Name: Chocolate Yule Log Cake Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large eggs separated; 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/3 cup (47g) all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup (40g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream; 8 ounces (225g) dark chocolate finely chopped; 2 large egg whites room temperature; 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar; 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1/2 cup dark chocolate melting wafers; 1/4 teaspoon cocoa powder (optional for dusting); 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar; 1/2 cup (120ml) water; 1 cup fresh cranberries; 4-5 sprigs fresh rosemary

There’s something truly magical about the holidays when you bring out a Chocolate Yule Log Cake Recipe. This cake isn’t just dessert; it’s the centerpiece, the showstopper, and honestly, it tastes like a slice of festive heaven wrapped in chocolate goodness and cozy memories.

This image shows a chocolate log cake with a swirl of white cream inside. The cake is covered with a textured layer of dark chocolate frosting that looks like bark, with detailed grooves and lines for a wood effect. On top of the cake are small mushroom-shaped decorations that have white stems and light brown caps with a dusting of cocoa powder. Around the mushrooms are small red berries covered with sugar, along with green rosemary sprigs for decoration. The cake sits on a white marbled surface, and the full scene looks warm and festive. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Yule Log Cake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chocolate Yule Log Cake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Yule Log Cake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made this Chocolate Yule Log Cake Recipe—it felt a bit daunting, but the results? Pure joy. The soft chocolate sponge rolled with fluffy cream and enveloped in silky ganache gives you that perfect balance of flavors and textures. It's festive, impressive, and surprisingly doable with the right steps.

Classic Flavor Combination: Chocolate and cream are a timeless pair that everyone enjoys, making this cake an instant crowd-pleaser.
Beautiful Presentation: Its rustic, bark-like appearance with optional mushrooms and sugared cranberries turns dessert into an art piece.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the components ahead of time, making holiday hosting less stressful.
Fun To Customize: Whether you add your twist with different fillings or decorations, it always feels personal and special.

A chocolate roll cake with a thick swirl of white cream inside shows a rich dark brown moist cake layer rolled tightly around the creamy center. The outside is covered with textured chocolate frosting that looks like tree bark, with lines and patterns creating a rough surface. On top and around the roll are small white mushroom-shaped decorations with light brown dusting, and red berries covered in frost, along with green rosemary sprigs adding a fresh look. The cake sits on a white plate with a faint brown rim, placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Chocolate Yule Log Cake Recipe uses ingredients that harmonize perfectly to create a light, moist sponge and a rich, luscious ganache while letting the chocolate shine in every bite. Here’s a quick look at why each one is important.

Flat lay of four large whole uncracked brown eggs, two small mounds of granulated sugar, one small mound of powdered sugar, a small bunch of fresh green rosemary sprigs, a handful of bright red fresh cranberries, a small heap of natural unsweetened cocoa powder, a small pile of all-purpose flour, a small pile of finely chopped dark chocolate, two small white ceramic bowls each filled with heavy cream, one small white ceramic bowl holding vanilla extract, two large fresh egg whites in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white ceramic bowl with cream of tartar, a small white ceramic bowl with dark chocolate melting wafers, and a small white ceramic bowl with water—all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly arranged with balanced proportions and symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Eggs: Separating yolks and whites gives you that fluffy, airy sponge that’s flexible enough to roll without cracking.
Sugar: Gives sweetness, but also helps in creating structure and beat the egg whites to the perfect peak.
Vanilla Extract: A little goes a long way adding warmth and depth to the flavor.
All-purpose Flour: Provides structure, but using just the right amount keeps the cake tender.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa is key for that intense chocolate flavor without overpowering sweetness.
Heavy Cream: Whipped for fluffy filling and heated for silky ganache—it’s the star of creamy indulgence.
Dark Chocolate: The ganache’s richness comes from high-quality chopped chocolate to create that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Cream of Tartar: Helps stabilize the meringue mushrooms if you decide to make them, adding a whimsical touch.
Cranberries and Rosemary (Optional): Sugared cranberries and fresh rosemary add festive flair and a pop of color with a hint of herbal brightness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I’m all about making a recipe my own and encouraging you to do the same. This Chocolate Yule Log Cake Recipe is a fantastic base to experiment with – from swapping out the filling to jazzing up the decorations. It’s your festive canvas!

Variation: I sometimes swap the vanilla whipped cream filling for a mascarpone whipped cream blend to add a subtle tang that pairs beautifully with the dark chocolate.
Dietary: For less sugar, reduce the powdered sugar in the filling or try a naturally sweetened whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free twist.
Seasonal: Adding a splash of chestnut cream or espresso to the filling can introduce new layers of flavor that feel cozy and festive.
Difficulty: If you want less fuss, skip the meringue mushrooms and just go with the sugared cranberries and rosemary—they’re quick and so elegant.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Yule Log Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sugared Cranberries & Rosemary

This is the perfect step to start early—at least two hours before serving or baking. Once you simmer the sugar syrup and coat the cranberries and rosemary sprigs, they get beautifully crystallized giving a sweet, tart, and herbal pop to your cake’s presentation.

Step 2: Whip Up the Meringue Mushrooms

This step is optional but adds such a charming rustic woodland vibe! Beat your egg whites with cream of tartar and sugar until glossy, pipe the caps and stems carefully, then bake low and slow. Attaching stems with melted chocolate makes them look so professional.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Sponge Cake

Start by beating your egg yolks with sugar and vanilla until pale and fluffy — this is key for a tender cake. Sift the dry ingredients and fold them gently in, then beat your egg whites with the remaining sugar to stiff peaks before folding everything together. Bake quickly in a jelly roll pan and watch for when it springs back lightly when touched.

Step 4: Roll and Cool the Cake

Turn the cake out onto a powdered sugar-dusted kitchen towel right away, peel off the parchment, then roll it up gently but tightly with the towel. This step helps the cake keep its shape and prevents cracks later. Let it cool completely before unrolling for filling.

Step 5: Fill and Roll the Cake

Whip your cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla to stiff peaks for a fluffy, light filling. Unroll the cake, spread it evenly with cream, then roll back up tightly—but without the towel this time. Slice and arrange pieces to mimic a real yule log shape for that beautiful visual.

Step 6: Make and Spread the Chocolate Ganache

Heat the cream until steaming and pour over chopped dark chocolate, letting it sit before stirring to a silky consistency. Spread generously over the cake to cover it completely. Use a fork or spatula to texture the surface into bark-like grooves. This detail is what brings your yule log to life.

Step 7: Decorate and Chill

Arrange your meringue mushrooms, sugared cranberries, and rosemary sprigs artfully around and atop the cake. If you want that snowy, holiday feel, dust everything lightly with powdered sugar. Pop it in the fridge for an hour or two so it sets beautifully before serving.

Top Tip

Through my many attempts, I learned a few tricks that make a world of difference when making this Chocolate Yule Log Cake Recipe. These little details will help you avoid common pitfalls and get a flawless finish that looks and tastes incredible.

Rolling While Warm: Always roll the sponge with the towel while it’s still warm. This helps it mold perfectly without cracking later when filled.
Folding Gently: When folding egg whites into yolk mixture, do it in thirds and fold gently to keep the batter airy and light.
Tempering Ganache: Let the ganache cool slightly before spreading; if too hot, it’ll make the cake soggy and too thin, and if too cool, it gets too stiff to spread smoothly.
Chill Before Slicing: Refrigerate the finished log for at least an hour to firm up the ganache and filling for clean slices.

How to Serve Chocolate Yule Log Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I love using sugared cranberries and fresh rosemary sprigs—they add that perfect festive color and a tart finish. The meringue mushrooms, while a bit more work, bring a whimsical woodland charm that really wows guests.

Side Dishes

Pair this cake with something light like a citrusy sparkling wine or a cup of fresh peppermint tea. A simple bowl of fresh berries also balances the richness without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

For special holidays, I like placing the yule log on a rustic wooden board surrounded by pinecones, cinnamon sticks, and festive fairy lights. Even simple parchment "snowflakes" dusted with powdered sugar add an extra bit of Christmas magic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover yule log wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the fridge to prevent drying. This way, every slice stays moist and fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freezing works well if you haven't added delicate garnishes yet. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic and foil to avoid freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before decorating and serving.

Reheating

This cake is best served chilled, so I don’t recommend reheating. If you want the ganache a little softer, leave it at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before slicing.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the Chocolate Yule Log Cake Recipe vegan?

Making this traditional recipe is a bit tricky because of the eggs and dairy, but you can try aquafaba for egg whites and coconut cream for the filling. It might require some experimenting with texture and stability.

How long does the Chocolate Yule Log Cake keep?

Stored properly in the fridge, the cake stays moist and delicious for about 3 days. Beyond that, the ganache and cream may start to dry out or separate.

Why did my cake crack when rolling?

Cracking usually happens when the sponge cools before rolling. To avoid this, roll the cake while it's still warm with a dusted kitchen towel and remove the parchment paper carefully. This allows it to shape gently without breaking.

Can I use a different filling instead of whipped cream?

Absolutely! You can use flavored buttercream, mascarpone cream, or even chestnut cream. Just make sure your filling isn’t too heavy so the cake stays light and rollable.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Yule Log Cake Recipe truly holds a special place in my holiday traditions. The moment you slice into that tender, chocolatey roll filled with whipped cream and decadent ganache—well, it feels like sharing a bit of joy and warmth with everyone around your table. Give it a go, trust the process, and enjoy the magic you create. You’ll savor every bite and the smiles it brings.