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

• Craft a Festive Showstopper: This traditional Yule log cake transforms an ordinary dessert into a stunning holiday centerpiece that will impress family and friends with its elegant design and rich chocolate flavor.
• Master a Classic Technique: Baking this roll cake teaches essential pastry skills like rolling a delicate sponge cake and creating smooth ganache, making it perfect for bakers wanting to expand their culinary repertoire.
• Create a Family Tradition: The process of making this special dessert becomes a memorable holiday activity where everyone can participate, from mixing ingredients to decorating the final log, creating lasting memories and bonding moments.
• Simple Ingredients, Spectacular Result: Using basic pantry staples like eggs, flour, sugar, and cocoa, you can create an incredibly sophisticated dessert that looks like it came from a professional bakery without requiring advanced baking expertise.

Key Ingredients for Traditional Yule Log Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure to the light and delicate Yule log cake.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and dark color to the cake base.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a soft, tender texture.

• Eggs: The primary binding agent that gives the cake its fluffy and airy consistency.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, golden cake texture.

• Whipped Cream, Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth, creamy filling that adds moisture to the rolled cake.
• Chocolate Ganache, Chocolate: Provides a luxurious coating and classic chocolate flavor for the traditional Yule log cake.

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

• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking powder

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

• Sift cocoa powder and flour thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, velvety cake texture.
• Use room temperature eggs for better volume and lighter cake consistency when beating with sugar.
• Carefully unroll the cake while it's still warm to prevent cracking and make rolling easier later.
• Apply a thin layer of ganache first, then add decorative details like bark texture using a fork for an authentic woodland look.
• Store the Yule log in the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and softness.

Creative Ideas for Yule Log Cake

• Seasonal Berry Yule Log: Replace chocolate ganache with mixed berry compote and cream cheese frosting for a fruity summer version.
• Nutty Chocolate Crunch: Add chopped hazelnuts and almonds inside the cream filling and sprinkle crushed nuts on the chocolate coating for extra texture.
• Espresso Mocha Yule Log: Infuse the cream filling with espresso powder and add a coffee-flavored ganache to create a rich, caffeinated dessert.
• Salted Caramel Yule Log: Drizzle salted caramel sauce between cake layers and incorporate caramel pieces into the whipped cream for a decadent transformation.

Perfect Pairings for Traditional Yule Log Cake

• Elevate Chocolate Flavors: Pair this classic Yule Log Cake with rich, full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Port, which complement the deep chocolate notes and enhance the dessert's luxurious texture.
• Contrasting Beverage Experience: Serve alongside a smooth espresso or cappuccino, allowing the coffee's bitter undertones to balance the cake's sweetness and create a harmonious taste sensation.
• Fruit Accompaniment Delight: Add fresh raspberries or strawberry coulis on the side to introduce a bright, tart element that cuts through the cake's richness and provides a refreshing palate cleansing effect.
• Temperature Harmony: Serve the cake slightly chilled, ensuring the ganache maintains its glossy texture while the whipped cream interior remains light and delicate for maximum enjoyment.

Storage Recommendations for Yule Log Cake

• Place the Yule log cake in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Place in a freezer-safe container to protect its delicate shape.
• Transfer the frozen Yule log from freezer to refrigerator and let it slowly thaw overnight. Remove wrapping just before serving to maintain moisture.
• Warm briefly at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent texture damage and maintain the cake's delicate cream filling.

Answers to Yule Log Cake Questions

• What is the secret to getting the perfect cake roll without cracking?

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.

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

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.

• How do I ensure my cake doesn't stick to the towel when rolling?

Dust the towel with powdered sugar before rolling the warm cake. This prevents sticking and helps create a smooth, even roll.

• What type of cocoa powder works best for this recipe?

Use unsweetened cocoa powder for the richest chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa will give the cake a deeper, more intense chocolate taste.

Traditional Yule Log Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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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.

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Ingredients

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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

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Instructions

1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and lightly greasing the surface to prevent sticking.
2. Sift together cocoa powder, flour, and baking powder to eliminate any lumps and ensure a smooth cake texture.
3. Whip eggs and sugar in an electric mixer until the mixture becomes pale, voluminous, and forms soft ribbons when the whisk is lifted.
4. Delicately incorporate the dry ingredients into the egg mixture using a folding technique, maintaining the air and volume of the batter.
5. Spread the batter evenly across the prepared baking sheet, creating a thin, uniform layer at 350F (175C) for 10-12 minutes.
6. Test cake doneness by inserting a toothpick, which should emerge clean and without wet batter.
7. Immediately after baking, cover the warm cake with a clean kitchen towel and carefully roll it into a cylindrical shape to prevent cracking.
8. Allow the rolled cake to cool completely at room temperature, which helps set its shape and prevents moisture buildup.
9. Gently unroll the cooled cake and apply a generous layer of whipped cream across the interior surface.
10. Re-roll the cake carefully, ensuring a tight and even spiral with the cream filling.
11. Drizzle and coat the exterior with rich chocolate ganache, creating a bark-like texture and appearance.
12. 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