Welcome to the most wonderful time of the year! I can’t tell you how excited I get when the holiday season rolls around, and one of my absolute favorite traditions is baking a luscious *Christmas log*. This delightful dessert, also known as a yule log, is not just a treat; it’s a celebration of rich flavors and festive cheer. I remember the first time I made it – my kitchen was filled with the sweet smell of chocolate, and I just knew it would be a hit at our family gathering. Trust me, when you roll this cake up and see it adorned with creamy goodness and berries, it’s like bringing the joy of the holidays right to your table. You’re going to love it!
Ingredients List
Let’s gather all the delicious ingredients we’ll need to whip up this festive *Christmas log*! You’re going to love how simple and straightforward they are. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup chocolate ganache
- Fresh berries for garnish
These ingredients come together to create a rich, chocolatey cake that’s perfect for the holidays. You can already imagine the flavors, right? So, let’s get ready to bake this beauty!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s dive into creating this delightful *Christmas log*! It’s easier than you might think, and I promise the end result will be so rewarding. Follow along step-by-step, and you’ll have a festive masterpiece in no time!
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
First things first, grab a mixing bowl and combine your flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until they’re fluffy and light—this is what gives your cake that airy texture! Once they’re nice and frothy, gently fold in the dry ingredients along with the vanilla extract. You want to blend until everything is just combined, so don’t overmix!
Step 2: Bake the Cake
Next, pour your luscious batter into a lined baking pan, spreading it evenly. Pop it into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as you want it to spring back when touched. Once it’s done, take it out and let it cool on a wire rack—this step is crucial for the perfect roll!
Step 3: Assemble the *Christmas Log*
Now for the fun part! Whip your heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, creating that luscious filling. Once your cake has cooled completely, spread the whipped cream generously over it, leaving a little space at the edges. Carefully, roll the cake up tightly, starting from one end. This is where the magic happens! The tighter you roll, the prettier your log will look. After rolling, place it seam-side down and get ready to adorn it with chocolate ganache and those beautiful fresh berries!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time—just 45 minutes total!
- Festive flavors that perfectly suit any holiday gathering.
- Customizable filling options to fit your taste—get creative!
- A visually impressive dessert that will wow your guests and make your celebration even more special.
Trust me, this *Christmas log* isn’t just a dessert; it’s a centerpiece of joy and deliciousness that everyone will love! You’ll want to make it year after year.
Tips for Success
To ensure your *Christmas log* turns out perfect, here are some of my favorite tips! First, when it comes time to slice your beautiful log, grab a serrated knife. This makes cutting through the soft cake a breeze without squishing it—trust me, it makes a difference!
Don’t hesitate to get creative with your filling! You can add flavors like peppermint extract for a refreshing twist or fold in some crushed candy canes for a festive crunch. If you want a richer taste, consider mixing in some melted chocolate into the whipped cream. Also, remember that rolling the cake tightly is key for a great presentation—so go for it! And if you have leftovers, they’re just as delicious the next day, so don’t worry if you can’t finish it all in one sitting!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying this delightful *Christmas log*, it’s nice to know what you’re savoring! Each slice is estimated to contain about 350 calories, with 20 grams of fat and 5 grams of protein. You’ll also find approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates, including 25 grams of sugar. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use. So, while you indulge in this festive treat, just remember that it’s all part of the holiday joy!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making the perfect *Christmas log*? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that pop up:
Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the *Christmas log* a day ahead of time. Just keep it wrapped in the fridge until you’re ready to serve—this way, it’ll be even richer in flavor!
What if I can’t find heavy cream?
No problem! You can substitute with a non-dairy whipped topping or use full-fat coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Just whip it up the same way!
Why did my cake crack while rolling?
Oh no! This can happen if the cake isn’t cooled properly or if it’s rolled too tightly. Make sure to let it cool completely and roll it gently but firmly. If you do get cracks, don’t worry—just cover them with ganache!
Can I add different flavors to the filling?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in ingredients like almond extract, orange zest, or even a hint of espresso for a unique twist. Just remember to keep the balance of wet and dry ingredients in mind.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just make sure to enjoy them cold—they’re still delicious!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your *Christmas log* fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay good for about three days—if it lasts that long! Just make sure to keep it sealed to maintain that lovely texture. If you want to enjoy it later, you can also freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw in the fridge overnight. No reheating needed; it’s delightful served cold, just like a winter wonderland treat!
Print
Christmas Log: 5 Steps to a Joyful Holiday Delight
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious Christmas log cake filled with rich flavors and festive cheer.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup chocolate ganache
- Fresh berries for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until fluffy.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients. Stir in vanilla.
- Pour batter into a lined baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Cool the cake on a wire rack.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Spread cream on cooled cake and roll it tightly.
- Top with chocolate ganache and garnish with berries.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the fridge.
- Use a serrated knife for slicing.
- Feel free to customize filling flavors.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: christmas log, yule log, festive cake, dessert
