Buttercream-Filled Holiday Yule Log Cake

Thanks to a French ritual that dates back to the 19^th century, this indulgent dessert returns year after year to our holiday tables.

Historically, families would start burning a yule log on Christmas Eve, which, according to tradition, brings good luck to the family in the new year. While we’re not quite sure where the cake came in, we’re definitely not complaining!

This spongy, buttercream-filled cake is covered with decadent chocolate ganache and shaped like a log – and it’s all made from scratch! Impress your friends and family with this must-have holiday recipe.

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Buttercream-Filled Holiday Yule Log Cake

Servings 12

Calories 321 kcal

Ingredients

Buttercream filling

• 1-1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 Tbsp. coffee-flavored liqueur
• 1/3 cup mascarpone cheese

Cake

• 2 Tbsp. melted unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp. sea salt
• 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 5 eggs
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Ganache

• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, boiling hot
• 6 oz. dark chocolate chips

Instructions

Filling

1. In large bowl or stand mixer, combine powdered sugar, butter, cocoa and coffee liqueur. Mix well and transfer to separate bowl and add mascarpone cheese. Mix well to combine and set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line 13x18-in. sheet pan with parchment paper and coat with cooking spray.

Cake

1. In bowl, combine cocoa powder, salt and flour. Whisk to break up clumps.
2. In separate bowl or stand mixer, whip eggs and sugar until fluffy thick. Mix in cocoa powder. Pour batter onto sheet pan and spread evenly with spatula, leaving room around the edges. Bake for 8-10 minutes until top is dry.
3. Remove cake from oven and run a knife around the edges to make sure it doesn’t stick. Dust clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar in shape of sheet cake. Quickly flip cake onto towel.
4. Remove parchment paper and roll cake up inside of the towel. Allow to cool for 15-20 minutes.
5. Unroll cake and dollop buttercream on top, reserve a little for later. Spread frosting over the edges and entire cake. Sprinkle powdered sugar on top and roll into log shape. Wrap log in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, about 2-3 hours.

Ganache

1. In small pot, bring cream to boil. In bowl, combine chocolate chips and boiling cream. Let sit for a minute then mix until smooth and silky.
2. Unwrap plastic wrap from cake. Make an angled 3-in. cut down the cake. Apply butter cream on one side and stick the cut piece on the side to emulate a log. Spread ganache all over cake except the swirly ends.
3. Refrigerate cake for 20 minutes. Remove and use butter knife to carve lines to look like bark. Sprinkle extra powdered sugar on top and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Recipe Notes

Order the ingredients you need to make this recipe at Vitacost!

Nutrition Facts

Buttercream-Filled Holiday Yule Log Cake

Amount Per Serving (1 g)

Calories 321 Calories from Fat 207

% Daily Value*

Fat 23g35%

Saturated Fat 15g75%

Cholesterol 114mg38%

Sodium 144mg6%

Potassium 200mg6%

Carbohydrates 26g9%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 15g17%

Protein 6g12%

Vitamin A 630IU13%

Vitamin C 1mg1%

Calcium 77mg8%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.