Matthew
Want to make your holiday celebration even more special?
This Vanilla Yule log is the perfect dessert for you!
Not only is it delicious, but it’s also easy to make and is guaranteed to impress your guests.
This elegant dessert features a moist vanilla sponge cake filled with silky vanilla cream and rolled into a beautiful log shape.
It’s then adorned with a dusting of powdered sugar and festive decorations to create a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Yield: 8-10 servings
Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- 2 cups heavy cream, chilled
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Festive decorations, such as fresh berries, mint leaves, and edible glitter
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the short sides. Grease the parchment paper with non-stick cooking spray or butter.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until light and fluffy. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg yolk mixture until just combined.
- In another large bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter until no white streaks remain.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched. Remove from the oven and let cool for 2 minutes.
- Dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar. Invert the cake onto the towel and carefully peel off the parchment paper. Starting at one of the short ends, gently roll the cake up in the towel. Allow the cake to cool completely, rolled in the towel.
- While the cake cools, prepare the vanilla cream filling. In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Once the cake has cooled, carefully unroll it. Spread the vanilla cream filling evenly over the surface of the cake, leaving a 1/2-inch border along the edges. Gently re-roll the cake without the towel, using the towel to help lift and guide the cake as you roll.
- Transfer the cake to a serving platter, seam side down. Dust with additional powdered sugar and decorate with festive decorations as desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips and Tricks:
- Be sure to roll the cake while it’s still warm to prevent cracking.
- For an extra festive touch, use a fork to create a bark-like texture on the surface of the cake before dusting with powdered sugar.
Nutritional Information:
| Calories | 330 |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Cholesterol | 135mg |
| Sodium | 105mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 33g |
| Sugars | 22g |
| Protein | 5g |
Substitution Options:
- For a gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free whipped cream alternative for the filling.
Wine or Beverage Pairings:
A glass of sparkling wine, such as Champagne or Prosecco, pairs beautifully with this Vanilla Yule log. Alternatively, a cup of hot tea or coffee also complements the dessert nicely.
