Ah, the *Christmas log*! This delightful dessert, also known as a yule log, has been a cherished part of my family’s holiday celebrations for as long as I can remember. I can still picture my grandmother in the kitchen, her laughter ringing through the air as we rolled the cake into its festive log shape. The rich chocolate flavor and fluffy whipped cream filling always make it feel like a special occasion, no matter how simple the gathering. I love how it brings everyone together around the table, creating sweet memories to last a lifetime. Trust me, making this Christmas log will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also fill your heart with warmth and joy this holiday season!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – Make sure it’s sifted for a lighter texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – This adds sweetness and moisture to the cake.
- 4 large eggs – Room temperature eggs work best for better mixing.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – Use high-quality cocoa for rich chocolate flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – This provides moistness and richness to the cake.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – Essential for helping the cake rise.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream – For that luscious creamy filling and frosting.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar – Sweetens the whipped cream for a light and fluffy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the cream.
- Chocolate shavings for garnish – These not only look beautiful but add an extra chocolatey touch!
How to Prepare the Christmas Log
Making a Christmas log is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with the warm aromas of the holiday season. Let’s dive into this step-by-step guide to ensure your log turns out perfectly!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial, as a properly heated oven ensures even baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This dry mixture is the foundation of your cake, so make sure there are no lumps!
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until they’re frothy, then mix in the melted butter. This helps to blend the wet ingredients smoothly.
- Carefully combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring gently to avoid overmixing. You want a nice, smooth batter that’s full of chocolatey goodness.
- Next, pour the batter into a greased baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This resting time is important for preventing cracks when you roll it.
- After cooling slightly, turn the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper, then roll the cake tightly into a log shape, using the towel to help you. Let it cool completely in this shape for about 30 minutes. This step is key to achieving that beautiful log form!
- Now, it’s time to prepare your whipped cream! In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This fluffy filling will be the star of your log!
- Unroll the cooled cake, spread a generous layer of whipped cream over the surface, and re-roll it gently. Don’t worry if it cracks a little—this is part of the charm!
- Finally, frost the outside with any remaining whipped cream and garnish it with chocolate shavings for that festive touch. Voila! You’ve created a delicious Christmas log that’s sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a showstopper! This Christmas log not only tastes incredible but looks stunning on your holiday table.
- Simple ingredients that you likely already have at home make it easy to whip up this festive dessert.
- Perfect for family gatherings—everyone loves a slice of this rich, chocolatey treat!
- It’s a nostalgic recipe that brings back warm memories and traditions, perfect for creating new ones.
- Versatile enough to customize! You can add your favorite flavors or fillings to make it uniquely yours.
- A delightful balance of moist cake and fluffy cream that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Tips for Success
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures better incorporation of ingredients.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy one.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your cake while it bakes. Start checking for doneness at the 15-minute mark; it should spring back when lightly pressed.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely in its rolled shape to prevent cracking when you unroll it later. Patience is key!
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Dust your kitchen towel with powdered sugar before rolling the cake. This prevents sticking and adds a touch of sweetness.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add a splash of your favorite liqueur or extract to the whipped cream for an extra flavor boost!
Nutritional Information
Here’s what you can expect in each delicious slice of your Christmas log! This dessert is not only festive but also brings a balance of flavors that can fit into your holiday celebrations. Keep in mind that these values may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 4g
Enjoy this festive treat with the knowledge of what you’re indulging in! It’s all about balance, especially during the holidays.
FAQ Section
Can I make this Christmas log in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, this yule log is perfect for making a day ahead. Just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious!
What if my cake cracks while rolling?
Don’t worry! A little crack adds character to your Christmas log. Just frost it well, and no one will notice. Plus, it’ll still taste amazing!
Can I use a different filling instead of whipped cream?
Of course! While the classic whipped cream is delightful, you can swap it with a chocolate ganache or even a fruit filling for a fun twist. Get creative!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep any leftover Christmas log in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you notice the whipped cream starting to droop, just give it a quick re-whip before serving again!
Can I freeze the Christmas log?
Yes, you can! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to a month. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving to keep that lovely texture intact.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your stunning Christmas log, there are a few delightful pairings that can elevate your holiday dessert experience! Here are some of my favorite suggestions:
- Fresh Berries: A handful of strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries on the side adds a bright, tart contrast that complements the rich chocolate perfectly.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the slices for an extra indulgent touch. It’s pure bliss!
- Mint Leaves: A few fresh mint leaves not only add a pop of color but also a refreshing flavor that lightens the dish.
- Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Serve with a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy pairing that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside a slice of the Christmas log creates a delightful contrast in texture and temperature.
- Spiced Whipped Cream: Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to your whipped cream for a festive twist that ties in beautifully with holiday flavors.
Whichever option you choose, these pairings will surely enhance your festive spread and make your Christmas log the star of the dessert table!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Christmas log properly will ensure it stays fresh and delicious for those festive gatherings! Here’s how to keep it at its best:
- Refrigeration: After you’ve enjoyed your Christmas log, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just be sure to keep it covered to prevent it from drying out!
- Freezing: If you want to make your Christmas log ahead of time, you can also freeze it! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and pop it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to a month. When you’re ready to serve, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. This method helps maintain its lovely texture.
As for reheating, there’s no need to heat this dessert! The Christmas log is best served chilled, allowing the creamy filling and rich chocolate cake to shine. Just slice it up and enjoy! If you’ve stored it in the fridge and find the whipped cream a bit droopy, feel free to give it a quick whip before serving to restore its fluffiness. Trust me, it’ll still taste amazing!
Drucken
Christmas Log: 7 Steps to Festive Delight
- Gesamtzeit: 50 minutes
- Ertrag: 8 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A festive dessert shaped like a log, perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Zutaten
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups whipped cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Chocolate shavings for garnish
Anweisungen
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs and melted butter.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients.
- Pour batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Let it cool, then roll it into a log shape.
- Prepare whipped cream by mixing it with powdered sugar and vanilla.
- Unroll the cake, spread whipped cream, and re-roll it.
- Frost the outside with remaining whipped cream.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings.
Notes
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Use fresh ingredients for best results.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 20 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: French
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 slice
- Kalorien: 250
- Zucker: 18g
- Natrium: 150mg
- Fett: 12g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 7g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 32g
- Faser: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterin: 60mg
Keywords: christmas log, yule log, holiday dessert
