Ah, the magic of the holiday season! Nothing quite captures the joy and warmth of Christmas like baking a stunning Christmas log. This traditional dessert, also known as a yule log, is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the taste buds. Imagine a rich, chocolatey sponge cake rolled and filled with fluffy whipped cream, all topped with a luscious dark chocolate coating that glistens like fresh snow. It’s a showstopper on any holiday table and a wonderful way to bring friends and family together. Trust me, once you slice into this festive treat, the smiles will be endless. So, let’s get baking this Christmas log and create some sweet holiday memories!
Ingredients List
- 4 large eggs
- 100g granulated sugar
- 100g all-purpose flour
- 30g cocoa powder
- 50g unsalted butter, melted
- 300ml heavy cream
- 50g powdered sugar (for the whipped cream)
- 200g dark chocolate (for coating)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting, as needed
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
First things first—preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This step is super important because a well-preheated oven helps your cake rise beautifully! While the oven is warming up, line a baking tray with parchment paper. This will make it easy to lift the cake out later and keep it from sticking. I always like to make sure the paper hangs over the edges a bit; it just makes life easier when it comes time to roll the cake!
Make the Cake Batter
Now, let’s whip up that cake batter! In a large mixing bowl, whisk your 4 eggs and 100g granulated sugar together until they’re thick and fluffy—trust me, this will take about 5 minutes and is totally worth it. Next, gently fold in the 100g all-purpose flour, 30g cocoa powder, and melted 50g butter. Be careful not to overmix, as we want to keep that lovely airy texture. Once it’s smooth and well combined, you’re ready to pour!
Bake the Cake
Pour your batter into the prepared baking tray and spread it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges start to pull away and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After baking, let it cool completely in the tray; this is key! A cool cake is much easier to roll without cracking, so don’t rush this part!
Prepare the Filling
While your cake cools, let’s make that heavenly filling! In a mixing bowl, whip the 300ml heavy cream with 50g powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Keep whipping until you see soft peaks form—this means it’s fluffy and ready to spread. Just be careful not to over-whip; we want it smooth and creamy, not butter!
Assemble the Christmas Log
Now comes the fun part! Once your cake is completely cool, carefully spread the whipped cream over the surface. Roll the cake tightly from one end to the other, using the parchment paper to help you. It might take a bit of practice, but you’ve got this! Once rolled, place it seam-side down, then melt your 200g dark chocolate and pour it over the log, coating it all around. Chill it in the fridge until set, and just before serving, dust with powdered sugar for that snowy finish. You’ll impress everyone with this stunning Christmas log!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table that’s sure to impress!
- Rich chocolate flavor combined with fluffy cream makes every bite a delight.
- Relatively simple to make, even for beginner bakers.
- Perfect for sharing with family and friends during festive gatherings.
- Customize it with your favorite toppings for a personal touch!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Christmas log turns out absolutely perfect, here are a few tips I’ve picked up along the way! First, use fresh eggs for a fluffier and more stable cake—trust me, it makes a difference! When folding in your dry ingredients, be gentle; overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want it light and airy!
Also, don’t skip the cooling step! If the cake isn’t completely cool, it’ll crack when you roll it, and nobody wants that. If you find rolling tricky, you can try rolling it up with the parchment paper while it’s still warm, then unroll it once cooled to fill. Lastly, when melting your dark chocolate, do it slowly to avoid burning—microwave in short bursts or use a double boiler for the best results. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional content for one slice of this delightful Christmas log. Keep in mind these values are based on standard ingredients and can vary slightly depending on what you use:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 15g
It’s a rich and indulgent treat, perfect for the festive season. Enjoy every delicious bite, but remember to savor it in moderation!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making your very own Christmas log? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I hear, along with helpful answers.
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any slices left after your festive gathering, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to keep it well-covered so it doesn’t dry out!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Christmas log can be made a day in advance. Just prepare it as directed, chill it, and then cover with plastic wrap. It’ll be ready to impress when you are!
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use coconut cream for a dairy-free option or a whipped topping if you want to save time. Just keep in mind, it might change the flavor a bit.
Can I use white chocolate instead of dark?
Sure thing! White chocolate will give a sweeter twist to your Christmas log, but it’s a lovely option. Just melt it the same way and coat your log for a different holiday vibe!
Don’t hesitate to get creative and make this festive dessert your own. Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your stunning Christmas log, the options are as delightful as the dessert itself! I love pairing it with a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or a rich hot chocolate for a cozy treat. For a festive twist, consider serving it alongside spiced apple cider or a glass of bubbly prosecco; the flavors complement each other beautifully! You could also plate it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of crème fraîche to add a creamy contrast. Whichever way you choose, it’s sure to elevate your holiday celebration!
Z nadrukami
Christmas Log: 7 Reasons This Treat Will Dazzle You
- Całkowity Czas: 50 minutes
- Ustępować: 8 servings
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A delicious and festive Christmas log dessert.
Składniki
- Chocolate sponge cake – 4 eggs
- Granulated sugar – 100g
- All-purpose flour – 100g
- Cocoa powder – 30g
- Butter – 50g, melted
- Heavy cream – 300ml
- Powdered sugar – 50g
- Dark chocolate – 200g
- Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
- Powdered sugar for dusting – as needed
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Whisk eggs and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Fold in flour and cocoa powder gently.
- Add melted butter and mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter into a lined baking tray.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Let it cool completely.
- Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Spread whipped cream on the cooled cake.
- Roll the cake tightly to form a log.
- Melt dark chocolate and coat the log.
- Chill until set, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Uwagi
- Use fresh eggs for better texture.
- Ensure the cake is completely cool before rolling.
- Decorate with berries or chocolate shavings for presentation.
- Czas Przygotowania: 30 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 20 minutes
- Kategoria: Dessert
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: French
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 slice
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 15g
- Sód: 50mg
- Kwasy: 15g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 8g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 5g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 30g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Słowa kluczowe: christmas log, yule log, chocolate log, festive dessert
