How to Make the Perfect Yule Log Cake
French · Easy · 42 min · 10 servings
This festive Christmas rolled chocolate cake is one of the most exciting kid friendly recipes for the holiday season because kids love helping decorate it to look like a real log. The light sponge and creamy chocolate buttercream filling make it a delicious showstopper that every child is proud to present.
Why this recipe works
This Yule Log Cake recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 42 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 365 calories with 5g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 whole eggs
- 100 g caster sugar
- 75 g self raising flour
- 25 g cocoa powder
- 250 ml heavy whipping cream
- 200 g milk chocolate melted
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar for decoration
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make the Chocolate Sponge
Beat eggs and caster sugar with an electric mixer for 5 minutes until very pale and thick. Sift flour and cocoa powder together then gently fold into the egg mixture. Spread evenly onto a greased lined 30x20cm baking tray.
Step 2: Bake and Roll
Bake at 200 degrees C for 12 minutes until springy. While hot turn out onto a sheet of baking paper dusted with powdered sugar. Roll the sponge up tightly with the paper inside and leave to cool rolled up completely.
Step 3: Fill and Re-roll
Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Carefully unroll the cooled sponge and spread whipped cream evenly over the surface. Re-roll firmly without the paper and place seam side down on a serving board.
Step 4: Decorate the Log
Mix melted milk chocolate with remaining cream to make a ganache. Spread over the outside of the roll and use a fork to create bark like lines in the chocolate. Dust with powdered sugar to look like snow and decorate with holly if desired.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- heavy whipping cream filling → sweetened cream cheese frosting for a more stable filling that holds its shape better
- milk chocolate ganache → chocolate buttercream made with butter and cocoa powder for an easier spreadable coating
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not rolling the sponge while it is still hot which causes it to crack badly when you try to roll it once cooled
- Overwhipping the cream filling until it turns grainy and buttery which makes the texture unpleasant inside the roll
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 365 calories, 5g protein, 44g carbs, 19g fat, 2g fiber.
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