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Traditional Yule Log Cake Recipe

Traditional Yule Log Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 34 reviews

  • 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

Scale

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

  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