Make a Chocolate Yule Log

A Yule log is a delectable chocolate and cream jelly roll cake that is ideal to serve over the Christmas period. Make a chocolate yule log for your holiday gathering and see if any is left over when your guests leave!

Ingredients

For the log:

  • 4 oz (112g) chopped semisweet chocolate
  • 6 large eggs, room temperature, separated with whites in 1 bowl and yolks in another
  • 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp (50g plus 28g) granulated sugar or caster sugar
  • 3/4 tsp cream of tartar

For the chocolate cream:

  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 tbsp (40g) granulated sugar or caster sugar
  • 2 tbsp (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder

For the frosting:

  • 8 oz (250g) dark chocolate, finely chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Steps

Make the jelly roll cake

  1. Preheat your oven to 350ºF (177ºC) or Gas Mark 4. Lower the rack to the center of your oven.
  2. Spray a 17" x 20" (40cm x 30cm) pan with cooking spray. Place a piece of parchment paper onto the sprayed pan, and spray the parchment with cooking spray.
  3. Fill a saucepan halfway full of water. Bring the water to a boil, and turn the heat down so that the water simmers.
  4. Place a bowl on top of the saucepan. Put the chopped chocolate into the bowl and allow it to melt, stirring occasionally with a plastic spoon. Remove the melted chocolate from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
  5. Combine 1/4 cup (50g) sugar and the egg yolks in a bowl. Beat the mixture for 5 minutes, until the yolks are light and fluffy, using a handheld mixer or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. You will know that the eggs are ready when you can pull the mixer blades out of the bowl, and the egg flows off of the blades slowly in a thin ribbon.
  6. Add the vanilla extract and beat until just combined. Then, add the cooled melted chocolate, mixing until the chocolate is just incorporated.
  7. Whip the egg whites in a separate bowl using either a handheld mixer or a stand mixer with a whisk attachment. When the whites are foamy, add the cream of tartar and beat the egg whites on high speed until soft peaks form. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons (28g) of sugar gradually until the peaks are stiff and glossy.
  8. Fold the egg whites into the egg yolk mixture using a large flat plastic spatula. Do not overmix these ingredients, or you'll deflate the batter.
  9. Spread the batter into the prepared pan so that the top is even.
  10. Bake the cake for 15 to 17 minutes. The cake should have lost its shine, and it should spring back when you touch the surface.
  11. Allow the cake to cool on the stovetop. Cover it with a clean, slightly damp towel.

Prepare the chocolate cream

  1. Combine the chocolate cream ingredients in a chilled bowl. Beat the mixture on high speed until it has the consistency of whipped cream.

Assemble the Yule log

  1. Spread the chocolate cream over the surface of the cooled cake using an offset spatula. Reserve 2 tablespoons of cream for later.
  2. Roll the cake into a log by tucking one edge inward and rolling toward the opposite edge. As you roll the cake, gently pull off the parchment paper. The cake may crack slightly, but don't allow it to break.
  3. Cut off one end of the cake at an angle with a knife. Set the slice aside.
  4. Place the cake seam-side down onto a serving platter. Attach the cut piece of cake to the side of the log using your reserved 2 tablespoons of chocolate cream.

Decorate the Yule log

  1. Heat the frosting ingredients in a saucepan on the stovetop. Bring the cream to a simmer so that the chocolate can melt.
  2. Pour the cream and chocolate into a bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it cool for a couple of hours.
  3. Whip the cooled frosting mixture using a handheld mixer or a stand mixer with a whisk attachment. Mix on high speed until the frosting has a creamy texture.
  4. Spread the frosting over the surface of the rolled Yule log. Remember to cover the ends.
  5. Drag a fork lengthwise through the frosting so that the exterior of the log has the appearance of bark. Tuck plastic holly berries and leaves around the log to give it a festive look.
  6. Sprinkle the Yule log with powdered sugar. Refrigerate the Yule log until about 1 hour before you decide to serve it.
  7. Cut the Yule log and serve it with a cup of strong coffee.
  8. Finished.

Tips

  • If you turn out the cake while warm onto a clean tea towel dusted with powder sugar and roll once prior to adding the filling, the cake should not crack when you re-roll it after you add the chocolate cream filling.

Things You'll Need

  • 17" x 20" (40cm x 30cm) baking pan
  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • Parchment paper
  • Saucepan
  • Bowl
  • Plastic spoon
  • 2 mixing bowls
  • Handheld mixer or stand mixer with paddle and whisk attachments
  • Flat plastic spatula
  • Clean, damp towel
  • Chilled bowl
  • Offset spatula
  • Knife
  • Plastic wrap
  • Fork
  • Plastic holly berries and leaves
  • Powdered sugar for sprinkling

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Sources and Citations

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