Name: Christmas Yule Log Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 115 min
Ingredients: 4 eggs large eggs (at room temperature); 100 g granulated sugar; 75 g all-purpose flour; 25 g cocoa powder; 250 g heavy cream; 50 g powdered sugar; 200 g dark chocolate (chopped); 100 ml heavy cream

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There’s something truly magical about the Christmas Yule Log Cake, or *bûche de Noël*, that makes it the ultimate centerpiece for any holiday gathering. This delightful French dessert, crafted to resemble a log, is not only visually stunning but also a delicious treat that captures the spirit of the season. Imagine slicing into a beautifully rolled chocolate sponge cake, revealing a luscious filling, and topped with a rich chocolate frosting that mimics the texture of bark. It’s festive, it’s fun, and trust me, your guests will be absolutely impressed! Whether you’re celebrating with family or friends, this Christmas Yule Log Cake will surely add a touch of elegance and warmth to your holiday festivities.

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to create your stunning Christmas Yule Log Cake:

For the Cake:
4 large eggs at room temperature
100 g granulated sugar
75 g all-purpose flour
25 g cocoa powder

For the Filling:
250 g heavy cream
50 g powdered sugar

For the Frosting:
200 g dark chocolate, chopped
100 ml heavy cream

How to Prepare Christmas Yule Log Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

First things first, let’s get that oven preheated! Set it to 180°C (350°F) and while it heats up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This is super important because it will help your cake slide right off once it’s baked. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

Now, let’s whip up that delicious cake batter. In a large mixing bowl, beat the 4 large eggs with the 100 g of granulated sugar until they’re light and fluffy. It should take about 3-5 minutes of vigorous beating – you want that lovely airy texture! Next, sift in the 75 g of all-purpose flour and the 25 g of cocoa powder. This is where the magic happens! Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture with a spatula, being careful not to deflate all that air we just whipped in. You want a smooth batter without any lumps.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Spread the batter evenly onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure it reaches the corners. Bake it in your preheated oven for about 25 minutes, but keep an eye on it! You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes, then grab the edges of the parchment paper and gently roll the cake up into a log shape. This might feel a little tricky, but it’s key for getting those beautiful rolling layers! Allow it to cool completely while rolled up.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

While the cake cools, let’s whip up the filling. In a separate bowl, whip together the 250 g of heavy cream and the 50 g of powdered sugar until soft peaks form. It should be creamy and just sweet enough to complement the chocolate cake. Once the cake is completely cool, unroll it carefully and spread the whipped cream filling evenly across the surface.

Step 5: Roll and Chill the Cake

Now it’s time to roll the cake back up! Start at one end and roll it tightly, just like before. Don’t worry if it cracks a little – it adds to the rustic charm! Once rolled, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for about 60 minutes. This helps everything set nicely.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

While your cake is chilling, let’s make that luscious frosting. In a small saucepan, heat 100 ml of heavy cream until it’s just simmering. Remove it from the heat and pour it over the 200 g of chopped dark chocolate. Let it sit for a minute and then stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. You’ll be left with a gorgeous, glossy frosting!

Step 7: Frost the Cake

Take your chilled Yule log out of the fridge, unwrap it, and place it on your serving platter. Now, spread the chocolate frosting generously over the entire cake. You can use a fork to create a bark-like texture – it makes it look even more like a real log! Be as creative as you want with this part, and don’t forget to enjoy the process!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive Flair: This Christmas Yule Log Cake brings the holiday spirit to your table, making it a delightful centerpiece.
Impressive Presentation: Its beautiful rolled design and rich frosting will wow your guests and spark conversations.
Deliciously Decadent: The combination of chocolate sponge cake and creamy filling creates a heavenly flavor experience.
Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday party, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Christmas Yule Log Cake turns out perfectly, here are some handy tips to keep in mind:

Room Temperature Eggs: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps them whip up better and create a fluffier cake.
Don’t Overmix: When folding in the flour and cocoa powder, be gentle! Overmixing can deflate the batter and make your cake dense.
Cooling Time: Allow the cake to cool completely before rolling it up. If it’s too warm, the filling could melt and make a mess!
Chill Before Frosting: The chilling step after rolling the cake is crucial. It helps everything set nicely, making frosting easier and neater.
Get Creative: Don’t hesitate to add your own flair! Edible decorations like holly or a dusting of powdered sugar can enhance the festive look!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you happen to have any leftovers of your delightful Christmas Yule Log Cake, storing it properly is key to keeping it fresh! Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. You can also place it in an airtight container if you prefer. It’ll stay delicious in the fridge for up to 3 days.

When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This will enhance the flavors and textures. If you want to warm it up slightly, you can microwave a slice for just 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overheat it, as you don’t want to melt that beautiful frosting!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each slice of this delightful Christmas Yule Log Cake:

Calories: 350
Fat: 20 g
Protein: 5 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Sugar: 25 g
Fiber: 2 g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. Enjoy every delicious bite!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making your Christmas Yule Log Cake? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that pop up:

Q: Can I make the Yule Log cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake and fill the cake a day in advance. Just make sure to wrap it tightly and store it in the fridge. Frost it on the day you plan to serve it for the best appearance.
Q: What can I use instead of dark chocolate for the frosting?
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use milk chocolate instead. Just remember, the sweetness will be higher, so adjust the sugar in the filling if needed!
Q: Can I add flavors to the filling?
Yes! Feel free to mix in some vanilla extract or a splash of rum for an extra festive touch. Just a teaspoon can really elevate the flavor!
Q: How do I create a more realistic bark effect on my Yule Log?
To enhance the bark-like texture, use a fork to create grooves in the frosting and sprinkle some cocoa powder or crushed nuts on top for a realistic look!
Q: Is the Christmas Yule Log Cake gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Just make sure to check the blend’s instructions for best results!

Now you’re all set to impress your guests with this gorgeous holiday dessert! Enjoy the festive baking! For more festive ideas, check out our Pinterest page!