Festive Christmas Yule Log Sheet Cake Recipe: A Delightful Holiday Treat

Get ready to dazzle your holiday guests with a delicious Festive Christmas Yule Log Sheet Cake! This dessert combines a moist chocolate sheet cake, luscious whipped cream filling, and decadent chocolate ganache buttercream. Topped with festive garnishes, this dessert is as beautiful as it is delicious. Let’s dive into the recipe, step by step, so you can recreate this show-stopping treat with ease.

Ingredients for the Festive Christmas Yule Log Sheet Cake

Below is a comprehensive list of the ingredients you’ll need for each component of the recipe.

Component	Ingredients
Chocolate Sheet Cake	– ¾ cup buttermilk (room temperature) – ⅔ cup sour cream (room temperature) – 3 large eggs (room temperature) – ⅓ cup vegetable oil – 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – 1 (15.25 oz) box chocolate cake mix (e.g., Duncan Hines Dark Chocolate Fudge)
Whipped Cream Filling	– 3 cups heavy whipping cream (cold) – 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – 1 cup powdered sugar
Chocolate Ganache Buttercream	– 3 cups chocolate melts (e.g., Ghirardelli) – 1 cup heavy cream (+ more if needed) – 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter (softened slightly) – 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – 1 pinch salt – 5 cups powdered sugar
Garnishes	– ½ cup powdered sugar (for dusting) – Sprigs of fresh rosemary – Fresh cranberries

Step 1: Preparing the Chocolate Sheet Cake

1. Preheat and Prep:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12×18-inch baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, sour cream, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Incorporate the Cake Mix:
   Gradually add the boxed chocolate cake mix to the wet ingredients. Whisk until no lumps remain, ensuring a smooth batter.
4. Bake the Cake:
   Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and spread it out with a spatula. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Cool Completely:
   Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial to ensure it doesn’t crack when rolled.

Step 2: Making the Whipped Cream Filling

1. Chill the Ingredients and Tools:
   Use cold heavy whipping cream and a chilled mixing bowl for the best results.
2. Whip the Cream:
   Add the heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar to the bowl. Beat on high speed with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. This means the cream will hold its shape firmly when you lift the whisk.
3. Refrigerate:
   Place the whipped cream in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

Step 3: Preparing the Chocolate Ganache Buttercream

1. Make the Ganache Base:
   Heat 1 cup of heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl until steaming, but not boiling. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate melts and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy.
2. Cool the Ganache:
   Allow the ganache to cool slightly so it’s not too hot when combined with the butter.
3. Beat the Ganache with Butter:
   In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add the ganache, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
4. Add Powdered Sugar:
   Slowly incorporate the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. If the buttercream feels too stiff, add a splash of heavy cream to achieve the desired spreading consistency.

Step 4: Assembling the Yule Log Cake

1. Invert the Cake:
   Gently run a knife around the edges of the cooled cake to loosen it from the pan. Place a large piece of parchment paper on top of the cake and carefully invert it onto the paper.
2. Spread the Filling:
   Spread the whipped cream filling evenly across the surface of the cake, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges to prevent overflow during rolling.
3. Roll the Cake:
   Starting from one short end, roll the cake tightly into a log, using the parchment paper to guide you. Once rolled, place it seam-side down on a tray.

Step 5: Decorating the Festive Yule Log

1. Frost the Cake:
   Spread the ganache buttercream over the entire surface of the rolled cake. Use a spatula or knife to create a bark-like texture. For added realism, drag a fork gently across the buttercream to mimic tree bark patterns.
2. Dust with Powdered Sugar:
   Lightly dust the frosted cake with powdered sugar to create a snow-dusted effect.
3. Add Garnishes:
   Decorate the yule log with sprigs of fresh rosemary and fresh cranberries to give it a festive and natural look.

Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Yule Log Cake

• Avoid Cracks: Be sure to roll the cake while it’s still slightly warm if you’re worried about cracks. This makes it more pliable.
• Chill Before Frosting: Refrigerate the rolled cake for 30 minutes before applying the buttercream to make frosting easier.
• Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality chocolate and fresh cream will elevate the flavor and texture of your yule log cake.

Serving and Storage

• Serving Suggestion: Slice the yule log with a sharp serrated knife for clean cuts. Pair it with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for the ultimate holiday indulgence.
• Storage: Store the yule log in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make the yule log cake in advance?
Yes! You can bake the cake and prepare the whipped cream filling a day ahead. Assemble and frost it on the day you plan to serve.

Q2: How do I prevent the cake from cracking?
Rolling the cake while it’s still slightly warm can help prevent cracks. Also, be gentle and use parchment paper for support.

Q3: Can I use a different filling?
Absolutely! You can swap the whipped cream filling with cream cheese frosting or chocolate mousse for variety.

Q4: What if I don’t have a 12×18-inch pan?
You can use a similar-sized pan, but the baking time may vary. Adjust accordingly and keep an eye on the cake as it bakes.

Q5: Can I freeze the yule log?
Yes! Wrap the assembled yule log tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Q6: Is the recipe adaptable for dietary restrictions?
You can use gluten-free cake mix and dairy-free substitutes like coconut cream and vegan butter to make the recipe suitable for different diets.

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