Name: Festive Chocolate Yule Log Cake Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 37 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 large eggs, separated; 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 1 tablespoon milk or cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Fresh cranberries; Edible mushrooms or meringue mushroom kit; Edible glitter or snow; Fresh sprigs of rosemary or evergreen

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 9 reviews

Alright friend, if you’re ready to wow everyone this holiday season, I’ve got just the thing for you: a truly fan-freaking-tastic Festive Chocolate Yule Log Cake Recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. This isn’t just any dessert—it’s a showstopper with its rich chocolate sponge, fluffy whipped cream filling, and that perfect bark-textured buttercream finish that makes it look like it’s just come from a snowy forest. I promise, once you make this, it’ll become a holiday tradition you’ll look forward to year after year!

❤️

Why This Recipe Works

Light Chocolate Sponge: Whipping egg whites separately keeps the cake airy, so your yule log won’t be dense or heavy.
Whipped Cream Filling: Adds a refreshing, creamy contrast that balances the rich chocolate perfectly.
Chocolate Buttercream Texture: The fork technique makes it look like real tree bark — simple but so effective for festive presentation.
Easy Decoration: Fresh cranberries and rosemary bring seasonal color and charm without extra fuss.

Festive Chocolate Yule Log Cake, chocolate yule log, holiday dessert, Christmas cake recipe, festive chocolate cake - A long chocolate log cake sits on a wooden board, decorated to look like a tree trunk. The outside is covered in dark chocolate frosting with textured swirls mimicking tree bark, while the cut end reveals smooth chocolate cream swirled in a circular pattern. Small mushroom-shaped sweets dusted with powdered sugar, bright red berries, and pinecones are placed on top and around the cake for decoration. Sprigs of green pine needles add a festive touch, and soft white candles glow blurred in the background. The whole setup rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Festive Chocolate Yule Log Cake Recipe uses classic baking ingredients that complement each other beautifully. The combination of cocoa powder and vanilla adds depth, while the whipped components make it feel light rather than overpowering. Pro tip: use high-quality cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor!

Festive Chocolate Yule Log Cake, chocolate yule log, holiday dessert, Christmas cake recipe, festive chocolate cake - Flat lay of four large brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of rich brown cocoa powder, a small white bowl of baking powder, a small white bowl of salt, a small white bowl of vanilla extract, a small white bowl of heavy cream, a small white bowl of powdered sugar, a small white bowl of softened unsalted butter, a small white bowl of milk or cream, fresh bright red cranberries scattered naturally, a few fresh green rosemary sprigs, and delicate edible mushrooms arranged neatly, 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 the whites and yolks lets you incorporate air for a fluffy sponge.
Granulated sugar: Divided use ensures proper sweetness and texture in both sponge and meringue.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure but keeps the sponge tender.
Cocoa powder: Adds that rich, chocolatey depth; Dutch-processed works best for a smooth flavor.
Baking powder & salt: Help the cake rise evenly and balance flavors.
Vanilla extract: Brightens the chocolate and sweetens the overall flavor.
Heavy cream: Whipped for the filling to keep it light and luscious.
Powdered sugar: Used in both filling and buttercream for silky sweetness without grit.
Unsalted butter: Softened for smooth, rich chocolate buttercream frosting.
Milk or cream: Moistens the buttercream to the perfect spreadable consistency.
Decorations (cranberries, rosemary, meringue mushrooms): Simple touches that transform the cake into a festive centerpiece.

📝

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.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best parts of this Festive Chocolate Yule Log Cake Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want it richer, lighter, or dairy-free, I’ve got tips so you can personalize it and make sure it fits your holiday vibe perfectly.

Variation: I often swap the whipped cream filling for a mascarpone cream filling—just mix mascarpone with a bit of powdered sugar and vanilla—adds a tangy richness that my family adores.
Dairy-free option: Replace butter with coconut oil and use coconut cream whipped for the filling; it works surprisingly well and makes a festive tropical twist.
Chocolate lovers twist: Stir some finely chopped dark chocolate into your buttercream for extra gooey chocolate bits hidden in the bark.
Seasonal accents: Add a hint of orange zest to your sponge batter or sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon in the buttercream for warm holiday spices.

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

Step 1: Whip Those Eggs Right for a Fluffy Sponge

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line your jelly roll pan with parchment paper so the cake slides out easily later. In a squeaky-clean bowl, beat the egg whites until you get soft peaks, then slowly add half the sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form—this is key to a light sponge. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with the remaining sugar until pale and thick, and stir in the vanilla. Next, sift your flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt together to avoid lumps and fold these into the yolks gently. Now, carefully fold in your egg whites—don’t rush or the batter will deflate! Spread it evenly in your pan, then bake for about 10 to 12 minutes, until the cake springs back when lightly touched.

Step 2: Roll While Warm and Cool in Your Towel

This step saved me from cake cracking disasters more times than I can count—roll your cake immediately after baking, while warm, in a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Rolling it up gently from the short end helps the cake “remember” its shape, so when it cools completely, it’s ready to be filled and re-rolled without cracking.

Step 3: Whip Your Filling to Stiff Peaks

Chill your mixing bowl and beaters if you can—that helps the heavy cream whip up fast and stable. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, and whip until you get stiff peaks that hold their shape. Once your cake is fully cool, carefully unroll it and spread this creamy filling evenly. This layer really brings freshness and balance to the chocolate sponge.

Step 4: Roll Tight and Chill for Shape

Roll the cake up tightly again—this time without the towel—and wrap it well in plastic wrap. Pop it into the fridge for at least an hour to let everything set, making it much easier to frost.

Step 5: Make and Spread the Chocolate Buttercream “Bark”

Cream together butter, powdered sugar, cocoa, milk or cream, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Spread the buttercream generously over your chilled cake. Then here’s a little trick: use a fork to drag through the frosting in short strokes—this mimics the texture of tree bark perfectly. It makes the cake look impressively rustic and festive with minimal effort.

Step 6: Decorate to Bring the Winter Forest to Your Table

Now’s the fun part—decorate! I love using fresh cranberries and sprigs of rosemary for pops of red and green. If you’re feeling fancy, add edible meringue mushrooms or some edible glitter to evoke fresh snow. A light dusting of powdered sugar finishes the look beautifully. Serve this on a rustic wooden board for instant cozy holiday vibes.

💡

Pro Tips for Making Festive Chocolate Yule Log Cake Recipe

Don’t Overmix Folding: When adding egg whites, fold gently and just until combined to keep your sponge light and airy.
Roll While Warm: Rolling immediately after baking prevents cracks and makes shaping easier later.
Chill the Filled Cake: Refrigerate rolled cake before frosting to keep it firm and reduce mess.
Make Decorations Last Minute: Add fresh greens and cranberries just before serving so they stay vibrant and fresh.

How to Serve Festive Chocolate Yule Log Cake Recipe

Festive Chocolate Yule Log Cake, chocolate yule log, holiday dessert, Christmas cake recipe, festive chocolate cake - The image shows a rolled chocolate cake with four visible layers: a dark brown chocolate outer layer with a textured, ridged pattern; a white creamy layer inside that is smooth and thick; another dark brown cake layer that is soft and spongy; and a final white cream layer in the center that looks fluffy. The top of the cake roll is dusted with white powdered sugar and decorated with small red berries and green leaves, adding color contrast. The cake is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of simple yet beautiful garnishes. Fresh cranberries contrast wonderfully against the dark chocolate, while rosemary sprigs add that evergreen holiday spirit and a subtle aroma. If you want to get extra festive, meringue mushrooms or edible glitter bring a little magic to the table. Trust me, your guests will be asking how you made it look so perfect—they’ll never guess how easy it is!

Side Dishes

Since this yule log is indulgent and rich, I love pairing it with lighter sides like a crisp winter salad (think arugula with pomegranate seeds) or a simple fruit compote to brighten the plate. A hot cup of spiced tea or mulled wine completes the cozy holiday vibe perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you really want to impress, I’ve served this yule log on a wooden board dusted with edible snow powder, surrounded by mini pine cones and cinnamon sticks for a woodland look. During one party, I wrapped a festive ribbon around the board and added a few twinkle lights nearby—it created such a warm, inviting centerpiece. Let your creativity flow and make it as festive as your heart desires!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover the yule log tightly with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge—it stays fresh for 3–4 days. Just be sure to bring it out about 30 minutes before serving so the buttercream softens slightly, which makes slicing easier and the flavors shine.

Freezing

If you want to prep in advance, this cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and add fresh garnishes before serving—it tastes almost like freshly made!

Reheating

Since it’s a no-bake frosting, you don’t want to heat the cake directly. Instead, let it come to room temperature to enhance the flavor and texture. A warm cup of tea alongside works wonders to bring out the cozy charm of the cake.

FAQs

Can I make the Festive Chocolate Yule Log Cake Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be mindful of the texture—the batter may be a little more delicate, so fold your egg whites extra gently to maintain that fluffiness.
How do I prevent cracking when rolling the cake?

Rolling the cake while it’s still warm right after baking is the secret. Roll it with a powdered sugar-dusted kitchen towel to help keep the shape and flexibility. Letting it cool like this “trains” the sponge to roll easily without cracking later.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

You can bake the sponge a day ahead and store it wrapped tightly at room temperature or in the fridge. The filling and buttercream can also be made in advance and stored. Just assemble and decorate the day you want to serve for the freshest appearance and best texture.
What’s the best way to decorate a yule log if I don’t have fancy decorations?

Keep it simple! Fresh rosemary sprigs, cranberries, and a dusting of powdered sugar make an elegant, woodland look without the need for complicated decorations. A fork-etched buttercream bark is already half the charm!

Final Thoughts

This Festive Chocolate Yule Log Cake Recipe is really close to my heart because it combines simplicity with that wow factor everyone loves at the holidays. It feels like a cozy, edible hug to share with friends and family. I can’t wait for you to try it and put your personal twist on it. Trust me, once you nail this, you’ll be making it year after year—and it’ll be the highlight of your festive table. So, grab your mixing bowls and let’s get rolling!