Yule Log Cake .

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Classic holiday showstopper dessert

This Yule Log Cake is a timeless holiday dessert that brings instant Christmas magic to the table. With a light chocolate sponge, fluffy whipped filling, and rich chocolate frosting styled like tree bark, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Don’t let its elegant look intimidate you—this recipe is surprisingly beginner-friendly with simple steps and smart tips to prevent cracking. Perfect for Christmas dinners, holiday parties, or cozy winter gatherings, this festive cake delivers big visual impact without requiring advanced baking skills.

⏱️ Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Bake Time: 12 minutes
  • Cooling & Decorating: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Servings: 8–10

📝 Ingredients List

Chocolate Sponge Cake

  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Filling

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Frosting

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1½ cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Decorations

  • Powdered sugar (snow effect)
  • Fresh berries
  • Rosemary sprigs
  • Chocolate shavings

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • 10×15-inch jelly roll pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Clean kitchen towel
  • Offset spatula

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

  1. Prep the pan
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving extra over the sides for easy lifting.
  2. Make the batter 🥣
    Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar for 3–4 minutes until pale and thick. Mix in vanilla, then gently fold in dry ingredients.
  3. Bake the cake 🍫
    Spread batter evenly in the pan. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
  4. Roll while warm 🔄
    Immediately invert cake onto a clean towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off parchment and gently roll cake (with towel inside). Let cool completely—this prevents cracking.
  5. Whip the filling ❄️
    Beat cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
  6. Fill & re-roll
    Carefully unroll cake, spread whipped cream evenly, then gently roll back up (without the towel).
  7. Make the frosting ✨
    Beat butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla until smooth and spreadable.
  8. Decorate like a log 🌲
    Frost the cake and use a fork to create bark-like lines. Add festive decorations and dust lightly with powdered sugar.

💡 Pro Tips

  • Prevent cracks: Rolling the cake warm is the secret—don’t skip it.
  • Make ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate.
  • Flavor twist: Add espresso powder to the frosting for deeper chocolate flavor.
  • Storage: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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