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Decadent Yule Log Cake Recipe Easy Homemade Dark Chocolate Ganache

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A rich and comforting Yule log cake featuring a tender chocolate sponge and silky whipped dark chocolate ganache, perfect for festive occasions and holiday celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature (separated yolks and whites)
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar, divided
  • 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 ounces (225g) dark chocolate, chopped (70% cocoa recommended)
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon light corn syrup or honey (optional)
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream, chilled
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Line a 10×15 inch baking sheet with parchment paper, letting some overhang on the sides. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Separate the 4 large eggs into yolks and whites, placing whites in a clean, dry bowl.
  3. Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites with 1/4 cup (50g) sugar until stiff, glossy peaks form.
  4. In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks with remaining 1/2 cup (100g) sugar and vanilla extract until pale.
  5. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt, then gently fold into the yolk mixture.
  6. Fold one-third of the whipped egg whites into the yolk batter to lighten it, then gently fold in the rest, being careful not to deflate the air bubbles.
  7. Pour batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cake springs back lightly and a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. While still warm, invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with cocoa powder. Peel off parchment and roll the cake with the towel from the short edge. Let cool completely rolled up.
  9. Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Pour over chopped dark chocolate in a bowl and let sit for 2 minutes.
  10. Stir gently until smooth, then add butter and corn syrup, stirring until glossy. Let cool slightly, then whip with a mixer until spreadable and shiny.
  11. Whip chilled heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until medium peaks form.
  12. Unroll the cooled cake carefully, spread the whipped cream filling evenly, then re-roll without the towel.
  13. Spread the whipped ganache over the outside, using a spatula to create bark-like textures.
  14. Chill the assembled cake for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

Roll the cake while warm in a towel to prevent cracks. Use high-quality dark chocolate for best ganache texture. If ganache stiffens, gently warm and rewhip. Keep cream chilled for better whipping. Parchment paper is essential for easy cake release.

Nutrition

Keywords: Yule log cake, chocolate ganache, holiday dessert, Christmas cake, chocolate sponge, festive cake, easy Yule log

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/decadent-yule-log-cake-recipe-easy-homemade-dark-chocolate-ganache/