Ah, the Christmas log! This delightful dessert, also known as a Yule log, is a cherished tradition that brings warmth and joy to holiday gatherings. Picture this: a soft, chocolate sponge cake rolled into a beautiful log shape, filled with rich cream, and adorned with chocolate shavings. It’s not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a feast for the eyes, making it the star of your festive table! Trust me, the moment you slice into this luscious log, the layers of creamy filling and moist cake will have everyone swooning. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, so you can impress your guests without breaking a sweat. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe and create a holiday masterpiece that’s bound to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
Let’s gather everything we need to create this dreamy Christmas log! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 large eggs: These will provide the structure and richness to our chocolate sponge.
- 100g granulated sugar: Just the right amount to sweeten the batter and help it rise.
- 80g all-purpose flour: The base of our cake, giving it that lovely texture.
- 30g cocoa powder: This brings the deep chocolate flavor we all crave.
- 1 tsp baking powder: A little boost to help our cake rise perfectly.
- 200ml heavy cream: For whipping into a luscious filling and frosting.
- 50g powdered sugar: Sweetening the cream for that dreamy filling.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: A splash of flavor that makes everything better!
- Chocolate shavings: For decoration, because who can resist that festive touch?
Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for the best results, and don’t skip the chocolate shavings—they’re the cherry on top of your holiday masterpiece!
How to Prepare the Christmas Log
Now, let’s get into the fun part—preparing our beautiful Christmas log! Don’t worry; I’ll guide you through each step. First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting that perfect sponge cake texture. While the oven heats up, grab a mixing bowl and beat those eggs and granulated sugar together until they’re light and fluffy. You want it to almost triple in volume, which is key for a light cake!
Next, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder in another bowl. This helps aerate the dry ingredients and avoids any lumps. Now, gently fold the dry mixture into the egg mixture—be careful not to overmix, or you’ll lose all that lovely air we just whipped into the eggs. Pour the batter into a lined baking sheet, spreading it evenly, and pop it in the oven for about 12-15 minutes until it’s springy to the touch. Once baked, let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Rolling and Filling the Christmas Log
Once your cake is completely cool, it’s time to roll it up. Place a clean kitchen towel on a flat surface and sprinkle it lightly with powdered sugar. This prevents sticking! Carefully flip the cake onto the towel, peel off the parchment paper, and while it’s still warm, start rolling it tightly from one end to the other—this step is crucial for avoiding cracks! Let it cool in that rolled-up shape for about 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, whip your heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until it forms those beautiful, soft peaks. Once the cake has cooled in its rolled shape, gently unroll it, spread a generous layer of cream inside, and then re-roll it tightly. You’ll want to be gentle but firm to keep that lovely spiral intact!
Decorating the Christmas Log
Now comes the fun part—decorating your Christmas log! Once you’ve rolled it up and placed it seam-side down on a serving platter, use the remaining whipped cream to cover the entire log. You can be as generous as you want here, making it look fluffy and inviting! For that rustic Yule log appearance, use a fork to create some wood-like textures in the cream. Finally, sprinkle chocolate shavings on top for that festive flair. Trust me, this will make your log look irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Christmas log isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration on a plate! Here’s why you’ll adore making (and eating) this delightful treat:
- Decadent chocolate flavor: The rich chocolate sponge and creamy filling create a heavenly combination that chocolate lovers will swoon over.
- Beautiful presentation: Its charming log shape and festive decorations make it the centerpiece of any holiday table.
- Perfect for gatherings: This recipe serves 8, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends during your holiday celebrations.
- Easy to make: With simple steps, you won’t need to be a pastry chef to create this stunning dessert.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with flavors and toppings, from adding berries to trying different extracts.
Trust me, once you serve this beautiful Yule log, it’ll become a holiday tradition that everyone looks forward to year after year!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Christmas log turns out perfectly, here are some of my top tips! First, make sure your eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps them whip up nice and fluffy, which is essential for a light sponge. When mixing the dry ingredients, don’t skip the sifting step—it really helps eliminate lumps and keep everything airy.
When you roll the cake, do it while it’s still warm; this makes it more pliable and less likely to crack. If you do happen to get a tear, don’t panic! Just cover it up with extra cream when decorating. Speaking of cream, make sure it’s cold when you whip it to achieve those perfect soft peaks. And lastly, don’t rush the chilling process after rolling—this helps the cake keep its shape when you cut into it. With these tips, you’ll have a stunning Christmas log that’s sure to impress!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! While I always say the best part of dessert is the taste, it’s good to know what you’re indulging in. Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one slice of this fabulous Christmas log:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 4g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, it’s the holidays! Enjoy every bite of this delicious treat without any guilt!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making your Christmas log? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that pop up when creating this festive Yule log:
Can I make the chocolate sponge ahead of time? Absolutely! You can bake the sponge a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap after it cools and store it in the fridge. This actually helps the flavors develop!
What if my cake cracks while rolling? Oops! Don’t stress. If you roll the cake while it’s still warm, it’s less likely to crack. But if it does, simply cover the crack with extra whipped cream when decorating. It’ll look beautiful in the end!
Can I use a different filling? Yes! While the classic whipped cream is delicious, feel free to get creative. You could use mascarpone, flavored whipped cream, or even a chocolate ganache for a richer filling.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover Christmas log in an airtight container in the fridge. It should keep well for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to enjoy it quickly—it’s hard to resist!
Can I freeze the Yule log? Yes, you can! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and it should last for up to a month in the freezer. Just thaw it in the fridge before serving for the best texture!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Christmas log properly is key to keeping it delicious for as long as possible! Once you’ve enjoyed your festive treat, be sure to wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. This helps prevent it from drying out and keeps that delightful cream filling intact. You can store it in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days.
If you want to save it for later, you can also freeze your Yule log! Just wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. It should last up to a month in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. There’s no need to reheat—just slice and serve chilled for a refreshing treat during the holiday season! Enjoy every bit!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Christmas log experience, consider pairing it with a few delightful accompaniments! A scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream perfectly complements the rich chocolate and cream, adding a creamy contrast that’s simply irresistible. For a festive touch, serve it alongside some fresh berries—think raspberries or strawberries. Their tartness cuts through the sweetness beautifully and adds a pop of color to your dessert table!
If you want to create a cozy vibe, a warm cup of spiced hot chocolate or rich coffee can be the perfect beverage to enjoy alongside your Yule log. The warmth of the drink will enhance the chocolate flavors, making every bite even more indulgent. Trust me, with these additions, your holiday dessert spread will be a showstopper that everyone will remember!
Imprimer
Christmas Log: 5 Sweet Reasons to Savor This Delight
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 8 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A traditional Christmas log dessert, also known as a Yule log, made with chocolate sponge cake and rich cream filling.
Ingrédients
- 4 large eggs
- 100g granulated sugar
- 80g all-purpose flour
- 30g cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 200ml heavy cream
- 50g powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Chocolate shavings for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Sift together flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into the egg mixture.
- Pour batter into a lined baking sheet and spread evenly.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until springy to touch.
- Let cool and roll the cake into a log shape.
- Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
- Unroll the cake, spread cream, and re-roll tightly.
- Cover the log with remaining cream and decorate with chocolate shavings.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cool before rolling.
- Use a serrated knife to trim the ends for a clean look.
- Store in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Temps De Préparation: 30 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 15 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: French
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 20g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 9g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 6g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 4g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 80mg
Mots-clés: christmas log, yule log, chocolate dessert
