This chocolate yule log is a delightful holiday dessert recipe that brings a touch of tradition to your Christmas celebrations. Made with a light and airy ganache-covered sponge, this festive baking treat is sure to impress your guests.

The recipe is straightforward and perfect for those looking to create a stunning Christmas cake that embodies the spirit of the season.

Classic Chocolate Yule Log Recipe

This chocolate yule log features a rich chocolate sponge cake rolled with a creamy filling and covered in a glossy chocolate ganache. It serves as a beautiful centerpiece for any holiday gathering and takes about 1 hour to prepare and assemble.

Ingredients

• For the sponge cake:
• 4 large eggs
• 100g granulated sugar
• 75g all-purpose flour
• 25g cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• For the filling:
• 200ml heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the ganache:
• 200g dark chocolate, chopped
• 200ml heavy cream
• For decoration:
• Icing sugar for dusting
• Fresh berries or holly leaves (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Make the Sponge Cake: In a bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, folding gently until combined.
3. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared tray, spreading it evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes until springy to the touch. Let it cool slightly before transferring to a clean kitchen towel dusted with icing sugar.
4. Roll the Cake: While still warm, carefully roll the sponge cake with the towel from one end to the other. Allow it to cool completely in this rolled position.
5. Prepare the Filling: Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Unroll the cooled sponge and spread the filling evenly over the surface.
6. Re-roll the Cake: Roll the sponge back up without the towel, placing it seam-side down on a serving platter.
7. Make the Ganache: Heat the cream until just boiling, then pour it over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for a minute before stirring until smooth.
8. Cover the Yule Log: Pour the ganache over the rolled cake, smoothing it out with a spatula. Use a fork to create bark-like patterns on the surface.
9. Decorate: Dust with icing sugar and add fresh berries or holly leaves for a festive touch. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 8 slices
• Calories: 350kcal
• Fat: 25g
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 30g