Ah, the Vanilla yule log—a timeless holiday treasure that never fails to bring joy to the table! This delightful dessert has a rich history, originating from the ancient tradition of burning a log during winter solstice celebrations. Over the years, it evolved into a scrumptious rolled cake, beautifully decorated to resemble a log. I’ve always adored making this treat because it’s not just about the delicious flavors; it’s about the memories created while preparing it with loved ones. The light, fluffy sponge enveloping a creamy filling is a match made in heaven! Trust me, when you slice into this gorgeous cake and see the layers, it’s pure magic. Plus, it makes for a stunning centerpiece that will wow your guests. Who doesn’t love a little holiday flair? Let’s dive into this recipe together!
Ingredients List
- 4 large eggs: The foundation of our sponge cake, providing structure and richness.
- 100g granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps it rise, creating that airy texture.
- 100g all-purpose flour: Gives the cake its body and lightness; be sure to sift it for the best results!
- 1 tsp baking powder: The magic ingredient that helps our cake rise beautifully.
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, sweet flavor that perfectly complements the cake.
- 250ml heavy cream: We’ll whip this into a luscious filling; it adds decadence and creaminess.
- 50g powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream and gives it that perfect fluffy texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract for filling: Enhances the cream filling, making it even more delightful.
- Cocoa powder for dusting: Just a sprinkle on top adds a finishing touch that looks beautiful and festive!
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 180°C (350°F). While it heats up, grab a baking pan and line it with parchment paper. This step is super important because it’ll help our cake release easily once it’s baked. I promise, there’s nothing more frustrating than a stuck cake!
Make the Cake Batter
Now, let’s whip up that batter! In a large mixing bowl, whisk the 4 large eggs and 100g granulated sugar together until they’re light, fluffy, and almost double in volume—this process is key for a light sponge! Next, sift in the 100g all-purpose flour and 1 tsp baking powder. Gently fold everything together using a spatula. It’s important to be gentle here; we want to keep all that lovely air in the batter! Finally, add in 1 tsp pure vanilla extract and mix just until combined. You’ll love the aroma!
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. We want it to bake uniformly, so take your time here! Pop it in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and springs back when lightly touched. The smell will be heavenly!
Roll and Cool the Cake
Once baked, carefully turn the cake out onto a clean kitchen towel that’s dusted with powdered sugar. This prevents it from sticking to the towel. Now, roll the cake up tightly with the towel, starting from one end. Let it cool in this rolled shape for about 30 minutes. This step helps the cake retain its shape when we fill it later!
Prepare the Filling
While the cake cools, let’s make that creamy filling! In a mixing bowl, whip 250ml of heavy cream with 50g powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract until you reach stiff peaks. This means the cream should hold its shape beautifully when you lift the whisk out. It’s going to be rich and delightful!
Assemble the Vanilla Yule Log
Once the cake is cool, gently unroll it and spread the whipped cream filling evenly over the surface. Be careful not to tear the cake! Now, roll it back up without the towel, starting from one end. This will give us that gorgeous yule log shape. Place it seam-side down on your serving platter.
Final Touches
Now for the fun part! Dust the top of your rolled cake with cocoa powder for that signature log look. You can also add some chocolate shavings or festive decorations if you’re feeling extra creative. Your beautiful Vanilla Yule Log is now ready to impress your guests!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying a delicious Vanilla Yule Log, it’s helpful to know what you’re indulging in! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these figures are just a guideline. Typically, each slice of this delightful dessert contains:
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fiber: 1g
So, as you slice into this festive treat, you can enjoy it knowing a bit about what’s in it! Just remember, balance is key during the holiday season, and this Yule Log is worth every bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making your Vanilla yule log? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that might pop up:
- How should I store my yule log? Keep the vanilla yule log covered in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days, but you can also freeze it for up to a month! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before freezing to avoid freezer burn.
- Can I use a different filling? Absolutely! While the whipped cream filling is classic, feel free to get creative. You could try a chocolate ganache or a fruit preserve for a fun twist. Just make sure it complements the vanilla flavor!
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the yule log a day in advance! Just assemble it and store it in the fridge. It’s perfect for making your holiday prep a little easier.
- What if I don’t have heavy cream? If you’re out of heavy cream, you can use whipped topping or even Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that the texture will differ slightly!
- How do I serve it? Slice your yule log into generous pieces and serve with a dusting of cocoa powder or powdered sugar on top. It looks so lovely on a festive platter!
These tips should help you create the perfect vanilla yule log! Enjoy the baking and happy holidays!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: This vanilla yule log comes together in just 45 minutes, making it a perfect last-minute holiday dessert!
- Festive appearance: Its beautiful rolled shape and dusting of cocoa powder make it a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table.
- Delightful flavor: The combination of light vanilla sponge and rich whipped cream filling is simply irresistible!
- Versatile: Feel free to mix and match fillings or toppings, like chocolate or fruit, to create your own twist on this classic treat.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Vanilla yule log turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First, always use fresh ingredients—this really makes a difference in flavor! Next, chill the filled log in the fridge for at least an hour before slicing; it makes for cleaner cuts and a more beautiful presentation. When decorating, don’t hesitate to get creative! Chocolate shavings, edible glitter, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar can elevate your yule log to a whole new level. Trust me, these little touches make it feel extra special!
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Delight in This 5-Star Vanilla Yule Log Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic holiday dessert featuring a rich vanilla sponge cake rolled with creamy filling and decorated to resemble a log.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 100g sugar
- 100g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 250ml heavy cream
- 50g powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for filling)
- Cocoa powder (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Whisk eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Sift in flour and baking powder, fold gently.
- Add vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Pour batter into a lined baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden.
- Turn the cake onto a clean towel dusted with powdered sugar.
- Roll the cake with the towel and let it cool.
- Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Unroll the cooled cake and spread filling on top.
- Roll the cake back up without the towel.
- Transfer to a serving platter and decorate with cocoa powder.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Chill the cake before serving for easier slicing.
- Decorate with chocolate shavings for a festive touch.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Vanilla yule log, holiday dessert, sponge cake