrap, and then add a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat it—this dessert is best served chilled! If you want to freshen it up a bit, you could whip up some additional cream or add a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving. That way, it’ll feel like a brand-new treat, even after a few weeks in the freezer. Enjoy every bite of your festive creation!
Print
Christmas Yule Log: 7 Steps to Holiday Bliss
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A traditional Christmas dessert shaped like a log.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Chocolate shavings for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line a 15×10 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until thick.
- Fold in dry ingredients gently.
- Pour batter into the pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes.
- Invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar.
- Roll the cake with the towel and let it cool completely.
- Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla.
- Unroll the cake, spread cream, and re-roll it.
- Frost the outside with remaining cream and decorate with chocolate shavings.
Notes
- Use high-quality cocoa for better flavor.
- Ensure the cake is completely cool before frosting.
- Store in the refrigerator until serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Christmas Yule Log
