Okay, picture this: I’m On Christmas Eve, the fire’s crackling, and Bing Crosby on the record player. And the aroma of Christmas tree. Why is chocolate wafting through the house? What is Grandma’s Yule Log recipe? It’s a tradition, . , and …a delicious slice of holiday cheer. If you’re a fan of chocolate Swiss rolls, then you’re going to love this. What makes this Yule Log so special? What’s the best part about making a necklace?
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What is a Yule log?
What is a Yule log? Think of it as a decadent chocolate swiss roll cake, but all dressed up for the holidays. What is a sponge cake? What is the “bark” effect created by a fork, and it’s often decorated with powdered sugar “snow”? What are some meringue mushrooms, candied cran What is a centerpiece? The name comes from the ancient tradition of burning a Yule log during the winter solstice, in the spring and summer. What is the symbol of the return of light and warmth?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? What I love about this Yule Log recipe is that it’s incredibly impressive without being overpowering. Is it ridiculously
- Flavor Explosion:The rich, dark chocolate sponge cake paired with the creamy, slightly sweet filling is a match made in heaven. Is it overly sweet?
- SurprisinglyDon’t let the fancy appearance fool you. This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. I’ve simplified Grandma’s recipe to make it even more accessible for the home baker.
- Budget FriendlyYou probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. Is it a good idea to start planning for the future? What are the ingredients to make a perfect cake?
- Totally VersatileWhile I’m sharing Grandma’s classic chocolate version, feel free to experiment with different flavors. What are fillings and decorations? I’ve made it with raspberry jam, coffee buttercream, and even Nutella! What is your Yule log? If you love my chocolate cake recipe or even my brownies, you’re bound to fall head over heels for them. What is a Yule log dessert?
How do you make a Yule log?
Quick Overview
How do you make a Yule log? What’s the best way to decorate a log? What is the best way to work quickly while the cake is still warm and pliable? Is this recipe as intimidating as it sounds?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
- 4 large eggs, separated from each other.
- 34 cup granulated sugar. 2
- 13 cup all-purpose flour.
- 13 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (I prefer Dutch-processed for a richer flavor)
- 14 teaspoon salt.
- What is vanilla extract? 1 teaspoon.
For the Filling:
- 1 12 cups heavy cream. 1 tsp.
- 14 cup powdered sugar. 1 cup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. 1 tablespoon sugar.
- Optional: 14 cup chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips.
For the Glaze:
- 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped.
- 13 cup heavy cream.
- 2 tablespoons butter. 1 tablespoon salt
- Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting, meringue mushrooms, candied cranberries for decoration.
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the bottom. If you want to lift a cake out of the oven, this overhang will be your best friend. What is your opinion on this one?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside. How do you evenly distribute cocoa powder in a cake?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with half of the sugar (about 6 tablespoons) until light and fluffy. Set aside. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. In a separate, clean bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining sugar (the other 6 tablespoons) and continue beating until stiff, glossy. How do I not overwhip egg whites?
Step 4: Combine
Gently fold dry ingredients into egg yolk mixture. If you beaten egg whites in two additions, fold them in a small bowl. Then fold in the remaining egg yolks. Be careful not to deflate them. What is the airiness of jelly roll batter? How do I cook a chicken evenly?
Step 5: Prepare Filling
While the cake is baking, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Set aside. If you want to add chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips, gently fold them in now.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. How do you bake a cake?
Step 7: Cool & Roll
Is it safe to invert cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar? Carefully peel off the parchment paper. Starting from one short end, roll the cake up tightly with the towel. Let it cool completely in a towel. This step is crucial for preventing cracks when you roll it later. I always do this when I’m trying not to have any cracks.
Step 8: Frost & Decorate
Once the cake is completely cool, unroll it carefully. Spread the whipped cream filling evenly over the cake. Re-roll tightly without the towel. Place the cake seam-side down on a serving platter. To make the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat and serve. Add the chopped chocolate and the butter. Stir well. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy. Let the ganache cool slightly, then pour it over the Yule Log, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Use a fork to create bark-like texture. Decorate with powdered sugar, meringue mushrooms, candied cranberries, or any other festive decoration. What are some of the best decorations to
Step 9: Slice & Serve
If you slice a Yule log, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the ganache to set before slicing. With a serrated knife, make the cleanest cuts possible.
What to Serve It With
This Yule Log is amazing on its own, but here are some ideas for serving it:
For Christmas Morning Brunch: Serve alongside a steaming mug of hot chocolate or a festive mimosa. I like to add a sprinkle of cinnamon to my hot chocolate for an extra touch of holiday spice.
As Dessert: After a big holiday dinner, a slice of Yule Log is the perfect ending. Pair it with a glass of dessert wine or a cup of coffee. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side is always a good idea, too!
For a Cozy Night In: Curl up on the couch with a slice of Yule Log and a good book. It’s the perfect treat for a cold winter evening. My kids ask for this all the time.
At a Holiday Party: This Yule Log makes a stunning centerpiece for any holiday party. Your guests will be impressed by your baking skills!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Yule Log Recipe
Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years to help you make the perfect Yule Log:
Egg Whites: Make sure your egg whites are at room temperature and that your bowl and whisk are clean and grease-free. This will help them whip up to stiff peaks.
Rolling Technique: Don’t be afraid to roll the cake tightly. The tighter you roll it, the less likely it is to crack. The towel is your friend!
Ganache Consistency: If your ganache is too thick, add a tablespoon of warm heavy cream at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, refrigerate it for a few minutes to thicken it up.
Decoration: Get creative with your decorations! Use meringue mushrooms, candied cranberries, chocolate shavings, or even edible glitter to make your Yule Log truly special. You can even use some rosemary sprigs to decorate it to look even more like a tree log!
Ingredient Swaps: If you’re not a fan of chocolate, you can use a vanilla sponge cake and a different filling, such as lemon curd or raspberry jam. The possibilities are endless!
Baking Tips: Keep a close eye on the cake while it’s baking. Overbaking will make it dry and more likely to crack when you roll it. I learned this trick after years of making it!
Filling Options: For the filling, you can add a little cocoa powder to your whipped cream to make a rich chocolate whipped cream. Or, you can spread a thin layer of raspberry jam before you put the whipped cream on. You can also use a chocolate mousse, if you want it even richer.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to store your Yule Log to keep it fresh:
Room Temperature: You can store the Yule Log at room temperature for a few hours, but it’s best to refrigerate it if you’re not serving it right away. Make sure it is covered tightly.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the Yule Log in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. It’s really important to do this, otherwise the cake will dry out!
Freezer Instructions: You can freeze the Yule Log for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: It’s best to glaze the Yule Log right before serving, as the glaze can become sticky in the refrigerator. If you’re freezing the Yule Log, glaze it after it has thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Yule Log recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a tradition, a memory, and a symbol of holiday cheer. I hope you’ll try it this Christmas and create your own cherished memories with your loved ones. It’s truly a labor of love. And I promise you, the moment you take that first bite of the moist chocolate cake and creamy filling, all your hard work will be worth it. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other holiday desserts. Happy baking! And please, leave a comment below and let me know how your Yule Log turns out. I can’t wait to hear from you!
How to Make a Classic Yule Log Recipe for the Perfect Christmas: 7 Key Steps
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3.5 oz dark chocolate finely chopped
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour sifted
- 4 large eggs separated
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream for the filling
- 1 tsp vanilla extract for the filling
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate over a pot of simmering water.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale. Fold in the melted chocolate.
- Whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form and gently fold them into the chocolate mixture. Add the flour and mix gently.
- Spread the batter evenly onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Once cooled, spread the whipped cream and vanilla mixture over the cake, roll it up, and cover with chocolate ganache.
