🛒 Ingredients
For the Sponge Cake:
- 🌾 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 🍫 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 🌶️ 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 🧂 1/4 tsp salt
- 🥚 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 🍬 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 🌿 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 🧈 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 🥛 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 🍬 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 🌿 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 🍫 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 🥛 1/2 cup heavy cream
For Decoration (Optional):
- 🍬 Powdered sugar for dusting
- 🌿 Fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs
- 🍄 Meringue mushrooms (store-bought or homemade)
🍳 Instructions
Prepare the Sponge Cake
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Whip the Eggs and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar with an electric mixer for 5–6 minutes until pale and thick. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Fold in the Flour:
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture using a spatula. Finally, fold in the melted butter.
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched.
- Roll the Cake:
- While the cake is still warm, place it on a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Roll the cake up (including the towel) from the short end. Let cool completely.
Make the Filling
- Whip the Cream:
- In a bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Fill the Cake:
- Unroll the cooled cake and spread the whipped cream evenly over it. Re-roll the cake tightly without the towel. Chill for 20 minutes.
Make the Chocolate Ganache
- Prepare the Ganache:
- Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until steaming but not boiling. Pour over the chocolate and stir until smooth.
- Frost the Log:
- Spread the ganache over the rolled cake. Use a fork to create “bark” patterns.
Decorate and Serve
- Add Festive Touches:
- Dust the log with powdered sugar for a snowy effect. Garnish with fresh cranberries, rosemary sprigs, or meringue mushrooms for an elegant look.
- Slice and Enjoy:
- Slice and serve this festive dessert to impress your holiday guests.
💡 Tips and Variations
- 🍊 Orange Twist: Add orange zest to the whipped cream or ganache for a citrusy flavor.
- ☕ Coffee Flavor: Add 1 tsp espresso powder to the ganache for a mocha version.
- 🧊 Make Ahead: The Yule Log can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
🍹 Serving Suggestions
Serve this Yule Log with a cup of spiced hot chocolate, coffee, or eggnog for the perfect holiday treat.
What Makes This Recipe Special
The Christmas Yule Log combines a light, chocolate sponge cake with fluffy whipped cream and a decadent ganache. It’s a beautiful and classic centerpiece dessert that captures the spirit of the holidays, perfect for any festive gathering.
