Yule Log Cake: A Festive and Delicious Christmas Treat

The Yule Log Cake, also known as Bûche de Noël, is a classic Christmas dessert that originated in France. This impressive cake is designed to resemble a wooden log, making it a perfect centerpiece for your holiday table. With its tender chocolate sponge cake, luscious whipped cream filling, and rich chocolate frosting, this cake is sure to delight your family and friends.

Yule Log Cake

This cake recipe serves 8-10 people, depending on portion sizes. The preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, and the cooking time is 12 -15 minutes.

Ingredients

Cake

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 4 large eggs
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Filling

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Frosting

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 2-3 tbsp milk

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until thick, and pale and form peaks. Fold in the vanilla extract and the dry ingredients.
4. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
5. While the cake is still warm, roll it up with a clean towel that has been sprinkled with powdered sugar and let it cool completely.
6. For the filling, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
7. Unroll the cooled cake, spread the whipped cream filling evenly, and then carefully reroll the cake.
8. Reroll the cake back up and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
9. To make the frosting, mix the softened butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and milk until smooth and creamy.
10. Remove the wrap from the rolled cake and place it on your serving plate. Frost the rolled cake with the chocolate frosting, creating a bark-like texture using a fork.
11. Decorate as desired and get the snowy look by dusting the cake with confectioner sugar.

Tips for Preparing, Storing, and Reheating

• To create a more realistic log appearance, cut off the ends of the cake at an angle before frosting.
• Use a fork to create a bark-like texture on the frosting, and then dust the cake with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
• Store the Yule Log Cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.
• If you need to make the cake ahead of time, you can freeze the unfrosted rolled cake for up to 2 weeks. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before filling and frosting.
• To serve, let the cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before slicing for the best texture and flavor.

This Yule Log Cake is a stunning and delicious addition to your Christmas celebration. Its combination of tender chocolate cake, light whipped cream filling, and rich chocolate frosting makes it a beloved holiday classic. Enjoy this festive treat with your loved ones and create cherished memories around the dinner table.

Yule Log Cake Recipe Card

One-Pot Cooking Rocks!