Homemade Chocolate Yule Log – Festive, Decadent, and Irresistible

This Homemade Chocolate Yule Log is a classic holiday dessert that combines a light, airy chocolate sponge cake with a rich, creamy filling, all rolled into a beautiful spiral and coated in luscious chocolate ganache. Perfect for Christmas celebrations or any special occasion, this show-stopping cake is as delicious as it is stunning. With its tender texture and indulgent flavor, it’s a festive treat everyone will remember.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich Chocolate Flavor – Decadent cocoa sponge and silky ganache make this a chocolate lover’s dream.
Festive Presentation – A beautiful swirl and log shape make it perfect for holiday tables.
Light & Airy Cake – Whipped eggs create a sponge that’s soft yet sturdy enough to roll.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare in advance and chill for stress-free entertaining.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Filling:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Ganache:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
2. Make the Sponge Cake
   In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar with an electric mixer for 3–4 minutes until pale and fluffy. Add vanilla. In another bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined.
3. Bake
   Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
4. Roll the Cake
   While warm, turn the cake out onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with cocoa powder. Peel off parchment paper, then roll the cake up with the towel from the short end. Cool completely.
5. Make the Filling
   Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
6. Assemble
   Unroll the cooled cake, spread the filling evenly, and roll it back up without the towel.
7. Make the Ganache
   Heat heavy cream until steaming, then pour over chocolate chips. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
8. Frost and Decorate
   Spread ganache over the rolled cake. Use a fork to create a bark-like texture. Chill until ready to serve.

Nutritional Information

Calories: ~260
Protein: 4g
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Sugar: 20g
Fiber: 2g

Tips for Success

• Roll While Warm – This prevents cracks when shaping the cake.
• Chill Before Serving – Makes slicing cleaner and neater.
• Decorate for the Holidays – Add powdered sugar “snow” or festive berries for a seasonal touch.

Why This Recipe Works

Whipped eggs and sugar create a sponge that’s both light and flexible, making it easy to roll without breaking. The combination of airy cake, creamy filling, and glossy ganache delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, while the log presentation adds a festive flair to any celebration.

This Homemade Chocolate Yule Log is a festive masterpiece that’s surprisingly easy to make. With its soft chocolate sponge, rich cream filling, and smooth ganache topping, it’s the perfect dessert to impress your guests during the holiday season.