Christmas Baking Our Chocolate Yule Log Recipe HelloFresh Food Blog from blog.hellofresh.co.uk
Introduction
When it comes to desserts for the holiday season, a chocolate yule log is a classic that never goes out of style. This decadent dessert, also known as a Buche de Noel, is a beautiful and delicious centerpiece for your Christmas table. It's a sponge cake rolled up with a creamy chocolate filling, then frosted with chocolate buttercream to resemble a log. In this article, we'll be sharing a recipe for a chocolate yule log that you can make at home.
Ingredients
For the sponge cake: - 4 large eggs - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup cocoa powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For the chocolate filling: - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature - 1/4 teaspoon salt For the chocolate buttercream: - 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature - 4 cups powdered sugar - 1/2 cup cocoa powder - 1/4 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For decoration: - powdered sugar - cocoa powder - fresh berries - sprigs of fresh rosemary
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 10x15-inch jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper. 2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together with an electric mixer until thick and pale yellow in color. 3. Sift the flour, cocoa powder, and salt into the bowl with the egg mixture. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the eggs until just combined. 4. Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. 5. Bake the sponge cake for 12-15 minutes, or until it springs back when lightly touched in the center. 6. While the cake is baking, make the chocolate filling. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just comes to a boil. 7. Remove the cream from the heat and stir in the chocolate chips until they are melted and smooth. 8. Add the butter and salt to the chocolate mixture and stir until the butter is melted and the filling is well combined. 9. Let the chocolate filling cool to room temperature. 10. Once the sponge cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. 11. Dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar and place it over the sponge cake. Carefully flip the cake over onto the towel, so the parchment paper is facing up. 12. Peel off the parchment paper and spread the chocolate filling over the sponge cake, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. 13. Starting from the short end of the cake, roll it up tightly, using the towel to help you. Place the rolled cake seam-side down on a serving platter or baking sheet. 14. Make the chocolate buttercream by beating the butter in a large mixing bowl until it is light and fluffy. 15. Gradually add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, heavy cream, and vanilla extract to the bowl, beating well after each addition, until the buttercream is smooth and creamy. 16. Frost the rolled cake with the chocolate buttercream, using a spatula to create a textured bark-like effect. 17. Use a fork to create the look of tree bark by dragging it through the buttercream. 18. Dust the yule log with cocoa powder to resemble dirt, then decorate it with fresh berries and sprigs of rosemary to resemble holly and pine branches. 19. Chill the yule log in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. 20. Slice the chocolate yule log and serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream, if desired.
Nutrition
While this chocolate yule log is certainly not a low-calorie dessert, it's a treat that's worth indulging in during the holiday season. Each slice of this recipe contains approximately 400 calories, 25 grams of fat, 45 grams of carbohydrates, and 4 grams of protein. It's also a good source of iron and calcium, thanks to the cocoa powder and heavy cream used in the recipe. As with any dessert, it's best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
