Nostalgic Vintage Yule Log Recipe: A Sweet Holiday Tradition

Decadent chocolate swirls and creamy filling define this classic vintage yule log recipe that whispers holiday nostalgia.

Winter celebrations sparkle with this traditional European dessert.

Generations of bakers have cherished this elegant treat passed down through family kitchens.

Soft sponge cake rolled with smooth buttercream creates a delightful centerpiece for festive gatherings.

Rich chocolate ganache and delicate meringue mushrooms add magical woodland touches to this stunning dessert.

Sweet memories come alive with each slice of this timeless Christmas confection.

You’ll fall in love with this showstopping treat that transforms an ordinary holiday into an extraordinary celebration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 490 kcal

Servings: 8

What You’ll Need for a Classic Yule Log

• Eggs: Provide structure and richness, choose fresh large eggs at room temperature for best volume.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a light, airy texture, opt for fine-grain sugar for smooth mixing.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure to the cake, sift to remove lumps and ensure a smooth batter.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor, use high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa for intense color and taste.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy, ensure it's fresh and not expired.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness, use fine table salt.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic flavor, choose pure vanilla for the best taste.
• Milk: Keeps the cake moist and tender, whole milk works best for richness.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth, luxurious filling and helps stabilize whipped cream.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps thicken the cream filling, sift to prevent lumps.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness to the frosting, use at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds chocolate flavor to the frosting, use the same type as in the cake base.

Baking Tools for Rolling a Classic Yule Log Recipe

• Jelly Roll Pan: Essential 10×15-inch baking sheet for creating the perfect thin cake base.
• Parchment Paper: Crucial for easy cake removal and preventing sticking.
• Electric Mixer: Powerful tool for beating eggs and sugar to fluffy perfection.
• Large Mixing Bowls: Needed for combining ingredients and mixing batter.
• Whisk: Key for blending dry ingredients smoothly.
• Sifter: Helps evenly distribute dry ingredients and remove lumps.
• Spatula: Perfect for gently folding ingredients and spreading batter.

How to Make and Frost a Classic Yule Log

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating the perfect stage for your delicious chocolate roll.

• Whip Up the Base

Grab your mixer and beat eggs and sugar into a cloud-like, pale mixture that looks like sweet, fluffy magic – this takes about 3-4 minutes of passionate whirling.

• Create Silky Batter

Gently fold cocoa-flour blend into your egg mixture, stirring with love until everything looks smooth and inviting. A gentle touch ensures a tender cake.

• Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter onto your prepared pan, spreading it evenly like a delicate chocolate canvas. Slide into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the cake bounces back at your touch.

• Roll with Delight

Once baked, quickly flip the warm cake onto a sugar-dusted towel, roll it up carefully, and let it cool completely. This creates the signature log shape that’ll make everyone swoon.

• Frost and Decorate

Unroll the cooled cake, spread a luscious chocolate cream, then re-roll. Dust with powdered sugar and add festive touches to transform your creation into a stunning yule log that’ll dazzle at any holiday gathering.

Variations on Fillings for Your Yule Log Cake

• Roll the cake while it's still warm to prevent cracking and ensure a smooth, flexible texture that holds its shape beautifully.
• Prepare the Yule log up to two days in advance and store in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap to maintain moisture and freshness.
• Swap milk with almond milk or coconut milk for a lactose-free version that doesn't compromise on rich, chocolatey flavor.
• Use a fork to create bark-like texture on the chocolate frosting, or dust with powdered sugar for a snowy forest effect that adds visual drama.
• Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this festive dessert accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.

Serve a Classic Yule Log at Holiday Tables

• Festive Dessert Companion: Serve this classic Yule log with a dusting of powdered sugar for a snow-like effect that enhances its holiday charm.
• Winter Beverage Pairing: Complement the rich chocolate cake with a warm mug of spiced mulled wine or creamy hot chocolate to create a cozy seasonal experience.
• Elegant Garnish Option: Decorate the log with sugared cranberries, fresh holly leaves, or edible silver pearls to elevate the presentation and capture the traditional Christmas spirit.
• Accompaniment Delight: Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream alongside the Yule log to provide a creamy contrast to the chocolate sponge cake.

Tips to Keep Your Yule Log Cake Moist

• Store the Yule log in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping the cake moist and delectable.
• Prepare the cake roll up to 2 days before serving, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap to maintain its soft texture and prevent drying.
• Slice the log and freeze individual portions for up to 3 weeks, wrapped securely in plastic and placed in a freezer-safe container for quick dessert options.
• Let the chilled Yule log sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before slicing to ensure the most tender and flavorful experience, allowing the frosting to soften slightly and the cake to reach perfect serving consistency.

Vintage Yule Log Recipe

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• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Sweet chocolate sponge cake rolls into a festive “Chocolate Yule Log” perfect for winter celebrations. Rich buttercream frosting and delicate chocolate bark create a delightful dessert that will enchant holiday guests with European baking charm.

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Ingredients

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• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup (120 ml) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
• ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) salt
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) milk
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
• ¼ cup (30 g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon (15 g) unsalted butter
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Chocolate shavings
• Fresh berries or sugared cranberries
• Meringue mushrooms

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Instructions

1. Thermal Preparation: Position oven rack to center and heat to 375F (190C). Carefully line a 10×15-inch baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring complete surface coverage.
2. Dry Ingredient Assembly: Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt into a medium mixing bowl, creating a uniform powder blend with no visible lumps.
3. Egg Transformation: Utilize electric mixer to whip eggs and sugar at high velocity for 3-4 minutes, cultivating a voluminous, pale cream-like texture that dramatically increases in volume.
4. Liquid Enhancement: Delicately incorporate vanilla extract and milk into the aerated egg mixture, maintaining the delicate foam structure with gentle circular motions.
5. Batter Composition: Gently fold dry ingredient mixture into egg base using a silicone spatula, employing a sweeping motion to preserve airiness while achieving complete ingredient integration without overmixing.
6. Baking Performance: Distribute batter evenly across prepared pan, creating a smooth, consistent layer. Slide into preheated oven and bake 10-12 minutes until cake surface demonstrates resilience and springs back upon light touch, indicating perfect doneness.

Notes

• Roll the cake while it’s still warm to prevent cracking and ensure a smooth, flexible texture for the classic Yule log shape.
• Don’t overmix the batter to maintain a light, airy texture and prevent a dense, tough cake.
• Use room temperature eggs for better volume and smoother integration when beating with sugar.
• Experiment with different cream fillings like chocolate ganache, chestnut cream, or coffee-flavored buttercream to personalize your Yule log.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg