Yule Log Cake Recipe: Best Holiday Dessert for Christmas

The Yule Log Cake, or Bûche de Noël, is a stunning and delicious dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season. A traditional European treat, this rolled chocolate cake is filled with light whipped cream and coated with a glossy chocolate ganache. With its beautiful log-like appearance and rich flavors, it’s a dessert that adds an impressive touch to any festive table.

Why You Should Make a Yule Log Cake

Yule Log Cake is the ultimate holiday dessert for any gathering. It’s a showstopper that combines the sweetness of chocolate cake with the lightness of whipped cream. It’s not just a cake, it’s an experience – making and decorating the Yule Log Cake is fun, and it offers a unique way to celebrate the holiday season. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe offers clear instructions that make it accessible while still impressing your guests. Plus, it’s a versatile dessert you can easily adapt to fit your dietary preferences.

Ingredients for a Yule Log Cake

• Eggs: The foundation for creating the light and airy sponge texture of the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to create structure in the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: A warm, aromatic addition that enhances the cake’s flavor.
• Cake Flour: Light and soft, perfect for a delicate sponge cake.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Provides the rich chocolate flavor in the cake.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and maintain its fluffy texture.
• Espresso Powder: Optional but recommended for intensifying the chocolate flavor.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates the flavors.

Chocolate Ganache Frosting

• Bittersweet or Dark Chocolate: Gives the ganache a rich, deep chocolate taste.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds a smooth texture and sheen to the ganache.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the ganache.
• Heavy Cream: Combines with the chocolate to create a velvety ganache.

Whipped Cream Filling

• Heavy Cream: Forms the base for a fluffy, sweet filling.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the sweetness with a hint of vanilla flavor.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

• Cake Flour: If you don’t have cake flour, all-purpose flour can be used, though the texture might be slightly denser.
• Whipped Cream: For a dairy-free version, consider using coconut cream or a plant-based whipping cream alternative.
• Chocolate Ganache: You can use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter ganache or dark chocolate for a richer, less sweet topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Yule Log Cake

1. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350°F and line a 10″ x 15″ baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures that the cake will bake evenly without sticking.
2. Whip the Egg Whites: In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Set them aside.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until pale and smooth. Add vanilla extract and mix again.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the cake flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, espresso powder, and salt.
5. Make the Cake Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until well combined. Then, gently fold in the whipped egg whites in two parts, making sure to keep the airiness intact.
6. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cake is springy to the touch.
7. Cool the Cake: While the cake is baking, lay a clean kitchen towel on the counter and dust it with powdered sugar. Once the cake is done, turn it out onto the towel and carefully peel away the parchment paper. Roll the cake up gently with the towel and let it cool completely.
8. Make the Ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it begins to bubble around the edges. Pour it over chopped dark chocolate, butter, and vanilla in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes, then stir until smooth. Set aside to cool.
9. Whip the Cream Filling: Whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then add powdered sugar and vanilla. Continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
10. Assemble the Cake: Once the cake is cool, unroll it carefully. Spread the whipped cream filling evenly over the surface of the cake, then gently re-roll it into a log shape.
11. Decorate: Spread the chocolate ganache over the entire cake, smoothing it with a spatula. Use a fork or toothpick to create a log-like texture on the surface. Optional: garnish with fresh cranberries, rosemary sprigs, and a dusting of powdered sugar to resemble snow.

Tips & Tricks for Making the Perfect Yule Log Cake

• Don’t Overbake the Cake: Be sure not to overbake the cake, as this will cause it to dry out and crack when you try to roll it.
• Roll the Cake Quickly: The cake should be rolled while it’s still warm to avoid cracking. Make sure to work swiftly once it comes out of the oven.
• Chill the Ganache: If your ganache is too runny, let it cool and thicken before spreading it on the cake.
• Use a Serrated Knife for Slicing: A serrated knife helps to cut clean slices without squishing the cake.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

Pair your Yule Log Cake with a festive drink like White Hot Chocolate or a Cranberry Mimosa to enhance the holiday mood. You can also experiment with different fillings, such as a mascarpone cream or flavored whipped cream for variety. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use almond flour instead of cake flour, or opt for a flourless chocolate cake recipe for the base.

Storing and Freezing Your Yule Log Cake

If you have leftovers, you can store the Yule Log Cake in the refrigerator for up to three days. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap to prevent the ganache from sticking. For longer storage, freeze the cake before it’s decorated, and it can last for up to three months. Just make sure to thaw it properly before finishing the decoration.

Conclusion

The Yule Log Cake, or Bûche de Noël, is more than just a dessert; it’s a holiday tradition that brings warmth and joy to any celebration. With its rich chocolate sponge, light whipped cream filling, and glossy ganache coating, this cake makes a striking centerpiece for Christmas or New Year’s Eve gatherings. Not only is it visually impressive, but it also offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, following these simple steps will ensure your Yule Log Cake turns out perfect every time. Add your personal touch with creative decorations or garnishes, and you’ll have a festive dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

More Relevant Recipes

• Peach Burrata Parmesan Crostini with Hot Honey: This refreshing appetizer combines the sweetness of peach with the creaminess of burrata, making it a perfect balance to the rich chocolate flavors of the Yule Log Cake. The hot honey drizzle adds a warm, slightly spicy kick that’s great for summer or festive gatherings.
• Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins: These moist, spiced muffins offer a comforting, seasonal flavor profile that complements the warmth of a Yule Log Cake. The cream cheese filling inside adds a creamy texture that mirrors the smooth whipped cream filling in the cake, perfect for fall or holiday festivities.
• Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread: A combination of rich chocolate and pumpkin, this bread is a perfect pairing with the chocolate ganache of the Yule Log Cake. It’s ideal for those looking for a baked good that has both the seasonal charm of pumpkin and the indulgent flavor of chocolate.

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