Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite holiday tradition: making Christmas Mini Yule Logs! Every year, as soon as the first snow falls, I find myself in the kitchen, whipping up these delightful little logs of chocolatey goodness. The smell of the warm sponge cake baking just fills the house with holiday cheer, and trust me, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of rolling them up with a fluffy cream filling. It’s a dessert that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to make, making it perfect for holiday gatherings. Plus, each bite is like a little gift of joy – who wouldn’t love that? So, let’s dive into this recipe so you can bring a touch of festive charm to your table!
Ingredients List
- 4 large eggs
- 100g granulated sugar
- 75g all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 25g cocoa powder (sifted)
- 200ml heavy cream
- 50g powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Chocolate shavings for decoration (optional)
These ingredients come together to create the most delightful Christmas Mini Yule Logs! Make sure to have everything measured out and ready to go for a smooth baking experience. The sifting of flour and cocoa is key to a light and fluffy sponge cake, so don’t skip that step. And oh, the chocolate shavings? They’re the delightful little touch that really make your Yule Logs look festive and inviting!
How to Prepare Christmas Mini Yule Logs
- First things first, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This step is crucial because a properly heated oven ensures your cake bakes evenly.
- Next, grab a large mixing bowl and beat the eggs along with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about 5 minutes. You want it to look pale and have a nice volume.
- Now, sift the all-purpose flour and cocoa powder directly into the egg mixture. This is where you’ll gently fold these dry ingredients in using a spatula, being careful not to deflate that lovely fluffiness you just created. Take your time; this step is key!
- Once everything is combined, spread the batter evenly onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure it’s nice and smooth.
- Pop it in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on it because you don’t want it to overbake—just until it springs back when lightly touched.
- As soon as it’s done, let the cake cool for a few minutes. Then, while it’s still warm, roll it up with the parchment paper starting from one end. This helps shape it for filling later on. Let it cool completely in this rolled position.
- While the cake cools, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until it forms stiff peaks. This whipped cream is the star of your filling!
- Once the cake is cool, gently unroll it, spread that delicious whipped cream all over, and roll it back up again. Don’t worry if it cracks a bit; it just adds character!
- Chill the rolled cake in the fridge for at least an hour to set everything nicely before you decorate.
And there you have it! Follow these steps, and you’ll have beautiful Christmas Mini Yule Logs ready to impress your family and friends. Just remember, patience is key, especially when rolling the cake – take your time, and it’ll turn out perfectly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for those busy holiday days!
- Festively delightful and visually appealing, these mini logs are sure to impress your guests.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings, they make a charming centerpiece on any dessert table.
- Customizable with various fillings like fruit preserves or flavored creams, so you can get creative!
Honestly, what’s not to love? Each bite is a celebration of chocolatey goodness, and they bring such a warm, festive vibe to any occasion. I always get excited when I serve these at parties—they’re always the first to disappear!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Christmas Mini Yule Logs turn out perfectly, here are a few handy tips! First, make sure your cake is completely cool before rolling it up. If it’s too warm, it might crack, and nobody wants that! When you roll the cake with the parchment paper, do it gently but firmly to create a nice shape. Also, whip your cream until it forms stiff peaks; this will help it hold its shape when you spread it on the cake. If you’ve never whipped cream before, just be patient and keep an eye on it—you’ll know it’s ready when it stands tall and doesn’t droop! Lastly, don’t be afraid to get a little creative with your fillings; this is your chance to make it your own!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to customize your Christmas Mini Yule Logs! For a fruity twist, try spreading a layer of your favorite fruit preserves, like raspberry or apricot, before adding the whipped cream. You could also fold in some chopped nuts, like hazelnuts or almonds, for a delightful crunch. Feeling festive? How about infusing your whipped cream with a splash of peppermint extract for a refreshing holiday flavor? And don’t forget about the decorations—cocoa powder dusting, edible glitter, or even some candied orange peel can add that extra sparkle to your logs!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your Christmas Mini Yule Logs, storing any leftovers is a breeze! Simply wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them later, you can also freeze them! Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn, and they’ll be good for up to a month. When you’re ready to indulge again, thaw them overnight in the fridge. No reheating needed—serve them chilled for the best taste and texture!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying these delightful Christmas Mini Yule Logs, it’s always good to know a bit about what you’re indulging in! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional values per mini yule log:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Fiber: 1g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. But hey, a little treat during the holidays never hurt anyone, right? Enjoy every scrumptious bite of your festive creation!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different filling besides whipped cream?
Absolutely! You can use fruit preserves, flavored creams, or even a layer of chocolate ganache for a richer taste. Get creative with your favorite flavors!
How can I prevent my cake from cracking when rolling?
To avoid cracking, make sure your cake is completely cool before rolling it up. Also, when rolling, do it gently but firmly, and don’t rush the process. A little patience goes a long way!
Can I make these Yule logs ahead of time?
Yes, you can! These Christmas Mini Yule Logs can be made a day or two in advance. Just wrap them tightly and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
What should I do if my whipped cream isn’t thickening?
If your whipped cream isn’t thickening, make sure your heavy cream is very cold, and start whipping it slowly before increasing the speed. If it still doesn’t reach stiff peaks, try adding a little more powdered sugar as a stabilizer.
Can I freeze the mini yule logs?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to a month, and thaw them overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy!
Christmas Mini Yule Logs: 7 Steps to Sweet Holiday Joy
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
- Yield: 8 mini yule logs 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dessert featuring chocolate sponge cake rolled with cream and decorated like a log.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 100g granulated sugar
- 75g all-purpose flour
- 25g cocoa powder
- 200ml heavy cream
- 50g powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Chocolate shavings for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Beat eggs and sugar until fluffy.
- Sift flour and cocoa powder into the mixture, fold gently.
- Spread batter on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Let it cool, then roll it up with parchment paper.
- Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff.
- Unroll the cake, spread whipped cream, and roll it back up.
- Chill for 1 hour.
- Decorate with chocolate shavings before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cool before rolling.
- You can use different fillings like fruit preserves.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini yule log
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Christmas Mini Yule Logs, Chocolate Roll Cake, Holiday Desserts