Chocolate Hazelnut Yule Log is a delightful twist on the traditional holiday dessert that will make your taste buds sing! Imagine rich chocolate sponge cake, rolled up with a luscious hazelnut cream filling, and draped in a silky chocolate ganache. This festive creation not only looks stunning but also tastes heavenly, making it an ideal centerpiece for your holiday celebrations.
Let me take you back to my childhood, where every Christmas was marked by the scent of baked goodies wafting through the air. The Chocolate Hazelnut Yule Log was always there, beckoning us to indulge after the carols and gift unwrapping. The anticipation of diving into this treat made the holidays even sweeter, and now it’s time for you to experience that same joy!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chocolate Hazelnut Yule Log is easy to prepare yet impressively decadent, perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Its rich chocolate flavor combined with nutty hazelnut cream creates an unforgettable taste sensation.
- The stunning presentation makes it a showstopper at any festive table, while its versatility allows you to customize the filling based on your preferences.
Ingredients for Chocolate Hazelnut Yule Log
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Eggs: Use large eggs for the best volume when whipped; they help create a light sponge.
- Granulated Sugar: This sweetener helps give structure and sweetness to the sponge.
- Cocoa Powder: Opt for high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for rich chocolate flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: A must-have for structure in the sponge cake; sifted flour is preferred.
- Baking Powder: Just a teaspoon helps your cake rise to fluffy perfection.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all flavors in this sweet treat.
- Heavy Cream: You’ll need this for whipping into velvety frosting and filling.
- Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: This is the star of our show, adding both flavor and creaminess.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: For melting into a luscious ganache that coats the log beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Yule Log
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring it fits snugly so that your cake has room to rise evenly.
Step 2: Prepare Your Batter
In a large mixing bowl, beat together eggs and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about five minutes with an electric mixer. Add sifted cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt gradually while continuing to mix until just combined.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking sheet and smooth out evenly with a spatula. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 4: Roll It Up
Once cooled slightly, dust the surface of another piece of parchment paper with powdered sugar. Carefully invert your cake onto this new parchment and gently peel off the original paper. While still warm, roll it up tightly starting from one end; let it cool completely.
Step 5: Whip Up Your Filling
In another bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold in chocolate hazelnut spread until fully incorporated.
Step 6: Assemble Your Yule Log
Unroll your cooled cake carefully; spread hazelnut cream filling evenly over it before rolling back up tightly once more. Trim ends if needed for neatness.
To finish off this masterpiece, melt dark chocolate chips with a bit of cream in a microwave or double boiler until smooth. Coat your rolled yule log completely in ganache before letting it set in the fridge for about an hour.
Now slice into generous pieces and serve! Each bite will transport you straight into a chocolate-hazelnut wonderland that is sure to impress everyone at your holiday gathering!
You Must Know
- This delightful Chocolate Hazelnut Yule Log is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures.
- With its rich chocolate sponge and creamy hazelnut filling, it’s perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion.
- Prepare to impress your friends and family with this eye-catching treat!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by baking the chocolate sponge cake first; while it cools, whip up the luscious hazelnut cream filling. Once everything is ready, assemble your Yule log for a seamless experience that leads to delicious results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with various fillings like raspberry jam or orange zest for a twist. You can also substitute chopped nuts or sprinkle some festive decorations on top for added flair.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To enjoy it again, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to bring back that lovely texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best chocolate sponge, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature.
- This helps achieve a fluffier texture.
- When rolling the cake, use parchment paper to prevent sticking and tearing.
- Allow the log to chill fully before slicing for clean cuts.
Sometimes, I’ll catch my family sneaking bites of this Yule log when they think I’m not looking—it’s that irresistible! The laughter we share over this dessert is truly heartwarming.
FAQs:
What is a Chocolate Hazelnut Yule Log?
A Chocolate Hazelnut Yule Log is a traditional dessert often prepared around the holidays. This delightful treat features a rich chocolate sponge cake rolled with creamy hazelnut filling and coated in chocolate ganache. The log shape symbolizes the Yule log that families used to burn during winter festivities. This dessert not only looks impressive but also offers a delicious combination of flavors and textures, making it a perfect addition to holiday celebrations.
How do I store Chocolate Hazelnut Yule Log?
To store your Chocolate Hazelnut Yule Log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze it for longer storage, up to three months. When ready to serve from the freezer, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture and flavor.
Can I make Chocolate Hazelnut Yule Log ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Chocolate Hazelnut Yule Log ahead of time! In fact, making it one day in advance enhances its flavors as they meld together. Just ensure that you wrap it well and store it properly to maintain its freshness. If you plan to freeze it, consider doing so after decorating with ganache. Thaw and finish decorating just before serving for optimal presentation.
What variations can I try with Chocolate Hazelnut Yule Log?
There are many fun variations you can experiment with when making a Chocolate Hazelnut Yule Log. For instance, you could try different fillings such as whipped cream or fruit preserves for added sweetness. You might also consider using dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a richer flavor. Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can give your log a unique twist that complements the hazelnuts beautifully.
Conclusion for Chocolate Hazelnut Yule Log:
The Chocolate Hazelnut Yule Log is an elegant and delicious holiday dessert that will impress your guests. With its fluffy chocolate sponge, creamy hazelnut filling, and rich ganache coating, this treat captures the spirit of festive gatherings perfectly. By following the steps outlined above, you’ll create a show-stopping dessert that’s not only beautiful but also packed with flavor. Don’t forget to try different variations to personalize your Yule log experience!
Chocolate Hazelnut Yule Log
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
Description
Indulge in this delightful Chocolate Hazelnut Yule Log, featuring a rich chocolate sponge cake, creamy hazelnut filling, and decadent chocolate ganache—perfect for holiday celebrations!
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chocolate hazelnut spread
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about five minutes).
- Gradually add cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt while mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, smoothing it out evenly.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold in chocolate hazelnut spread.
- Once the sponge cake has cooled slightly, dust another piece of parchment paper with powdered sugar. Invert the cake onto this new parchment and gently peel off the original.
- Roll the cake tightly from one end while it's still warm and let it cool completely.
- Unroll the cake carefully, spread the hazelnut filling evenly over it, then roll back up tightly.
- For the ganache, melt dark chocolate chips with heavy cream in a microwave or double boiler until smooth.
- Coat the rolled yule log completely in ganache and refrigerate for about an hour before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (90g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Personalize your filling by adding flavors like vanilla or experimenting with different nut spreads. To enhance presentation, consider decorating with chopped nuts or festive sprinkles.
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