The holiday season is all about joy, warmth, and of course, delicious treats! If you’re looking to add a touch of festive magic to your table, consider baking a Yule Log Cake, also known as a Buche de Noel. This delightful dessert not only tastes incredible but also adds a charming centerpiece to your holiday spread.

Chocolate Cake Goodness

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs, separated and room temperature
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup cake flour
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon espresso powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 10×15 baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whip egg whites in a stand mixer until soft peaks form. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until pale yellow. Add vanilla and set aside.
4. In another bowl, whisk together cake flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, espresso powder, and salt.
5. Combine the dry mixture with the egg yolk mixture, and then fold in the whipped egg whites.
6. Pour the batter onto the prepared pan and bake for 10-12 minutes, until spongey and bounces back when touched.

Tip: Use a flour sifter for an even layer, and roll the cake in a powdered sugar-covered towel while it’s warm.

Decadent Chocolate Ganache

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces bittersweet or dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• ¾ cup heavy cream

Instructions:

1. While the cake bakes, make the ganache by combining chocolate, butter, vanilla, and salt in a bowl.
2. Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until edges start to bubble. Pour over the chocolate mixture, let sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth. Set aside to cool.

Tip: Refrigerate ganache until ready to use, giving it a stir before frosting the cake.

Whipped Cream Filling

Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste

Instructions:

1. Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form.
2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, whip until stiff peaks form.

Assemble the Yule Log Cake

1. Carefully unroll the completely cooled cake.
2. Add an even layer of whipped cream filling, leaving about ½” space on the edges.
3. Gently re-roll the cake and move it, seam side down, to a serving platter.
4. Use a spatula to coat the outside with chocolate ganache frosting.

Time to make it look like a log!

• Use a fork to create wood-like lines.
• Use a toothpick or skewer to draw lines and spirals.
• Use a small spatula to add wavy texture.

Garnish and Enjoy!

Let your creativity shine by garnishing your Yule Log Cake. Fresh cranberries, rosemary sprigs, and a dusting of powdered sugar add a festive touch. Slice, serve, and savor the joy of the holidays with this delightful treat that’s sure to become a cherished tradition!