Yule Log Cake
A Yule Log Cake is a classic Christmas showpiece built from a rolled chocolate sponge filled with creamy buttercream, then covered in chocolate ganache and scored to resemble tree bark. The rolling and decorating take some patience, but the whole cake comes together in about 2 hours, including chilling time.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Kitchen towel
- Sifter
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 large eggs separated
- ½ cup granulated sugar divided
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour sifted
- ¼ cup cocoa powder unsweetened
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream preferably organic
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Ganache:
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chopped
- ½ cup heavy cream preferred organic
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1/4 cup sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, beat yolks with the remaining 1/4 cup sugar, vanilla, cocoa, salt, and flour until well mixed. Gently fold in the egg whites.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet, spreading evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Check with finger to see if it springs back gently when touched.
- Form the Log Shape: Immediately after baking, invert the cake onto a kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar and gently peel off the parchment. Roll the cake and towel together, starting with a short side, and let cool.
- Prepare the Filling: Beat the cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Carefully unroll the cake, spread with whipped cream, and re-roll without the towel.
- Prepare the Ganache: Heat the cream until steaming, then pour over the chopped chocolate. Let stand briefly, then stir until smooth. Spread over the log, creating a bark-like texture with a spatula.
Notes
- For a traditional touch, drizzle some confectioners' sugar to mimic snow on the Yule log.
- You may also use a fork to create simulated bark lines across the ganache for a more authentic appearance.
Nutrition
Calories: 275kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 5gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 97mgSodium: 91mgPotassium: 147mgFiber: 2gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 610IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 42mgIron: 2mg
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