Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite festive treat: the hazelnut yule log! This delightful dessert is the perfect centerpiece for any holiday gathering, with its rich, chocolatey flavor and the nutty crunch of hazelnuts that just makes your taste buds sing. Every time I make it, it feels like I’m wrapping up a cozy hug in cake form. The unique texture is simply heavenly—moist and tender, rolled up like a beautiful gift to share with family and friends.
There’s something truly special about gathering around the table, cutting into this luscious log, and watching everyone’s faces light up with joy. It’s a tradition in my family to make this yule log together, each of us contributing a little something to the mix. Trust me, when you serve this showstopper, you’ll feel the warmth of the season and the love of those around you. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into crafting this spectacular hazelnut yule log together!
Ingredients List
- 4 large eggs
- 100g granulated sugar
- 100g all-purpose flour
- 50g unsweetened cocoa powder
- 50g hazelnut meal
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 200ml heavy cream
- 100g hazelnut spread
- 50g chopped hazelnuts
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How to Prepare Hazelnut Yule Log
Preheat the Oven
First things first—let’s get that oven preheated to 180°C (350°F). Trust me, this step is crucial! Preheating ensures your cake bakes evenly and comes out fluffy and delicious. Don’t skip it, or you’ll be left with a sad, undercooked log!
Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 4 large eggs and 100g granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is where the magic begins! You’ll want a nice pale color to form—about 5 minutes should do the trick. Now, sift in the 100g all-purpose flour, 50g unsweetened cocoa powder, 50g hazelnut meal, and 1 tsp baking powder. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the egg mixture. Be careful not to overmix; we want to keep that airy texture!
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into a lined baking tray and spread it evenly. Pop it into the oven and let it bake for around 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it springs back lightly when touched and is set in the center. Wow, the smell wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly!
Cool and Roll the Cake
Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly—just enough so it’s manageable to handle. Carefully roll the cake up in a clean kitchen towel while it’s still warm. This helps it keep its shape when you fill it later. Don’t worry if it cracks a bit; it’s all part of the charm!
Make the Filling
Now for the delicious filling! In a separate bowl, whip 200ml heavy cream until soft peaks form. Then, gently mix in 100g hazelnut spread until it’s all smooth and creamy. The consistency should be thick yet spreadable—just what you want for slathering on that cake!
Assemble the Hazelnut Yule Log
Unroll the cake gently, and spread that luscious filling evenly across the surface. Don’t be shy with it! Sprinkle with 50g chopped hazelnuts for that delightful crunch. Now, roll the cake back up, seam-side down. This will help keep everything together and make it look beautiful when you serve it!
Finish and Serve
Finally, dust your hazelnut yule log with powdered sugar before serving—this gives it that festive touch! You can serve it as is or pair it with a dollop of whipped cream on the side. Trust me, each slice is a little slice of holiday heaven!
Nutritional Information
Each slice of this delightful hazelnut yule log is not just a treat for the eyes but also a satisfying indulgence! Here’s a quick look at the typical nutritional values per serving. Keep in mind, these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 5g
With those cozy, nutty flavors wrapped up in every slice, it’s hard to resist! Just remember to enjoy it in moderation, especially during the festive season when there are so many treats to savor!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my hazelnut yule log? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I get, along with my best tips:
Can I make this hazelnut yule log ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and roll it up. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to add the filling and serve. It actually gets even better as the flavors meld together, trust me!
How should I store any leftovers?
Keep any leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just be sure to let them come to a slight room temperature before digging in for the best flavor!
Can I freeze the hazelnut yule log?
Yes, you can! Just make sure it’s well wrapped in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. It should keep well for about a month. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving. You might want to dust it with powdered sugar again just before serving for that fresh look!
What if my cake cracks while rolling?
Don’t sweat it! If it cracks, it just adds to the rustic charm of your yule log. Plus, once you cover it with filling, no one will notice! Just be gentle while handling the cake, and it’ll be fine.
Can I change up the filling?
Absolutely! Get creative! You could use whipped cream mixed with a bit of espresso for a coffee flavor, or even a layer of fruit preserves for a fruity twist. The sky’s the limit!
What can I do if I don’t have hazelnut meal?
No hazelnut meal? No problem! You can use almond meal instead, or even leave it out entirely if you prefer a classic chocolate log. Just swap it for an equal amount of all-purpose flour, and you’ll still have a delicious cake!
Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions or ideas! I love hearing how you put your spin on this festive treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a showstopper! This hazelnut yule log not only tastes incredible but looks stunning on any dessert table.
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for those busy festive days when you want something impressive without spending all day in the kitchen!
- Rich, chocolatey flavor combined with the delightful nuttiness of hazelnuts makes every bite a celebration.
- It’s a versatile recipe that allows for creativity—switch up the fillings or toppings to suit your taste!
- Perfect for sharing with family and friends. Everyone loves a slice of this festive treat, and it sparks joy around the table.
- Great make-ahead option! Bake it in advance and just fill and serve when you’re ready.
- With its unique texture and flavor, this dessert will be the highlight of your holiday gatherings, guaranteed!
Tips for Success
Here are my top tips to ensure your hazelnut yule log turns out absolutely perfect and impresses everyone at your gathering!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and cream are at room temperature before you start. This helps them incorporate better, leading to a fluffier cake and smoother filling.
- Gentle Folding: When you add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, fold gently to preserve the air you’ve whipped into the eggs. This is key for a light and airy cake!
- Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on the cake as it bakes. Every oven is different, and you want it to spring back when touched. If you find it’s taking a bit longer, that’s okay! Just be careful not to overbake; a slight jiggle in the center is fine as it will firm up while cooling.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before unrolling it. If it’s too warm, it might crack more easily, and we want a nice, clean roll!
- Practice the Roll: When rolling the cake in the towel, don’t be too harsh! A gentle hand will keep it intact. It’s also helpful to practice this with a piece of parchment first to get the technique down.
- Filling Flexibility: Feel free to adjust the amount of hazelnut spread in the filling based on your taste. If you love hazelnuts, go for it! Just keep the overall consistency in mind.
- Powdered Sugar Dusting: Dust your yule log with powdered sugar just before serving to keep it looking beautiful. If you do it too early, the sugar can absorb moisture and disappear!
- Chill for Flavor: After assembling, letting the yule log chill in the fridge for a bit before serving can enhance the flavors—it allows everything to meld together beautifully!
With these tips in hand, you’re all set to create a stunning hazelnut yule log that’ll wow your family and friends. Don’t forget to enjoy the process and have fun baking!
Variations
Now that you’ve got the classic hazelnut yule log down, let’s talk about how you can mix things up a bit! This recipe is super versatile, and I just love getting creative in the kitchen. Here are some fun ideas to inspire you:
- Nutty Chocolate Twist: Swap out the hazelnut spread for almond or peanut butter for a different nutty flavor. You can even mix and match different nut meals in the cake!
- Fruity Delight: Add a layer of fruit preserves, like raspberry or cherry, under the cream filling. The tartness will balance beautifully with the rich chocolate and nuts.
- Minty Fresh: Incorporate a few drops of peppermint extract into the whipped cream filling for a refreshing mint chocolate yule log. It’s festive and unexpected!
- Chocolate Ganache: Drizzle a rich chocolate ganache over the top of your rolled yule log for an extra layer of indulgence. Just melt some chocolate with heavy cream, let it cool slightly, and pour it on!
- Spiced Up: For a cozy twist, add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. It’ll bring a warm, festive flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
- Vegan Version: Substitute eggs with aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) and use a plant-based cream and hazelnut spread to create a vegan-friendly hazelnut yule log that everyone can enjoy.
- Decorative Touch: Top your yule log with chocolate shavings, candied orange peel, or even edible gold leaf for a stunning presentation that will wow your guests!
The possibilities are endless! Don’t be afraid to experiment and put your own spin on this hazelnut yule log. After all, the kitchen is your canvas, so have fun and enjoy the delicious results!
Print
Hazelnut Yule Log: 7 Delicious Ways to Celebrate Joy
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious hazelnut yule log for festive occasions.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 100g granulated sugar
- 100g all-purpose flour
- 50g unsweetened cocoa powder
- 50g hazelnut meal
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 200ml heavy cream
- 100g hazelnut spread
- 50g chopped hazelnuts
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until fluffy.
- Sift in flour, cocoa powder, hazelnut meal, and baking powder, and fold gently.
- Pour batter into a lined baking tray and spread evenly.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until set.
- Let it cool slightly, then roll in a clean towel.
- Whip the cream and mix with hazelnut spread.
- Unroll the cake, spread the cream mixture, and sprinkle chopped hazelnuts.
- Roll the cake back up and place seam-side down.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cool before rolling.
- Use a serrated knife for clean cuts.
- Store leftovers in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Hazelnut yule log, chocolate yule log, festive dessert