If you’re looking for the perfect dessert to serve during the Christmas season, look no further than this delightful yule log recipe. With its moist and fluffy cocoa sponge cake, decadent cocoa hazelnut whipped cream filling, and luscious chocolate ganache topping, it’s sure to bring a touch of festive magic to your table.

This show-stopping dessert will impress your family and friends with its beautiful presentation and delicious flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, this yule log recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves festive baking.

So, let’s dive into the details of how to create this mouthwatering Christmas dessert that will elevate your festive celebrations to a whole new level.

Ingredients and Preparation

To make this yule log cake, you will need a list of ingredients that includes eggs, golden caster sugar, plain flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, butter, dark chocolate, golden syrup, double cream, icing sugar, and optional extras like extra strong mints. These ingredients come together to create a deliciously decadent chocolate log cake that is perfect for the holidays.

To prepare the yule log cake, follow these simple steps:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and golden caster sugar until thick and creamy.
2. Sift the plain flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder into the egg mixture. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until well combined.
3. Transfer the cake batter to a greased and lined Swiss roll tin. Smooth out the batter with a spatula.
4. Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 10-12 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. While the cake is baking, prepare the filling by melting the dark chocolate, butter, and golden syrup together in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water. Once melted and smooth, remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
6. In a separate bowl, whip the double cream and icing sugar until soft peaks form. Gently fold the cooled chocolate mixture into the whipped cream until well combined.
7. Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and carefully turn it out onto a sheet of parchment paper dusted with icing sugar. Peel off the lining paper.
8. Spread the chocolate filling evenly over the surface of the cake, leaving a small border around the edges.
9. Starting from one short end, carefully roll up the cake using the parchment paper to help you. Place the rolled cake seam side down on a serving platter or cake board.
10. Prepare the chocolate ganache by melting dark chocolate and double cream together in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water. Stir until smooth and glossy.
11. Pour the chocolate ganache over the assembled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Use a spatula to spread the ganache evenly.
12. Decorate the yule log cake with holly sprigs and a dusting of icing sugar to resemble snow.

Now you have a beautifully decorated yule log cake ready to be enjoyed. This indulgent chocolate log cake is the perfect centerpiece for holiday gatherings and will surely impress your family and friends.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Yule Log Recipe

To create a scrumptious yule log dessert, follow these easy step-by-step instructions:

1. Beat: In a bowl, beat the eggs and golden caster sugar together until thick and creamy.
2. Sift and Fold: Sift the dry ingredients – plain flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder – into the egg mixture. Gently fold the mixture together until well combined.
3. Bake: Preheat the oven and pour the cake batter into a Swiss roll tin. Smooth it out evenly and bake for 10 minutes until the sponge is light and springy to touch.
4. Roll and Cool: While the cake is still warm, carefully roll it up in parchment paper. Allow it to cool completely in the rolled position. This will help the cake maintain its shape during assembly.
5. Prepare the Filling: In a saucepan, melt dark chocolate, butter, and golden syrup together. Once melted, remove from heat and beat in icing sugar and whipped double cream until smooth and creamy.
6. Fill and Roll: Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread a thick layer of the prepared chocolate cream filling on top. Gently roll the cake back up into a log shape, using the parchment paper to assist you.

Decorating Tips:

To give your yule log a beautiful finishing touch, here are some decoration ideas:

• Sieve cocoa powder or icing sugar on top to resemble snow.
• Create a wood-like texture on the log using a fork or toothpick.
• Add festive holly leaves and berries made from icing or marzipan.

Get creative and have fun making this easy yule log recipe your own!

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to further enhance your traditional dessert recipe and create the best yule log for your Christmas celebrations:

1. Experiment with fillings: While our yule log recipe includes extra strong mints, you can leave them out for a more traditional filling. Alternatively, you can add a twist by incorporating different flavors into the whipped cream filling, such as hazelnut liqueur or a hint of coffee.
2. Get creative with decorations: The cake is not complete without its artistic garnishes. Let your imagination run wild and decorate your yule log with various festive elements. Consider topping it with meringue mushrooms, sugared cranberries, or shaped marzipan. These decorative touches will elevate your dessert and give it that extra festive flair.

Remember, the possibilities are endless when it comes to personalizing your yule log. Let your taste preferences and creativity guide you in making this recipe truly your own.

Expert Tip:

For a show-stopping presentation, create a winter wonderland scene as a backdrop for your yule log. Dust the serving plate with icing sugar to resemble snow and surround it with edible holly leaves or sprigs. This will make your dessert table truly come to life!

Get inspired by these ideas and let your creativity shine through. With these variations and tips, you’ll be able to create the best traditional yule log that will impress and delight your guests this Christmas.

Conclusion

Indulge in the joys of the festive season with a homemade yule log, the perfect dessert for any Christmas gathering. This delightful sweet treat combines the rich and decadent flavors of chocolate and cream, wrapped in a log-shaped cake that is sure to impress. Whether you serve it as the star of your Christmas dessert table or as a special holiday treat, this homemade yule log is guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends.

Creating this seasonal masterpiece is easier than you might think. With our step-by-step instructions and a list of simple ingredients, you can effortlessly bring this classic dessert to life in your own kitchen. So gather your baking essentials and get ready to embark on a delicious culinary adventure.

Once you’ve baked the moist and fluffy cocoa sponge cake, filled it with a luscious cocoa hazelnut whipped cream, and adorned it with a smooth chocolate ganache, it’s time to decorate your yule log with festive garnishes such as meringue mushrooms or sugared cranberries. Let your creativity shine as you put the final touches on this edible work of art.

So why wait? This holiday season, treat yourself and your loved ones to the irresistible charm of a homemade yule log. With its enchanting shape and heavenly flavors, this seasonal sweet will bring joy and warmth to your festive celebrations. Happy baking!