Classic Yule Log Recipe That Brings Tradition and Festive Magic to Your Holiday Table

Last Updated on November 24, 2025 by Chef Josie

A Classic Yule Log is more than just a dessert. It is a holiday centerpiece, a nostalgic nod to tradition, and a beautifully rolled cake that instantly elevates any winter celebration. With its soft chocolate sponge, creamy filling, and snowy dusting of powdered sugar, this beloved dessert captures the cozy charm of Christmas Time Desserts and the elegance of European holiday baking. Whether you are preparing Christmas Food Ideas, Christmas Desserts Ideas, or simply want a show stopping dessert that looks more complicated than it truly is, this Classic Yule Log is the perfect choice.

I first baked a Yule Log Cake during a Christmas Eve gathering when I wanted something lighter than a dense cake yet more impressive than cookies. The swirl of cream cheese filling inside the chocolate sponge instantly won everyone over. It was soft, snowy, festive, and surprisingly easy to prepare. Since that night, this Chocolate Yule Log Cake has become a staple on my holiday dessert menu and a favorite treat to share with family and friends.

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Why You Will Love This Classic Yule Log

• Light, airy chocolate sponge that rolls beautifully
• Creamy, rich filling perfect for winter celebrations
• Impressive presentation with minimal effort
• Works for Easy Christmas Desserts and Holiday Baking
• A traditional centerpiece for Christmas Sweets tables
• Customizable with toppings, flavors, and frostings
• Fun activity for families and holiday gatherings

Ingredients Breakdown

This Classic Yule Log uses simple ingredients that come together to create a stunning dessert.

For the chocolate sponge cake:
• Eggs: Essential for the light, flexible sponge
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the batter
• All purpose flour or cake flour: Creates a soft structure
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides deep chocolate flavor
• Baking powder: Ensures gentle lift
• Salt: Balances sweetness

For the cream cheese filling:
• Cream cheese: Smooth, rich, and perfect for spreading
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens while keeping the filling silky
• Butter: Adds structure and creaminess
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the classic Yule Log flavor

For decorating:
• Powdered sugar: Creates the snowy finish
• Fresh greenery or berries: Optional for classic presentation

Substitutions
• Use mascarpone instead of cream cheese for a lighter flavor
• Swap cocoa for dark cocoa for a richer cake
• Use whipped cream filling instead of cream cheese for a lighter roll
• Add peppermint extract for seasonal flair

Step by Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven and prepare a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
2. Whip eggs and sugar together until pale and thick. This step is key for a light sponge.
3. Sift flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt into the egg mixture and gently fold until combined.
4. Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
5. Bake until the cake springs back when lightly pressed.
6. While still warm, turn the cake out onto a fresh sheet of parchment and gently roll it up. This prevents cracking later.
7. Let the rolled cake cool completely.
8. Prepare the cream cheese filling by whipping cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
9. Unroll the cooled cake and spread the filling evenly.
10. Roll the cake again, this time tightly but carefully.
11. Dust with powdered sugar and decorate with holiday berries or greenery.
12. Chill before slicing for clean, beautiful layers.

Notes and Top Tips

• Do not overbake the sponge or it will crack
• Roll the cake while warm for the best flexibility
• Sift dry ingredients for the smoothest batter
• Chill the log before slicing to achieve defined spirals
• Add cocoa to powdered sugar for a snowy chocolate effect
• For a Simple Yule Log Cake with frosting, cover the outside with chocolate buttercre

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Serving Ideas
• Serve with hot cocoa or coffee for a classic winter pairing
• Add alongside Christmas Cookies Recipes for a dessert assortment
• Present as the centerpiece of a holiday dessert table

Variations
• Yule Log Cake with Cream Cheese Filling, as shown here
• Swiss Roll Yule Log with whipped cream filling
• Peppermint Yule Log with crushed candy canes
• Mocha Yule Log with espresso powder in the sponge
• Chocolate coated Yule Log for a traditional bark effect

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store covered in the refrigerator for up to three days
• Freeze slices individually for up to two months
• Thaw in the refrigerator for best texture
• Serve chilled or at room temperature
• Avoid heating the cake, as the filling can melt

Why You Will Make It Again

This Classic Yule Log brings elegance, tradition, and delicious flavor to your holiday celebrations. With its soft chocolate sponge, creamy filling, and snowy finish, it belongs in your Christmas Desserts Ideas and Holiday Baking plans every year. If you make this recipe, share your results and explore more festive treats on the blog.

FAQs

Why did my Yule Log crack when rolling?
The cake may have cooled too long before rolling. Always roll while warm.

Can I make the cake a day ahead?
Yes. In fact, it slices even better after resting overnight.

Can I frost the outside?
Absolutely. Traditional Yule Logs often include chocolate buttercream to mimic bark.

What pan works best?
A standard jelly roll pan ensures the right thickness for rolling without breaking.

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