Festive Traditional Yule Log Cake Recipe for Holiday Magic
Baking a traditional yule log cake brings festive magic to winter celebrations.
Delicate chocolate sponge rolls into an enchanting woodland-inspired dessert that sparks joy.
Sweet memories of holiday gatherings flood back with each slice.
Generations have cherished this classic french confection as a centerpiece of christmas cheer.
Intricate decorations mimic tree bark, creating a whimsical edible landscape.
Decorative meringue mushrooms and powdered sugar snow add playful charm.
Craft this spectacular dessert and watch faces light up with wonder.
What Makes Traditional Yule Log Cake Special
Key Ingredients for Traditional Yule Log Cake
Cake Base Ingredients:Wet Ingredients:Filling and Frosting Ingredients:Baking Instructions for Traditional Yule Log Cake
Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet
Warm up your oven to 350°F. Line a jellyroll pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage and smooth edges.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Combine these powdery ingredients in a medium bowl:Whisk thoroughly to eliminate any potential lumps and create a uniform mixture.
Step 3: Whip Egg Mixture
In a separate large mixing bowl, vigorously beat eggs and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Continue whipping until the mixture becomes pale, fluffy, and forms soft peaks.
Step 4: Blend Cake Batter
Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the whipped egg mixture. Use a spatula with soft, sweeping motions to maintain the airiness of the batter. Stop mixing once ingredients are just incorporated.
Step 5: Bake Sponge Cake
Pour batter evenly into prepared pan. Spread carefully to create a consistent thickness. Slide into preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until cake springs back when lightly touched.
Step 6: Initial Cake Rolling
Immediately after removing from oven, flip cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off parchment paper. Roll cake with towel from short end, allowing it to cool completely in rolled position.
Step 7: Fill and Reroll
Unroll cooled cake carefully. Spread a generous layer of whipped cream across the interior surface. Gently roll cake back up, this time without the towel.
Step 8: Decorate and Chill
Cover rolled cake with rich chocolate ganache. Use a fork to create bark-like texture. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to set decorations and enhance flavors.
Expert Advice for Yule Log Cake Success
Creative Ideas for Yule Log Cake
Perfect Pairings for Traditional Yule Log Cake
Storage Recommendations for Yule Log Cake
Answers to Yule Log Cake Questions
The key is to roll the cake while it’s still warm using a clean towel. This helps the cake maintain flexibility and prevents cracking when you add the filling later.
Yes, you can prepare the Yule log cake a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and add decorative elements like powdered sugar or chocolate shavings right before serving.
Dust the towel with powdered sugar before rolling the warm cake. This prevents sticking and helps create a smooth, even roll.
Use unsweetened cocoa powder for the richest chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa will give the cake a deeper, more intense chocolate taste.
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Traditional Yule Log Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
Festive Chocolate Yule Log brings European holiday magic to winter celebrations. Creamy chocolate buttercream and delicate sponge cake roll together into a woodland-inspired dessert that delights you with seasonal charm.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) sugar
Cake Base:
- 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (25 g) cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Filling and Topping:
- 1 cup (240 ml) whipped cream
- 1 cup (240 ml) chocolate ganache
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and lightly greasing the surface to prevent sticking.
- Sift together cocoa powder, flour, and baking powder to eliminate any lumps and ensure a smooth cake texture.
- Whip eggs and sugar in an electric mixer until the mixture becomes pale, voluminous, and forms soft ribbons when the whisk is lifted.
- Delicately incorporate the dry ingredients into the egg mixture using a folding technique, maintaining the air and volume of the batter.
- Spread the batter evenly across the prepared baking sheet, creating a thin, uniform layer at 350F (175C) for 10-12 minutes.
- Test cake doneness by inserting a toothpick, which should emerge clean and without wet batter.
- Immediately after baking, cover the warm cake with a clean kitchen towel and carefully roll it into a cylindrical shape to prevent cracking.
- Allow the rolled cake to cool completely at room temperature, which helps set its shape and prevents moisture buildup.
- Gently unroll the cooled cake and apply a generous layer of whipped cream across the interior surface.
- Re-roll the cake carefully, ensuring a tight and even spiral with the cream filling.
- Drizzle and coat the exterior with rich chocolate ganache, creating a bark-like texture and appearance.
- Refrigerate the Yule log for at least one hour to allow the ganache to set and flavors to meld together.
Notes
- Check cake doneness carefully to avoid overbaking, which can lead to a dry, crumbly texture that makes rolling difficult.
- Use a thin kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar when rolling to prevent sticking and ensure a smooth, elegant cake surface.
- Experiment with different filling variations like espresso-flavored cream, raspberry preserves, or chestnut cream for unique seasonal twists on the traditional Yule log.
- Chill the ganache briefly before spreading to achieve a more stable, spreadable consistency that creates a smooth, professional-looking chocolate coating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 303 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Samantha Lee
Recipe Developer & Content Creator
Expertise
Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops
Education
Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.