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Yule Log

Decadent Christmas Yule Log Cake Recipe with Mascarpone Filling

This Yule Log cake is a festive delight, featuring a rich mascarpone filling and a luscious chocolate ganache, perfect for holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: French
Calories: 286
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder for filling
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
Filling
  • 1 ½ cups cold heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Baileys optional
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
  • ¼ cup chopped macadamia nuts for garnish
Decoration
  • ganache
  • sugared cranberries optional
  • sugared rosemary optional
  • meringue mushrooms optional

Equipment

  • 13x18 cookie sheet tray
  • Offset spatula
  • Large bowl
  • hand mixer
  • Plastic wrap

Method
 

Cake Preparation
  1. In a large bowl sift together the flour, 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder, and baking powder.
  2. Add in the sugar, vanilla, eggs, and oil and whisk together until smooth and combined.
  3. Transfer the mixture to a 13×18 cookie sheet tray lined with parchment paper and spread the batter out evenly using an offset spatula.
  4. Bake at 350° for 15-17 minutes and invert the cake onto a dusted kitchen towel. Remove the parchment paper.
  5. Roll the cake up in the towel and let it cool to room temperature, about 2 to 2 ½ hours.
Filling Preparation
  1. Meanwhile, make the filling by whisking together the whipped cream, sugar, vanilla, and cocoa powder until medium-stiff peaks form.
  2. Add in the mascarpone cheese and whisk until stiff peaks form. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Assembly
  1. Prepare the ganache, and optional sugared cranberries and rosemary, as well as meringue mushrooms.
  2. Unroll the cooled cake and spread the mascarpone whipped cream evenly over the entire cake.
  3. Roll the cake up tightly, ensuring the filling does not come out of the edges.
  4. Roll the cake in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
  5. Slice the cake towards the top at an angle and attach it to the side using ganache or leftover filling.
  6. Spread ganache over the top and sides of the yule log, leaving the cut ends open.
  7. Use a fork to run streaks down the sides and top of the cake.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 286kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 5gFat: 16gSodium: 141mgFiber: 1gSugar: 22g

Notes

Feel free to customize the filling with different flavors, or swap mascarpone for cream cheese for a tangy twist.

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