Chocolate Yule Log Tips
How do you roll a Yule log without breaking it?
A Yule log cake—otherwise known as a Buche de Noel—is basically a rolled sponge cake. Since this cake is tender and can tear easily, work slowly when spreading the filling and rolling the cake in a clean towel. Cool the rolled cake seam-side down to prevent it from unrolling.
What are some variations of this chocolate Yule log recipe?
While most Yule log cakes are chocolate, feel free to get creative by switching up the flavor of the cake batter or cream. Red velvet, gingerbread, pumpkin, white chocolate, mocha, peanut butter, peppermint, hazelnut and caramel are just a few flavor variations. Before you spread the cream on the cake, you could add a very thin layer of seedless apricot or raspberry jam. While you’re mixing up the filling, feel free to add a splash of bourbon or Bailey’s Irish cream. Before rolling the cake up again with the filling, you can sprinkle chocolate chips or dried fruits like cherries, raspberries or strawberries on top to add some texture and bursts of fruity flavor. Chocolate frosting is also traditional for Yule logs, but white buttercream can be substituted for chocolate if you like. Otherwise, make this recipe your own by making it into a mocha buttercream Yule log with flavored frosting. No matter how you make your Yule log, serve it with a
coffee and cream martini for the perfect holiday treat.
How can you make the frosting and decorations look realistic on a chocolate Yule log?
Make it look as if your Yule log has bark by dragging a fork lengthwise through the frosting. There’s no need for straight lines, because wavy lines make it look more realistic. You can decorate the chocolate Yule log with cinnamon sticks, fresh rosemary sprigs, cinnamon candies or even meringue mushrooms to give this holiday dessert a woodland look. Take it over the top by dusting the entire log with a light coating of confectioner’s sugar!
How long will a chocolate Yule log last?
Yule logs can be prepared 1 day before serving when stored at room temperature, and up to 2 days ahead if stored in the refrigerator. Invert a storage container over the top to keep the air out without damaging the frosting and decorations. While this Buche de Noel will be the star of the show, consider making other
Christmas desserts to go along with it.
—Catherine Ward, Taste of Home Prep Kitchen Manager and
Amy Glander, Taste of Home Book Editor
Sugared Cranberries
Heat 3 tablespoons light corn syrup in microwave until warm; gently toss with 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, allowing excess syrup to drip off. Toss in 1/3 cup sugar to coat. Place on waxed paper; let stand until set, about 1 hour.
Nutrition Facts
1 piece: 245 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
Total Time
Makes
