Ah, the Yule log! This classic dessert brings so much joy and warmth to our holiday celebrations. There’s something truly magical about baking and decorating a Yule log, or “bûche de Noël,” as the French call it. The anticipation of rolling that chocolate sponge cake filled with fluffy whipped cream makes the process feel special. It’s a delightful way to honor festive traditions, and trust me, your family and friends will be in awe when they see this beautiful centerpiece on your table! Plus, the rich chocolate flavor combined with the creamy filling is just heavenly. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this delicious Yule log recipe that’s perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. You’ll love how easy and satisfying this treat is to make during the holidays!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating your stunning Yule log! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 large eggs
- 100g granulated sugar
- 100g all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Chocolate shavings for decoration
Make sure to have everything measured out before you start. It makes the process smoother and less stressful. Trust me, it’s worth it!
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat and Prepare the Baking Pan
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating! Set it to 180°C (350°F). While that’s warming up, grab a 15×10 inch baking pan and grease it up nice and good. Then, line the bottom with parchment paper—this makes it super easy to lift the cake out later. Seriously, don’t skip this step!
Create the Cake Batter
Now, let’s make that heavenly cake batter! In a large mixing bowl, crack in the 4 large eggs and add the 100g of granulated sugar. Whisk them together with enthusiasm until the mixture looks light and fluffy—this should take about 5 minutes. You want to incorporate a lot of air here! Next, in another bowl, sift together the 100g of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Gently fold this dry mix into the egg mixture. Be careful not to overmix; we’re looking for a smooth blend that still has a bit of fluffiness!
Baking the Cake
Once your batter is ready, spread it evenly into the prepared baking pan. Pop it into the oven and let it bake for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cake springs back when lightly touched—just give it a gentle poke in the center. If it leaves a dent, it needs a few more minutes!
Rolling the Cake
When your cake is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a minute. But here’s the trick: while it’s still warm, flip it onto a clean kitchen towel that’s been dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper, then roll the cake up with the towel starting from the short end. This keeps it from cracking later! Let it cool completely while rolled up. Trust me, this step is crucial for a beautiful roll!
Prepare the Whipped Cream Filling
While your cake cools, let’s whip up some delicious filling! In a clean bowl, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, add the 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whip it until soft peaks form—this means that when you lift the whisk, the cream holds its shape but isn’t too stiff. You want it creamy and dreamy!
Assemble the Yule Log
Time to bring it all together! Unroll the cooled cake gently and spread the whipped cream filling evenly over the surface. Then, roll the cake back up carefully without the towel. Place the log seam side down on a serving platter. Now, take a fork and create bark-like patterns on the log to give it that rustic look. Isn’t it starting to look festive?
Chill and Decorate
To finish it off, chill your Yule log in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This helps everything set nicely. When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle those chocolate shavings on top for a perfect holiday touch. Wow, look at that beauty!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to make your Yule log, here are some handy tips to ensure everything goes smoothly and your dessert turns out just right!
- Cool Completely: Make sure the cake is fully cooled before you add the whipped cream. If it’s still warm, it can melt the cream and make a gooey mess. Trust me, patience pays off here!
- Prevent Cracking: When rolling the cake, be gentle! If you roll it too tightly or too quickly while it’s still warm, it could crack. A slow, steady hand is key to keeping your log intact.
- Use a Sharp Knife: To cut the log into neat slices, use a sharp knife. A serrated knife works wonders! Dip it in warm water and wipe it dry before each cut for clean edges. This little trick makes a big difference!
- Dusting Powdered Sugar: If you’re worried about the cake sticking to the towel, dust it generously with powdered sugar before rolling. It adds a lovely sweetness and helps prevent sticking.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of coffee to the whipped cream for a unique twist! It’s all about making it your own.
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll be good for up to three days, but I bet they won’t last that long!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to impress your family and friends with a stunning Yule log that tastes as good as it looks. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional information for this delightful Yule log recipe! Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and portion sizes, so consider this an estimate. But it gives you a good idea of what to expect:
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 4g
With this tasty treat, you can enjoy a rich dessert during the holidays, all while keeping track of what’s in your slice of joy. So, go ahead and indulge a little—you deserve it!
FAQ Section
Can I make this Yule log recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Yule log in advance, which is perfect for holiday planning. Once you’ve assembled the log, I recommend chilling it in the refrigerator for up to a day before serving. Just make sure to cover it well with plastic wrap to keep it fresh. If you want to make it even earlier, you can bake the cake, roll it up, and store it in the fridge without the filling for up to three days. Just fill and decorate right before you’re ready to serve!
What can I use instead of heavy cream for the filling?
If you’re looking for alternatives to heavy cream, no worries! You can use whipped topping like Cool Whip, which works well in a pinch. For a lighter option, you could also whip up some coconut cream—it gives a lovely flavor and richness. Just chill a can of coconut milk overnight, then scoop out the solid cream and whisk it until fluffy. You can add a bit of powdered sugar and vanilla to sweeten it up just like you would with regular whipped cream!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super easy! If you have any Yule log left after your festive gathering (which is rare, but it happens!), place it in an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can slice it before storing to make it easier to grab a piece. Just remember to keep it covered to maintain that delicious moisture and flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This Yule log recipe is perfect for beginners! The steps are simple and straightforward, making it a fun project for anyone in the kitchen.
- Deliciously Rich: With its chocolatey sponge cake and creamy filling, every bite is a heavenly experience that will satisfy your sweet tooth!
- Perfect for Holiday Gatherings: This stunning dessert not only looks fantastic on the table, but it also brings everyone together in the spirit of celebration and joy.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the flavors or fillings to suit your taste! Add a hint of coffee or a splash of peppermint extract for a festive twist.
- Impressive Presentation: Your friends and family will be wowed by this beautiful Yule log, making it a showstopper dessert that will leave them talking long after the meal.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe allows you to prepare your Yule log in advance, giving you more time to enjoy the festivities without the last-minute stress.
Delicious Yule Log Recipe: Your Easy Holiday Delight!
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic Yule log recipe perfect for the holidays.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 100g granulated sugar
- 100g all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Chocolate shavings for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease and line a 15×10 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold into the egg mixture.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cake springs back when touched.
- While the cake is baking, prepare a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar.
- Once done, remove the cake and immediately invert it onto the towel.
- Peel off the parchment paper and roll the cake up with the towel starting from the short end.
- Let it cool completely while rolled up.
- In a bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Unroll the cooled cake and spread the whipped cream evenly over the surface.
- Roll the cake back up carefully without the towel.
- Place the log seam side down on a serving platter.
- Use a fork to create bark-like patterns on the log.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
- Before serving, sprinkle with chocolate shavings for decoration.
Notes
- Make sure the cake is fully cooled before adding the cream.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the log for neat slices.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: yule log recipe, chocolate log cake, holiday desserts
