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Decorative Yule Log Cake adorned with festive icing and chocolate decorations.

Yule Log Cake

A classic festive dessert, this Yule Log Cake features a light sponge cake rolled with a rich filling and decorated to resemble a tree log, perfect for holiday celebrations.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Cake
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Filling
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3-4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2-4 tbsp milk or cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • salt pinch

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Jelly roll pan (10x15 inch)
  • Parchment paper
  • Clean kitchen towel
  • Spatula
  • Cooling rack
  • Fork

Method
 

Cake Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Beat eggs and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, then gently fold in flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and vanilla extract until just combined.
  2. Pour the batter onto a parchment-lined 10x15 inch jelly roll pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 12-15 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Rolling and Cooling
  1. Immediately invert the warm cake onto a clean, powdered sugar-dusted kitchen towel and carefully peel off the parchment paper. Starting from a short side, roll the cake tightly with the towel inside and let it cool completely in this rolled position.
Filling
  1. In a cold bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Assembly
  1. Once the cake is completely cooled, gently unroll it. Spread the whipped cream filling evenly over the cake, leaving a small border, then carefully re-roll the cake.
Frosting and Decoration
  1. Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, alternating with milk/cream, until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
  2. Frost the entire log cake with the chocolate buttercream. Use a fork to create a wood-grain effect and decorate with desired festive garnishes like meringue mushrooms or cranberries.

Notes

For a more intense chocolate flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of instant espresso powder to either the cake batter or the frosting.