Description
Celebrate the season with this stunning Yule Log Cake, featuring a light chocolate sponge cake, fluffy whipped cream filling, and a rich chocolate ganache. This festive dessert will be the centerpiece of your holiday table and a delicious treat for everyone to enjoy.
Ingredients
For the Sponge Cake
- 4 large eggs, separated
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Whipped Cream Filling
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Ganache
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
For Decoration
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Fresh berries, meringue mushrooms, or edible holiday decorations
Instructions
- Prepare the Sponge Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a bowl, beat egg yolks with ¼ cup sugar until thick and pale. Stir in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining ¼ cup sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the yolk mixture into the whites. Sift in dry ingredients and fold gently.
- Spread batter evenly in the pan and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cake springs back when touched.
- Roll the Cake
- Turn the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Remove parchment paper.
- Starting at a short end, roll the cake with the towel. Cool completely.
- Make the Whipped Cream Filling
- Beat heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble the Cake
- Unroll the cooled cake and spread whipped cream evenly. Re-roll the cake without the towel and place it seam-side down on a serving platter.
- Prepare the Ganache
- Heat heavy cream until it begins to simmer. Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit for 1 minute. Stir until smooth and glossy. Cool slightly to thicken.
- Decorate the Cake
- Spread ganache over the cake. Use a fork or spatula to create bark-like textures.
- Dust with powdered sugar and add decorations like berries or meringue mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French