Expert tips for making your first yule log cake
Want to try baking a traditional yule log cake this year? Use these tried-and-true tips to ensure your success.
Bake
For a classic yule log, use a light sponge cake made with flour, sugar and whole eggs. Beat the eggs until they triple in volume. Look for a reliable recipe online and bake the sponge cake on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Roll
There are several schools of thought on how to roll a yule log cake. Here’s a time-tested method.
Remove the sponge cake from the mould as soon as it comes out of the oven. Use a knife if necessary.
Place a sheet of parchment paper slightly larger than the cake on your work surface.
Turn the baking sheet upside down to place the sponge cake on the parchment paper. Then, immediately (and gently) peel away the paper used during baking.
Roll the cake up using the parchment paper underneath.
Cover the dessert with a damp dish towel and let it cool.
That’s it! The hardest part is done.
Fill
Unroll the cooled cake and spread it with your filling of choice, such as ganache, whipped cream or jam. Use the parchment paper again to roll the cake back up. The previous steps will have made it pliable and moist.
For the finishing touch, some people prefer to cover the log completely with icing; others dust it with a little bit of icing sugar or chocolate shavings. At this stage, let your imagination run wild.
Are you missing any ingredients or utensils to make your yule log a success? Visit your local shops to get equipped like the pros.