Name: Yule Log Cake Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 4 h 56 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 2 1/4 cups powdered sugar (sifted); 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (sifted); 8 ounces dark chocolate (chopped, melted, and cooled); 1/4 teaspoon sea salt; 2 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 5 large eggs (at room temperature); 2/3 cup white sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup powdered sugar (sifted); 3/4 cup heavy cream; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Jump to Recipe·4 from 21 reviews

This Yule Log Cake Recipe is a magical holiday treat that combines light, fluffy chocolate sponge cake with a rich, creamy mascarpone filling and a glossy chocolate ganache. The classic spiraled cake resembles a festive log, making it the perfect centerpiece for any celebration. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking to impress your friends and family, this Yule Log Cake Recipe will delight taste buds and fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas from start to finish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with several clear glass bowls arranged neatly, each holding different baking ingredients. At the top center, there's a large bowl filled with rough chopped dark chocolate pieces, next to a smaller bowl on the right containing cocoa powder with a rich brown color. Below the chocolate, there is a medium bowl with five raw eggs showing bright yellow yolks and clear whites. To the left of the eggs is a bowl with even yellow cubes of butter. Other bowls hold white powdered sugar, white cream cheese or sour cream, small black baking chips, white flour, granulated sugar, light brown vanilla extract, milk, and a small white powder likely baking powder or baking soda. Around the bowls, small green pine twigs decorate the scene, adding a festive look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is essential for this Yule Log Cake Recipe, yet it remains wonderfully simple. Each component plays a unique role: the cocoa powder delivers deep chocolate flavor, mascarpone adds a luscious creamy texture, and eggs help achieve that delicate, fluffy cake texture.

Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Creates a smooth, rich base for the filling, helping it become creamy and easy to spread.
Powdered sugar (2 1/4 cups, sifted): Sweetens the filling and dusts the cake to keep the roll neat and beautiful.
Cocoa powder (2 tablespoons sifted for filling, plus 1/2 cup sifted for cake): Offers the perfect chocolate punch in both cake and filling.
Dark chocolate (8 ounces, chopped, melted, and cooled): Enhances flavor depth and richness in the filling.
Sea salt (1/4 teaspoon for filling, 1/2 teaspoon for cake): Balances sweetness and boosts the chocolate notes.
Milk (2 tablespoons): Helps achieve a silky filling consistency.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon for filling, 1 teaspoon for cake): Adds warmth and aroma to both cake and filling.
Mascarpone cheese (1/2 cup): Gives the filling a creamy, velvety texture that’s simply irresistible.
All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Lightly stabilizes the cake batter.
Large eggs (5, room temperature): Essential for a light, airy sponge cake structure.
White sugar (2/3 cup): Sweetens and whips with eggs for a fluffy texture.
Powdered sugar (1/4 cup, sifted): Used to dust the rolling towel, preventing sticking and adding slight sweetness.
Heavy cream (3/4 cup): Forms the luscious base of the decadent ganache.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Melts into a glossy ganache that coats the log beautifully.

How to Make Yule Log Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by beating the softened butter until it’s light and fluffy, which will give your filling a dreamy texture. Slowly add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, salt, milk, and vanilla, mixing steadily to combine the flavors. Then increase your mixer speed to high and beat until the filling becomes airy and supple. Fold in the cooled melted chocolate, followed by mascarpone cheese to create a rich and creamy filling that’s hard to resist. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to assemble.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to a robust 400 degrees F, perfect for baking that tender sponge quickly but evenly. Grease and line a 13 x 18-inch baking sheet with parchment paper, then spray the parchment to prevent sticking. Whisk together cocoa powder, salt, and flour to evenly distribute flavors. Beat eggs and sugar until fluffy and pale, then incorporate vanilla and half of your dry mixture. Add the remaining dry ingredients, mix until combined, and pour the batter into your prepared pan. Spread evenly, tap to release air bubbles, and bake for 8-11 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid over-baking. Your kitchen will start to smell delightfully chocolatey!

Step 3: Roll the Cake

While the cake is baking, dust a clean kitchen towel generously with powdered sugar. When the cake comes out hot from the oven, invert it onto the sugared towel and gently peel off the parchment paper. Sprinkle a little more powdered sugar atop the cake, then immediately roll it up lengthwise with the towel inside. This step is crucial as it helps the cake “remember” its rolled shape and prevents cracking. Let it cool completely for 15 to 20 minutes before unrolling to add the filling.

Step 4: Add the Filling and Refrigerate

Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread most of the chilled mascarpone filling evenly across the surface, saving about half a cup of the filling for later use. Re-roll the cake, this time without the towel, being gentle to avoid squeezing out the filling. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the cake to firm up beautifully.

Step 5: Assemble the Yule Log

Once chilled, trim about half an inch from both ends to showcase the delicious spiral pattern inside. Make a diagonal cut 3 to 4 inches from one end, then attach this smaller piece to the side of the main log using a bit of reserved filling as glue. This will form the classic branch of your Yule Log. Fill in any gaps and smooth out the filling for a seamless look.

Step 6: Prepare and Apply Ganache

Heat the heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl until boiling, then pour it over the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Let it sit undisturbed for a minute before stirring to a perfectly smooth, glossy ganache. Cool it for 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened, making it easier to spread. Spoon the ganache over the assembled log, leaving the trimmed ends uncovered to keep that natural wood look. Refrigerate briefly, then use the back of a spoon to create swirl patterns reminiscent of tree bark.

Step 7: Final Chill and Serve

After applying the ganache, refrigerate the Yule Log Cake Recipe for at least one hour until fully set. This finishing chill will ensure clean slices and a cake that looks as stunning as it tastes when you’re ready to serve your masterpiece.

How to Serve Yule Log Cake Recipe

The image shows a chocolate roll cake sliced to reveal its spiral layers, with three visible layers of dark brown cake and two layers of lighter brown chocolate filling, all wrapped in a thin outer layer of chocolate frosting. The cake slice is placed on a light blue surface with a sprig of red berries and some green pine needles nearby. The background is blurred but shows more chocolate roll pieces with a reddish-brown color tone. The texture of the cake looks soft and moist, and the filling is smooth and creamy. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a few garnishes takes your Yule Log Cake to the next level. Consider dusting with extra powdered sugar to mimic freshly fallen snow or sprinkle edible gold flakes for a glamorous touch. Small holly leaves or fresh berries placed on the side or atop the ganache will create an inviting, festive look that’s sure to brighten any dessert table.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to balance the richness. For a holiday crowd-pleaser, you could also serve it alongside a light fruit compote or a cup of aromatic spiced tea to cut through the chocolate and offer a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your guests, slice the Yule Log Cake into modest portions and serve on rustic wooden boards or slate platters, garnished with fresh mint sprigs. Another charming idea is to add small candles around the platter to evoke the cozy warmth of a fireside celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container to maintain moisture and freshness. Stored in the refrigerator, they’ll keep delicious for up to 3 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy every decadent bite.

Freezing

You can freeze the whole cake or individual slices by wrapping them securely in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

This cake is best served chilled, so reheating isn’t recommended. However, if you prefer it slightly less cold, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to soften the ganache and filling just a little.

FAQs

Can I make this Yule Log Cake Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend of your choice. Just be sure your blend includes xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best structure.

How far ahead can I make this Yule Log Cake Recipe?

You can prepare the cake and filling up to 2 days ahead. After assembly, refrigerate the cake for up to 48 hours before serving to keep it fresh and flavors vibrant.

Can I use cream cheese instead of mascarpone?

While cream cheese can work as a substitute, mascarpone provides a silkier, less tangy flavor that’s more traditional for this recipe. If you do swap, consider adding a bit of heavy cream to soften the cream cheese for the best texture.

What if my cake cracks when rolling?

If your cake cracks, don’t worry! Use the filling to patch any cracks, and roll gently to avoid breaking the sponge further. Chilling the rolled cake before coating helps it keep its shape better.

How do I get the perfect swirl pattern inside the cake?

The trick is rolling the warm cake immediately after baking while it still has some moisture and flexibility. Dusting your towel with powdered sugar prevents sticking and helps create clean, defined spiral layers of cake and filling.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly something magical about creating and sharing this Yule Log Cake Recipe. From its tender sponge to its decadent filling and shiny ganache, every bite feels like a festive celebration. Give it a try this holiday season or any special occasion—you’ll be rewarded with compliments and smiles that last long after the last slice is gone!