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Ultimate Chocolate Yule Log Cake

A rich and festive chocolate roulade with silky ganache, perfect for Christmas or holiday celebrations.
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, European
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

Sponge Cake
  • 4 eggs large, room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
Ganache Filling
  • 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Frosting & Decoration
  • 4 oz dark chocolate melted
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder for dusting
  • fresh berries and chocolate shavings optional
  • powdered sugar for snow effect

Equipment

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

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 15x10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
  2. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
  3. Beat eggs and sugar until thick and pale, about 5 minutes.
  4. Mix in vanilla extract and melted butter.
  5. Fold dry ingredients gently into the egg mixture.
  6. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 12–15 minutes.
  7. Flip warm cake onto a powdered sugar-dusted towel and roll lengthwise. Cool completely.
  8. Heat cream until simmering, pour over chopped chocolate, stir to combine and add vanilla.
  9. Unroll cooled sponge, spread ganache evenly, then re-roll tightly.
  10. Coat with melted chocolate, create bark-like texture with a fork.
  11. Dust with cocoa powder and powdered sugar; garnish with berries or chocolate curls.
  12. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use high-quality chocolate for the richest flavor. Roll carefully to avoid cracks.