A classic holiday dessert featuring a soft chocolate sponge cake rolled with creamy filling and covered in rich chocolate frosting to resemble a festive Yule log.
Author:Emma Harper
Prep Time:25 mins
Cook Time:12 mins
Total Time:1 hr
Yield:8–10 servings 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:French
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Sponge Cake:
4 large eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
Filling:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate Frosting:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2–3 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
Beat eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla on high for 3–4 minutes until pale and thick.
In another bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold into the egg mixture.
Spread batter evenly in the pan and bake for 10–12 minutes.
While warm, turn cake onto a clean towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off parchment and roll the cake with the towel. Let cool completely.
For the filling, whip cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla to stiff peaks.
Unroll cooled cake, spread filling evenly, and carefully re-roll.
For the frosting, beat butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Frost the cake and use a fork to create bark-like lines.
Chill 20–30 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
Add chocolate curls or meringue mushrooms for decoration.
Do not overbake the sponge or it may crack when rolling.
Use peppermint or hazelnut extract for flavor variations.