chocolate yule log recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
chocolate yule log recipe
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The Best chocolate yule log recipe

I’m so excited to share this classic chocolate yule log recipe with you all! This traditional dessert is a staple in many European countries, particularly in the UK and France, where it’s known as a ‘bûche de Noël’. The name literally translates to ‘Christmas log’ in French, which makes sense given the dessert’s resemblance to a miniature log.

I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. My kids love helping me assemble the layers, and my husband can’t get enough of the rich, chocolatey flavor. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s Christmas dinner or just a special treat for the weekend.

And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, thanks to the clever use of store-bought cake and frosting. I’ll walk you through the process step by step, so even if you’re not an experienced baker, you’ll be able to create this beautiful dessert with ease.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can serve it at room temperature or chilled, depending on your preference. And let’s not forget about the health benefits: using high-quality chocolate and cocoa powder gives this dessert a boost of antioxidants and flavonoids. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover cake and frosting from previous celebrations.

So go ahead and indulge in this decadent treat – your taste buds (and body) will thank you! I’ve also included some helpful tips along the way to ensure your yule log turns out perfectly. From selecting the right type of chocolate to ensuring your cake layers are evenly stacked, I’ll cover all the essential details so you can focus on enjoying this delightful dessert.

Chocolate Yule Log

Chocolate Yule Log

4.5 from 1391 votes

A classic chocolate yule log is a festive holiday dessert featuring a moist chocolate sponge cake rolled with a creamy filling, dusted with powdered sugar. This recipe creates a beautiful, show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday table.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time12 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time42 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Sponge Cake

4 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking powder
pinch of salt
1/4 cup powdered sugar for dusting

For the Filling

1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup chocolate shavings

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring it covers the sides for easy removal.
Set aside.
2In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is pale, thick, and ribbons form when the whisk is lifted.
3This should take about 5 minutes using an electric mixer.
4Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt into the egg mixture.
5Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
6Be careful not to overmix.
7Pour the batter onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly with a spatula.
8The batter should be thin and runny.
9Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
10Be careful not to overbake, as the cake will become dry.
11Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 2 minutes.
12Then, dust the cake with powdered sugar and flip it onto a clean parchment paper.
13Carefully peel off the parchment paper from the bottom of the cake.
14Starting from one of the short ends, roll the cake tightly into a log shape using the parchment paper to help you.
15Allow the cake to cool completely while rolled.
16In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form.
17Once the cake is completely cooled, unroll it and spread the whipped cream evenly over the surface.
18Sprinkle the chocolate shavings over the cream.
19Reroll the cake tightly, using the parchment paper to help you.
20Wrap the cake in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until ready to serve.
21Before serving, dust the cake with additional powdered sugar and sprinkle with chocolate shavings.
22Slice and serve.

🔧Equipment

9×13 inch baking sheet
Parchment paper
Electric mixer
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Sifter
Rolling pin
Hand mixer

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 11g❤️Cholesterol: 125mg🧂Sodium: 150mg🌾Total Carbs: 40g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 30g🥩Protein: 5g

📝Notes

Tips: For a more festive look, add a sprinkle of crushed candy canes or holiday sprinkles to the whipped cream filling. You can also experiment with different flavors by adding a touch of peppermint or orange extract to the cake batter.

Watch Video Of How Chocolate Yule Log Works

This chocolate yule log recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s Christmas dinner or just a special treat for the weekend. Not only does it taste amazing (if I do say so myself!)

, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make thanks to its clever use of store-bought cake and frosting. Plus, using high-quality chocolate gives this dessert an extra boost of antioxidants and flavonoids – making it a healthier option than most traditional desserts out there!

If you’re planning on making this recipe for your next holiday gathering or family dinner party, be sure to assemble all the components ahead of time so that everything stays fresh until serving time.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Yule Log

Q: What is a yule log?

A: A yule log is a traditional Christmas dessert that originated in Europe. It’s typically made from genoise or sponge cake soaked in liqueurs such as coffee or Grand Marnier, then filled with buttercream or ganache. The cake is rolled into a cylindrical shape resembling a miniature log, hence its name.

Q: Can I use any type of cake for this recipe?

A: While you can use any type of cake you like, genoise or sponge cake works best for this recipe due to its light and airy texture. You can also use store-bought cake if you’re short on time.

Q: Why do I need to soak the cake in liqueurs?

A: Soaking the cake in liqueurs helps to keep it moist and adds an extra layer of flavor. You can omit this step if you prefer, but it does make a big difference in terms of taste and texture.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time – just assemble the layers when you’re ready to serve. You can also store the assembled yule log in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days before serving.

Q: What if I don’t have any high-quality chocolate?

A: While using high-quality chocolate does give this dessert an extra boost of flavor and nutrients, you can still make this recipe using regular chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars.

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