Every Christmas, my family gathers around the table, and there’s one dessert that always steals the show: the Christmas Yule Log cake. I remember the first time I made it, the excitement of rolling up that chocolate sponge with buttercream filling was like a holiday magic trick! It’s such a unique dessert, resembling a rustic log adorned with snowy icing. Trust me, the rich chocolate flavor paired with the creamy buttercream makes it a festive delight that everyone loves. Plus, it’s so much fun to decorate! You’ll definitely want to add this Christmas Yule Log cake to your holiday table.
Ingredients List
- 4 large eggs
- 100g granulated sugar
- 70g all-purpose flour
- 30g cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 200g unsalted butter (softened)
- 200g powdered sugar
- 200g dark chocolate (for melting)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before you start, because nothing slows down the fun like a last-minute search for cocoa powder! Trust me, fresh eggs make a world of difference in the fluffiness of your sponge, so grab those from the fridge first. And don’t forget to let that butter sit out to soften—it’ll make your buttercream so much creamier and easier to spread. Happy baking!
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s get that oven ready! Preheat it to 180°C (350°F) so it’s nice and hot when your cake goes in. While that’s heating up, line a baking tray with parchment paper. This step is crucial because it keeps your cake from sticking and makes it easier to roll later on. Trust me, you don’t want to lose any of that delicious sponge!
Making the Cake Batter
Now, let’s make that luscious cake batter! In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. This aeration is what helps your sponge rise beautifully! Next, gently sift in the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Use a spatula to fold these dry ingredients in—be careful not to overmix! We want to keep all that air we just whipped in! Once combined, spread the batter evenly in your prepared baking tray, making sure it reaches all the corners.
Baking and Cooling
Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want it to spring back when lightly touched. Once baked, it’s so important to let it cool completely on a wire rack before rolling it up. If you skip this step, you might end up with cracks, and nobody wants that! Patience is key here, my friend.
Prepare the Buttercream
While the cake cools, let’s whip up that dreamy buttercream! Melt the dark chocolate in a bowl and let it cool slightly. In another bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with powdered sugar and vanilla until it’s light and creamy. Then, slowly mix in the melted chocolate. You’re looking for a smooth, spreadable consistency—this is what’ll make your Yule log look fabulous!
Assemble the Christmas Yule Log Cake
Now for the fun part! Carefully spread a generous layer of buttercream over the cooled sponge. When you’re ready to roll, start from one edge and gently lift the parchment paper to help guide the cake. Roll it up tightly, but don’t squish it! Once rolled, place it seam-side down on a serving platter. Use the remaining buttercream to decorate the outside. You can get creative here—maybe a dusting of powdered sugar or some chocolate shavings for that extra festive flair!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table, bringing festive cheer to any gathering.
- The rich chocolate flavor is truly indulgent—every bite feels like a warm hug!
- Rolling the cake is a fun process that even the kids can get involved in!
- You can customize the decorations, making it a wonderful canvas for your creativity.
- It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends, sparking joy and sweet memories.
- The combination of light sponge and creamy buttercream creates a delightful texture contrast.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) make a delicious treat for days to come.
- Making a Yule Log cake is a beloved tradition that can be passed down through generations.
Tips for Success
Making a Christmas Yule Log cake can feel a bit daunting, but don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with some practical tips to ensure your dessert turns out perfectly!
- Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature before you start. This helps them mix together more smoothly and creates a fluffier sponge!
- Don’t overmix: When folding in the dry ingredients, be gentle! Overmixing can deflate your batter, leading to a denser cake. Just fold until you see no more streaks—it’s okay if it’s a little lumpy!
- Cool completely: Allow your sponge to cool completely on a wire rack before rolling it up. If it’s even slightly warm, it might crack when you try to roll it, and that’s a holiday disaster!
- Use parchment paper: Lining your baking tray with parchment not only prevents sticking but also helps when you’re rolling the cake. The paper acts as a guide, making the process a breeze!
- Practice your roll: When rolling the cake, start tight but not too tight—think of it like rolling a sleeping bag! This will help keep your layers together without squishing the sponge.
- Have fun decorating: Get creative with your decorations! Whether you go for classic powdered sugar snow or whimsical chocolate shavings, let your personality shine through. This is where you can really make it your own!
- Chill before serving: Chill your Yule log in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This helps the buttercream set and makes for cleaner slices. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to impressing family and friends with a stunning and delicious Christmas Yule Log cake. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve made your delicious Christmas Yule Log cake, you might be wondering how to store it properly to keep it tasting fresh and delightful! First off, if you have any leftovers (which is a big if, because it’s so good!), wrap the Yule log tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This will help keep it from drying out in the fridge.
Store your wrapped Yule Log in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s well-protected; you don’t want any fridge odors to spoil that rich chocolate flavor! If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze it. To freeze, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container. It’ll last up to 2 months in the freezer, perfect for those unexpected holiday cravings!
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen Yule Log, simply transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. No need to reheat it—the cake is best served chilled, allowing those flavors to shine. If you want to freshen it up right before serving, you can add a little extra buttercream or a dusting of powdered sugar to give it that freshly made look. Enjoy every slice!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the nitty-gritty of what’s in your delicious Christmas Yule Log cake! Keep in mind that these are estimated values, but they give you a good idea of what to expect.
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 4g
This cake is definitely a treat, so enjoy it in moderation! It’s rich, decadent, and worth every bite during the holiday season. Happy indulging!
FAQ Section
I’ve gathered some common questions you might have about the Christmas Yule Log cake, so let’s dive in!
Can I make this Yule Log cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s a great idea to make it a day or two in advance. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just be sure to store it properly in the fridge, wrapped tightly.
What can I use instead of dark chocolate?
If you’re not a fan of dark chocolate, you can easily substitute it with milk chocolate or even white chocolate for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that it will change the richness of your buttercream!
How can I decorate my Yule Log cake?
The decoration is where you can let your creativity shine! You can dust it with powdered sugar for a snowy effect, add chocolate shavings, or even use marzipan decorations. Some people like to create little mushrooms from meringue for that classic touch!
Can I make a gluten-free version of this cake?
Yes! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Just be sure to check that your cocoa powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
What’s the best way to serve the Yule Log cake?
Slice it with a sharp knife for clean cuts, and serve it chilled. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that extra indulgence!
Can I add flavors to the buttercream?
Definitely! You can infuse your buttercream with different flavors like peppermint extract for a festive twist, or even a splash of coffee or orange zest for something unique. Just remember to adjust the sugar accordingly to maintain the right sweetness!
What should I do if my sponge cracks while rolling?
Don’t panic! If your sponge does crack, you can cover it with buttercream or decorations like chocolate shavings to hide the imperfections. It’ll still taste just as delicious, and no one will be the wiser!
I hope these answers help you on your journey to create the perfect Christmas Yule Log cake! If you have more questions, feel free to reach out. Happy baking!
Imprimer
Christmas Yule Log Cake: 7 Secrets for Joyful Baking
- Temps Total: 35 minutes
- Rendement: 8 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A traditional Christmas Yule Log cake made with chocolate sponge and buttercream.
Ingrédients
- 4 large eggs
- 100g granulated sugar
- 70g all-purpose flour
- 30g cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 200g unsalted butter
- 200g powdered sugar
- 200g dark chocolate
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Whisk eggs and granulated sugar until pale.
- Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder; fold gently.
- Spread batter in a lined baking tray.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Cool on a wire rack.
- Melt dark chocolate and let cool slightly.
- Beat butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until creamy.
- Add melted chocolate and mix well.
- Spread buttercream on cooled sponge, roll it up carefully.
- Decorate with remaining buttercream.
- Chill before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh eggs for best results.
- Make sure the cake is completely cooled before rolling.
- Decorate with powdered sugar or chocolate shavings.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 15 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: French
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sucre: 25g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 12g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 5g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 4g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 80mg
Mots-clés: christmas yule log cake
