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A beautifully decorated Easy Yule Log Cake with chocolate ganache and cream filling.

Yule Log Cake

A cozy, chocolatey Yule Log Cake that is simple to make and perfect for holiday celebrations, mimicking a classic Bûche de Noël.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert, Holiday
Cuisine: Christmas, French
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chocolate Sponge
  • 4 large large eggs They provide lift and texture.
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar For sweetness.
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder Use high-quality cocoa for better flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter Adds softness to the sponge.
For the Filling
  • 2 cups whipped cream Sweetened; can mix with mascarpone or cream cheese.
For the Frosting
  • 1 cup chocolate ganache or chocolate buttercream For a glossy finish or easy decoration.
Optional Flavor Boosters
  • 1 teaspoon espresso powder To enhance chocolate flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest For a touch of freshness.
  • 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract Use sparingly.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
  2. Whip the eggs and sugar together until pale and fluffy.
  3. Gently fold in the cocoa powder and vegetable oil (or melted butter).
  4. Spread the batter thinly and evenly in the prepared pan.
Baking
  1. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched.
Rolling the Cake
  1. Flip the warm cake onto a powdered sugar-dusted towel and peel off the parchment paper.
  2. Roll the cake up in the towel and let it cool completely while rolled.
Assembly
  1. Once cooled, unroll the cake, spread the whipped cream filling evenly, and roll it back up.
  2. Frost the exterior with chocolate ganache or chocolate buttercream.
Decoration
  1. Decorate as desired, using fresh berries, powdered sugar for snow, or fork lines for bark texture.

Notes

Chill the cake after filling and again after frosting for cleaner slices. Small cracks in the cake are normal and can be hidden with frosting.