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Classic Yule Log Cake

A traditional chocolate sponge roll filled with cream and frosted to resemble a festive holiday yule log.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

Chocolate Sponge Cake
  • 4 eggs separated
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.25 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cream Filling
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 0.25 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate Frosting
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1.5 cups powdered sugar
  • 0.25 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2-3 tbsp cream or milk

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk dry ingredients together in a bowl.
  3. Beat egg yolks with sugar until thick and pale, then add vanilla.
  4. Beat egg whites to stiff peaks and gently fold into batter.
  5. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan and bake 10–12 minutes.
  6. Roll warm cake in a powdered sugar towel and cool completely.
  7. Whip cream filling ingredients to stiff peaks.
  8. Unroll cake, spread filling, reroll, frost, and decorate.

Notes

Roll the cake while warm to prevent cracking.