How to Create the Perfect Chocolate Yule Log

Christmas trees, stockings on the fire place, a glass of sherry for Father Christmas, a Chocolate Yule Log… these elements make a perfect classic Christmas. The Yule Log is festive custom dating back many years and has evolved into a Christmas family favourite dessert. This blog details where this yummy custom has come from, provides the perfect recipe for this home-baked treat and tips on how to decorate your Chocolate Yule Log.

The History of the Yule Log

Dating back to medieval times the Yule Log was originally an entire tree, chosen with great care by the entire family to bring into their home. The largest end of the log would be placed into the fireplace with the other end stuck out into the room, and slowly burnt throughout the twelve days of Christmas. Different places have their own term and customs for the Yule Log; in Cornwall, for example, the log is called ‘The Mock’ and dried out with the bark taken off before it enters the house to be burnt. In Devon and Somerset, some have a large bunch of Ash twigs instead of the Log. Mostly however, this log is now represented as a chocolate pudding in the shape of a log consisting of a chocolate sponge roll layered with cream. Much more appetising!

The Perfect Recipe

These 12 steps will ensure the creation of a perfect Chocolate Yule Log which the kids can also get involved. The ingredients you will require are: (for the Swiss Roll) 6 large eggs, 2/3 cup caster sugar, 8 ounces dark chocolate, 4 tablespoons water, and (for the Filling), 1 ½ cups double/heavy cream, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract and edible decorations (optional). The tools you’ll need are a Swiss Roll tin, parchment paper, 3 regular bowls, a large baking bowl, a whisk (either hand or electric) and a small sharp knife.

1. Preheat the oven to 425 F/220 C/gas 7.
2. Lightly grease and line a 9 x 13 inch a Swiss Roll tin with parchment paper and apply a light layer of vegetable oil.
3. Separate the egg yolks and whites.
4. Whisk the caster sugar and egg yolks in the baking bowl until a light but thick mixture has formed.
5. Break the chocolate into pieces and melt with 4 tablespoons of water either in a microwave or a pan of slightly simmering, boiling water ensuring that the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Add the chocolate to the egg and sugar mixture and stir gently.
6. Whisk the egg whites until they form stiff peaks when the whisk is lifted from the bowl. Gently fold the whisked egg whites into the chocolate mixture.Spread the mixture in the lined tin and gently smooth the surface.
7. Bake for 20 minutes or until firm to the touch. Once baked, place on cooling rack. Lay a sheet of parchment paper on work surface, flip pan onto it and gently ease sponge out, peeling away any parchment paper.
8. To make the filling, whip the cream lightly with the vanilla extract until loosely holds its shape.
9. Spread the cream evenly over the entire surface of the sponge leaving a ¾ inch margin on both of the two short sides.
10. Use the knife to cut a small shallow incision ¾ inches from one of the short edges (do not cut right through the cake).
11. Fold this in towards the cream, then use the parchment paper underneath to roll the cake away from you until a log is formed.

Decorating your Yule Log

Now you are ready to decorate! You can melt some more chocolate (white, milk or dark) or create a chocolate layer or top with confectioners’ sugar, grated chocolate or chocolate sprinkles. Here at Cake Stands we provide Deluxe Yule Log Decorating Kits which include a gold ‘Merry Christmas’ motto, a robin, holly leaf and gold axe for extra decoration. We also offer Silicone Wood Yule Log Kits perfect moulding your Chocolate Log into the perfect shape. Showcase your creation on one of our lovely Pedestal Cake Stands or our festive Xmas Square Boards. Add quirky figurines such as our lovely Postbox, cute Santas, sitting Elf or fun Snowmen for the perfect festive final touch!

References
https://www.thespruceeats.com/classic-yule-chocolate-log-recipe-435068