Chocolate Yule Log
A festive and elegant dessert that combines rich chocolate flavor with a light texture, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
For the cake
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
For the filling and frosting
- 1 cup cold heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar for cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for cream
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar for buttercream
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder for buttercream
- 2 tablespoons milk for buttercream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for buttercream
- Cocoa powder for dusting
- Fresh fruit or mint leaves for garnish
- Powdered sugar for snow effect
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a Swiss roll pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until the mixture is light and thick.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture. Add the milk and vanilla, then pour everything into the prepared pan.
Baking
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Once baked, sprinkle cocoa on a kitchen towel. Turn the hot cake onto the towel, remove the parchment paper, and roll it up while still warm. Let it cool in this shape.
Filling and Frosting
- For the cream filling, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until it thickens, then refrigerate.
- To make the buttercream, beat the softened butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, cocoa, milk, and vanilla until you achieve a spreadable consistency.
Assembly
- Unroll the cooled cake carefully, spread the cream filling evenly, and roll it up again, seam side down.
- Coat the rolled cake with the chocolate buttercream, using a spatula to create a bark-like texture.
- Dust with cocoa powder and garnish with fresh fruit or powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better volume when beaten. Don’t skip the chilling time as it helps the flavors meld and the texture firm up. Feel free to get creative with decorations—use chocolate shavings or festive sprinkles!