Ah, the Christmas Yule Log Cake! This delightful dessert is not just a treat; it’s a tradition that brings warmth and joy to our holiday celebrations. Growing up, my family would gather around the kitchen, flour dusting our noses as we crafted this beautiful log-shaped cake. It’s a symbol of togetherness and the cozy spirit of the season! The aroma of chocolate wafting through the house fills me with nostalgia, reminding me of chilly winter evenings spent with loved ones. Trust me, when you roll this cake and fill it with whipped cream, you’re not just making a dessert—you’re creating memories that will last a lifetime. Let’s dive into this festive delight together!
Ingredients for Christmas Yule Log Cake
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making your Christmas Yule Log Cake a delicious success! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your cake, giving it structure.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: For just the right sweetness that balances the cocoa.
- 3 large eggs: They help bind everything together and give the cake its lovely rise.
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder: Use high-quality cocoa for a rich, chocolatey flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This gives the cake that perfect fluffiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance all those yummy flavors!
- 1/2 cup water: Keeps the batter moist and helps it bake evenly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the flavor beautifully.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This will be whipped to creamy perfection for the filling.
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream and adds a touch of silkiness.
- Chocolate shavings for decoration: Because a Yule log needs to look as good as it tastes!
Make sure to gather these ingredients before you start, and you’ll be on your way to creating a festive masterpiece!
How to Prepare Christmas Yule Log Cake
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making your Christmas Yule Log Cake! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a gorgeous dessert to impress your family and friends.
Prepping the Cake Batter
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial so your cake bakes evenly! While that’s warming up, grease and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help your cake release easily later on. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined. In another bowl, beat the eggs, water, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Now, pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, and mix until you have a silky batter. It should be lump-free and ready to go!
Baking the Cake
Spread your luscious batter evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it springs back lightly when touched. Once baked, remove it from the oven and carefully invert it onto a clean kitchen towel. This is where it gets a bit tricky, but don’t worry! Just gently peel off the parchment paper.
Rolling and Cooling
While the cake is still warm, roll it up with the towel, starting from one short end. This helps shape the cake while it cools, so it doesn’t crack later. Let it cool completely in this rolled-up form, which should take about 30 minutes. Patience is key here!
Whipping the Cream
Next, grab your chilled mixing bowl and beaters—this is important for getting that perfect whipped cream! Pour the heavy cream into the bowl, and add the powdered sugar. Beat until stiff peaks form. You want it fluffy, but not over-whipped, or it’ll turn grainy. Trust me, chilled equipment makes all the difference!
Assembling the Cake
Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread a generous layer of whipped cream over the surface. Then, roll it back up gently, this time without the towel. Place your beautiful log on a serving platter and decorate with chocolate shavings to make it look festive. Voilà! Your Christmas Yule Log Cake is ready to bring joy and sweetness to your holiday celebrations!
Tips for Success
To make your Christmas Yule Log Cake truly shine, here are some handy tips! First, always use high-quality cocoa powder; it really elevates the chocolate flavor to heavenly heights. When you whip the cream, ensure your bowl and beaters are chilled for the best results—this helps achieve those perfect stiff peaks. If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store the cake in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped, to keep it fresh for a few days. And don’t forget, this cake is best enjoyed at room temperature, so let it sit out for about 30 minutes before serving. Finally, get creative with your decorations! Fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar can add a festive touch. Enjoy every bite of this delightful treat!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to the Christmas Yule Log Cake, it’s important to remember that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The following values are just estimates to give you an idea of what to expect per slice. Each slice contains approximately 250 calories, with 15g of sugar and 100mg of sodium. You’ll also find about 12g of fat, which includes 7g of saturated fat, and 35g of carbohydrates. Plus, there’s 4g of protein and 2g of fiber. So while this treat is indulgent, it can certainly be enjoyed in moderation as part of your festive celebrations!
FAQ about Christmas Yule Log Cake
I’ve heard a few common questions about the Christmas Yule Log Cake, so let’s tackle them! First up, How should I store leftovers? If you have any slices left (which is rare!), cover the cake with plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just let it come to room temperature before serving for the best taste!
Can I substitute ingredients? Absolutely! If you want to make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. You can also swap out the heavy cream for a non-dairy alternative, like coconut cream, if you’re looking for a lighter option.
What if I don’t have cocoa powder? If you’re out of cocoa, you could use a chocolate cake mix as a shortcut! Just follow the package instructions for baking time and adjust your filling accordingly.
Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance and keep it rolled up in the towel until you’re ready to fill and serve it. Just remember to wait until the day of to add your decorations for that fresh look!
Lastly, What are some fun variations? Feel free to experiment with different fillings like raspberry jam or a layer of lemon curd for a zesty twist. The possibilities are endless, so have fun with it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a quick and easy dessert that comes together in just 45 minutes!
- Fluffy, chocolatey goodness that’s sure to impress your guests.
- The festive log shape adds a charming touch to your holiday table.
- Perfect for sharing with family and friends—it’s a crowd-pleaser!
- Fun to decorate, making it a delightful project for all ages.
Serving Suggestions
To make your Christmas Yule Log Cake even more delightful, consider serving it with a steaming cup of coffee or a warm mug of spiced tea. The rich flavors of the cake pair wonderfully with a zesty citrus tea or a classic hot chocolate. For an extra festive touch, add some holiday cookies or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Trust me, it’s a perfect combo that will elevate your dessert experience!
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Christmas Yule Log Cake: 5 Steps to Holiday Bliss
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A traditional Christmas dessert shaped like a log.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Chocolate shavings for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, water, and vanilla until combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
- Spread the batter evenly on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until springy to the touch.
- Remove from the oven and invert onto a clean kitchen towel.
- Roll the cake with the towel and let it cool.
- Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Unroll the cooled cake, spread whipped cream, and roll again.
- Decorate with chocolate shavings and serve.
Notes
- Use high-quality cocoa for better flavor.
- Chill the whipped cream for better texture.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: christmas yule log cake
