Description
A festive Christmas Yule Log cake made with a soft chocolate sponge, rich mascarpone filling, and decadent ganache. Perfect as a holiday centerpiece dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder + 1/4 cup (divided)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon Baileys
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped macadamia nuts
- Ganache
- Sugared cranberries
- Sugared rosemary
- Meringue mushrooms
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 13×18-inch baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, sift together flour, 3 tablespoons cocoa powder, and baking powder.
- Add sugar, vanilla, eggs, and oil, then whisk vigorously until smooth.
- Spread the batter evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15–17 minutes, then invert onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with 1/4 cup cocoa powder. Remove parchment paper.
- Roll the cake up in the towel and let cool completely, about 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
- Prepare the filling by whipping cream, powdered sugar, Baileys, and cocoa powder to medium-stiff peaks. Add mascarpone and whip to stiff peaks. Refrigerate until ready.
- Prepare ganache and optional decorations such as sugared cranberries, rosemary, and meringue mushrooms.
- Unroll the cooled cake and spread the mascarpone filling evenly over the surface.
- Roll the cake back up tightly, ensuring the filling stays inside.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes to set the shape.
- Slice one end at an angle and attach it to the side using ganache or filling to resemble a log branch.
- Frost the cake with ganache, leaving the ends exposed.
- Use a fork to create a bark-like texture on the surface and decorate as desired.
Notes
- Roll the cake while warm to prevent cracking.
- Chill before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Decorate with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
