Oh, the joy of festive desserts! There’s just something magical about baking during the holiday season, and nothing brings me more delight than crafting a beautiful *christmas log cake*. This delightful dessert, shaped like a log, is not only a feast for the eyes but also a sweet centerpiece for any holiday gathering. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma of chocolate wafting through my kitchen instantly filled my heart with warmth and nostalgia. Friends and family gathered around, and I loved watching their faces light up as they took that first bite. The *christmas log cake* has become a cherished tradition in my home, symbolizing togetherness and celebration. Trust me, once you bring this beauty to your table, it’ll become a holiday staple in your family too!
Ingredients for Christmas Log Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- Chocolate shavings for decoration
How to Prepare Christmas Log Cake
Alright, let’s dive into the magic of creating your *christmas log cake*! It may seem a bit daunting at first, but trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be a pro in no time!
Preheat and Mix Dry Ingredients
First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because a hot oven ensures even baking. While that’s warming up, grab a mixing bowl and combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Make sure to whisk them together thoroughly; you want to avoid any clumps of cocoa, which can be a sneaky little villain in our cake!
Prepare the Wet Mixture
In another bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s creamy and light. This is where the magic starts! Add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition, and then incorporate that lovely vanilla extract. You’re looking for a smooth, fluffy texture here—like a cloud of sweetness!
Combine the Mixtures and Bake
Now it’s time to unite the dry and wet mixtures! Gradually add your dry ingredients to the buttery goodness, folding gently until just combined. Don’t overmix; we want to keep that fluffiness! Pour the batter into a lined baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick—the cake should spring back and the toothpick should come out clean. Wohoo!
Cool and Roll the Cake
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling step is crucial because it helps the cake maintain its shape when you roll it. Now, while it cools, take a deep breath and prepare for the next step!
Whip Cream and Assemble
Once your cake is completely cool, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until you achieve stiff peaks—it should be fluffy and ready to spread! Unroll the cooled cake carefully, spread that luscious whipped cream all over, and then re-roll it gently. This part can be a bit tricky, so go slow to avoid any cracks. Shape the rolled cake to resemble a log, and don’t forget to sprinkle those chocolate shavings on top for that festive touch!
Tips for Success
To ensure your *christmas log cake* turns out perfectly, here are a few tried-and-true tips! First, be sure to let the cake cool completely before rolling it. This is crucial for preventing cracks. When cutting, use a serrated knife for clean slices; it makes all the difference and keeps the log looking fabulous! If you want to make it ahead of time, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap to keep it fresh. For serving, I love adding a dollop of extra whipped cream on the side—it complements the rich chocolate flavor beautifully. And don’t forget, a sprinkle of festive decorations can make your cake even more special. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! The *christmas log cake* can be made up to three days in advance. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap to keep it fresh and moist. When you’re ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to bring back that fluffy texture. Trust me; it’s perfect for those busy holiday schedules!
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, no worries! You can substitute it with whipped topping or even coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Just make sure to whip it to the same stiff peaks as you would with heavy cream. Another great alternative is to use a mixture of whole milk and melted butter—just combine ¾ cup of milk with ¼ cup of melted butter to mimic that rich creaminess!
How do I decorate my Christmas log cake?
Oh, decorating your *christmas log cake* is one of the best parts! Besides chocolate shavings, you can get really creative. Consider using powdered sugar to create a light dusting that looks like fresh snow. Edible glitter or festive sprinkles can add a fun touch! You can also adorn it with fresh berries or even little marzipan mushrooms for that whimsical forest vibe. And if you want to be extra fancy, a drizzle of chocolate ganache on top can really elevate the look!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates. For a typical slice of *christmas log cake*, you can expect around 350 calories, 18 grams of fat, 4 grams of protein, and 45 grams of carbohydrates. It’s always a good idea to check the nutrition labels on your ingredients for the most accurate information, especially if you’re watching your intake. Enjoy this festive treat in moderation, and let the holiday spirit fill your heart and your plate!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a stunning festive centerpiece that will wow your guests and bring the holiday spirit to your table.
- Easy preparation with simple ingredients makes it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
- The rich chocolate flavor combined with the light whipped cream creates a delightful contrast that’s hard to resist.
- It’s versatile! You can decorate it in countless ways to match your holiday theme.
- Making this cake is a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories with friends and family in the kitchen.
- It keeps well in the refrigerator, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert for your holiday gatherings.
- Each slice is a delicious reminder of the joy and warmth of the holiday season.
Equipment List
- Mixing bowls (a large one for wet ingredients and a medium one for dry ingredients)
- Whisk or electric mixer (for creaming butter and whipping cream)
- Rubber spatula (for folding and spreading)
- Baking pan (a jelly roll pan works best for this cake)
- Parchment paper (to line the baking pan for easy removal)
- Wire rack (for cooling the cake)
- Serrated knife (for slicing the cake cleanly)
- Measuring cups and spoons (to get those precise ingredient amounts)
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your *christmas log cake* fresh and delicious, it’s essential to store it properly. Wrap any leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it beyond that, consider freezing it! Just wrap it well and place it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to two months.
When you’re ready to indulge in your festive creation again, simply transfer the cake from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. This gentle thawing helps maintain its moisture and texture. If you’d like to enjoy it warmed, you can slice the cake and gently microwave a piece for about 10-15 seconds, just until it’s slightly warm—this can bring back that cozy feel! Remember, though, it’s not necessary to reheat; it’s absolutely delightful served cold with that creamy filling. Enjoy every last bite!
Z nadrukami
Christmas Log Cake: 5 Reasons to Savor This Delight
- Całkowity Czas: 55 minutes
- Ustępować: 8 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A festive dessert shaped like a log, perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Składniki
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- Chocolate shavings for decoration
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy.
- Add eggs and vanilla to the butter mixture, mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Pour the batter into a lined baking pan, spreading evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool completely before rolling.
- Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Unroll the cake, spread the whipped cream, and re-roll it.
- Shape the cake to resemble a log, decorate with chocolate shavings.
Uwagi
- Store the cake in the refrigerator.
- Serve with extra whipped cream on the side.
- Use a serrated knife for clean cuts.
- Czas Przygotowania: 30 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 25 minutes
- Kategoria: Dessert
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: International
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 slice
- Kalorie: 350
- Cukier: 25g
- Sód: 150mg
- Kwasy: 18g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 10g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 6g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 45g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Słowa kluczowe: christmas log cake, yule log, festive dessert
