Chocolate Yule Log Cake Recipe
This chocolate yule log cake recipe creates a festive, rich dessert with a moist sponge, creamy whipped filling, and decadent chocolate frosting. Perfect for holidays, it’s simple to make with basic ingredients and looks stunning on any table. It serves 10 and takes about 1.5 hours from start to finish.
Equipment
- 10x15-inch jelly roll pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Clean kitchen towel
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the chocolate frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional decorations:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Chocolate shavings or sprinkles
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
Step 2: Beat the Eggs and Sugar
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar with a mixer for 5 minutes. The mixture should turn pale and fluffy, then add the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold this into the egg mixture until just combined.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched.
Step 5: Roll the Cake
- While warm, turn the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment and roll the cake with the towel from the short end. Let it cool completely.
Step 6: Make the Filling
- Whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This takes about 2-3 minutes with a mixer.
Step 7: Fill and Re-Roll
- Unroll the cooled cake and spread the whipped cream evenly over it. Roll it back up without the towel and place it seam-side down.
Step 8: Prepare the Frosting
- Beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, heavy cream, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust with more cream if it’s too thick.
Step 9: Frost the Log
- Spread the frosting over the cake, covering it completely. Use a fork to drag lines through the frosting for a bark-like texture.
Step 10: Decorate and Chill
- Dust with powdered sugar or add chocolate shavings if desired. Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving.