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Christmas Yule Log Cake with Chocolate Ganache

Elina James
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Desserts
Cuisine French
Servings 10 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Sponge Cake:
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • For the Filling:
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • For the Chocolate Ganache:
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 oz (225 g) semisweet chocolate, chopped
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (optional, for shine)
  • Optional Decorations:
  • Powdered sugar (for snow effect)
  • Meringue mushrooms or chocolate shavings
  • Fresh berries or mint leaves

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Prepare the Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10x15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease. In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar on high speed until thick, pale, and fluffy (about 5 minutes). Gently fold in flour, cocoa powder, and salt until fully combined. Add vanilla extract. Pour batter evenly into the prepared pan and spread smoothly. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the cake springs back when touched.
  • Step 2: Roll the Cake: While still warm, invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper. Roll the cake gently with the towel from the short end. Allow it to cool completely while rolled.
  • Step 3: Prepare the Filling: In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
  • Step 4: Unroll and Fill the Cake: Gently unroll the cooled cake. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the surface, leaving a 1-inch border on one side. Carefully roll the cake back up without the towel. Place seam-side down on a serving platter.
  • Step 5: Make the Ganache: Heat cream in a small saucepan until just simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let sit 1–2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Stir in butter if using. Let ganache cool slightly to thicken but remain pourable.
  • Step 6: Frost and Decorate: Pour or spread ganache over the rolled cake, covering all sides. Use a fork or spatula to create bark-like texture. Decorate with powdered sugar, meringue mushrooms, berries, or mint leaves.