Soft and fluffy chocolate sponge cake filled with light vanilla whipped cream and covered in rich chocolate ganache for the perfect chocolate yule log.

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How to make the perfect yule roll
How to make it look like a log
Frequently asked questions
📖 Recipe
💬 Comments

There is something so magical about Christmas baking, whether that be gingerbread men, a gingerbread house, or a yule log cake, they all bring that fun festivity to this time of the year. And if I had to choose one thing to bake every Christmas it would be this chocolate yule log.

You can decorate these as fancy or as plain as you like, and they don't take nearly as much time and effort as a gingerbread house does. Not to mention they taste so much better than gingerbread frosted in mountains of royal icing... What could go wrong with chocolate cake, whipped cream, and chocolate ganache?!

Chocolate Christmas Yule Log Roll Cake Buche de Noel

How to make the perfect yule roll

There are a couple of tips that will help you create the perfect roll.

Roll the cake when it is warm

One of the most important steps when making a roll cake is rolling it up when it is still warm. This not only helps to form the shape of the cake, but it also prevents the cake from cracking when rolled later on. It will also make your life easier when filling it with whipped cream as there is a natural curve for you to follow.

Once the cake comes out of the oven remove it from the baking tray immediately and flip it onto a clean sheet of baking paper. Remove the baking paper from the back of the cake and replace it with a clean tea towel. Flip the cake back over and roll the cake from one short end to another. Once rolled place the cake seam side down on your counter and allow it to cool completely. You can place it in the fridge to speed up the process too.

Be strategic when spreading the cream

When spreading the cream across the cake you want a thicker layer at one end and a thinner layer at the other. The end with the thicker layer should be rolled into the centre of the cake, while the thinner layer is at the end, this prevents the cream from oozing out as you roll the cake up.

Wrap in cling wrap

Once the cake has been rolled it is easy for it to fall out of shape. Wrapping the cake tightly in cling wrap helps the roll cake to set its form while preventing it from drying out as it chills in the fridge.

Chill before slicing

The cake needs some time to set into its shape, and absorb some moisture from the cream before slicing, otherwise, the cream will ooze out and the roll with disform. Make sure you chill the cake for a minimum of 1 hour once filled to prevent any disasters from happening.

How to make it look like a log

The fun part about making a yule log is the decorating. Use your imagination when putting this together and decorate it with whatever edible forest decorations you can find!

How to make the ganache look like bark

The most important thing when creating the bark is the texture of the ganache. Make sure that the ganache is not too soft, otherwise, it will spread too smooth, but also not too firm, as this can cause your cake to tear.

Then use a small offset spatula or butter knife and spread the ganache over the cake in a variety of strokes, both short and long. This will help create that bark-like texture.

What decorations to choose

To create the mistletoe I used a combination of cherries and rosemary, however, there are so many options out there! Red currants look fabulous on a yule log, and raspberries also make good replacements for cherries. If you can't find any of those fruits where you live then get creative! Whether that be round red sweets like jaffas or m&ms, use what you have around you.

I think the mushrooms add a cute touch to the log, and the Japanese or Korean chocolate mushroom snacks are a perfect addition. You can find them in most Asian grocery stores, but if you can't find them you can also make your own meringue mushrooms. These look super realistic and if you have the time to make them it's so worth it! Just search meringue mushrooms in google for hundreds of recipes.

As for other decorations I used coconut and green food colouring to recreate moss. You could also give the log a sprinkling of powdered sugar for a snow-like effect! The best thing about making a yule log is the creative freedom you have, so go for it!

Frequently asked questions

How long does this last?

This cake will last up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

How long ahead can I make this?

If you are looking to prepare this ahead of time for Christmas I would recommend making it the day before. The next day the sponge will have absorbed more flavour and is at its optimum flavour and texture.

Can I change the flavour?

Yes definitely! This cake is super versatile and there are so many different ways you can change it up. You can change the chocolate in the ganache to white or milk chocolate for a sweeter cake, or you can flavour the whipped cream with cocoa powder, fresh fruits, coconut... whatever your heart desires!

Let's Get Cooking

If you liked this recipe make sure to leave me a comment and rating down below, I would love to know how you went. Also don't forget to tag me on Instagram @catherine.desserts so I can see and share your desserts.

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Chocolate Yule Log