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Delicious Yule Log Cake decorated for the holidays

Yule Log Cake!

This festive Yule Log Cake features a light chocolate sponge cake rolled with rich chocolate buttercream, then decorated to resemble a tree log, perfect for holiday celebrations.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 57 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake
  • 4 large Eggs
  • 1/2 cup Granulated sugar (100g)
  • 1/2 cup All-purpose flour (60g)
  • 1/4 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder (25g)
  • 1 teaspoon Baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
Chocolate Buttercream
  • 1 cup Unsalted butter softened (226g)
  • 3 cups Powdered sugar (360g)
  • 1/2 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder (50g)
  • 1/4 cup Milk or heavy cream (60ml)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
For Decoration
  • Confectioners' sugar for dusting
  • Fresh cranberries a few
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs a few

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Electric mixer
  • Whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Sieve
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

Cake
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 10x15-inch baking sheet by lining and lightly greasing parchment paper.
  2. Beat eggs and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture is thick, pale, and tripled in volume.
  3. Sift together dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt), then gently fold them into the egg mixture in two additions.
  4. Spread the batter evenly on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  5. While warm, invert the cake onto a sugar-dusted tea towel, peel off parchment, and roll the cake with the towel inside to cool completely.
Chocolate Buttercream
  1. Beat softened butter with an electric mixer until it is light and fluffy.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, beating until fully incorporated and smooth.
  3. Slowly add milk or cream and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the buttercream is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
Assembly
  1. Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread about one-third of the chocolate buttercream evenly over the inside surface.
  2. Roll the cake back up tightly without the tea towel, then place it seam-side down on a serving platter.
  3. Trim a small diagonal slice from one end of the log and attach it to the side of the main log with buttercream to create a branch effect.
  4. Frost the entire cake with the remaining buttercream, using a fork to create a bark-like texture for decoration.
  5. Dust with confectioners' sugar and decorate with fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs to complete the festive Yule log appearance.

Notes

For a more rustic look, use a fork to create bark-like textures on the frosting. Chill the cake thoroughly before serving for easier slicing.