Alright, who’s ready to wow their guests this holiday season without losing their mind in the kitchen? This Easy Black Forest Yule Log is seriously my go-to! It looks so fancy, like you spent hours slaving away, but trust me, it’s totally doable. I remember the first time I made it; I was a little nervous about rolling a cake, but it came together so beautifully. It’s got that classic chocolate and cherry combo that just screams Christmas, and it’s surprisingly simple to whip up.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Black Forest Yule Log
Seriously, this Easy Black Forest Yule Log is a winner for so many reasons:
- It’s incredibly simple to make – perfect even if you’re new to baking!
- It looks super festive and elegant, making it a showstopper for any holiday table.
- The classic chocolate and cherry flavors are just divine together.
- It’s the perfect dessert to get you into the holiday spirit without all the fuss.
Gathering Your Ingredients for the Easy Black Forest Yule Log
Okay, let’s get our kitchen prepped! To make this fabulous Easy Black Forest Yule Log, you’ll need a few things. Don’t worry, they’re all pretty standard baking goodies, and I’ll break them down so you know exactly what’s what.
Cake Base Ingredients
First up, for that yummy chocolate cake base, grab:
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour – just your regular plain flour works perfectly.
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar – for that essential sweetness.
- 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder – make sure it’s unsweetened for the best chocolatey flavor!
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda – these are our leaveners, making the cake nice and light.
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt – it really balances all the flavors.
- 2 large eggs – room temperature is best if you can remember!
- 1/2 cup of milk – whole milk gives a richer taste, but any kind works.
- 1/4 cup of vegetable oil – this keeps the cake super moist!
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract – a little goes a long way for that classic flavor.
Whipped Cream and Filling Ingredients
For the dreamy filling and that lovely cherry layer, you’ll need:
- 1 cup of heavy cream – make sure it’s nice and cold for whipping!
- 1/4 cup of powdered sugar – also called confectioners’ sugar, for sweetening the cream.
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract – again, for that lovely vanilla note in the cream.
- 1/2 cup of cherry preserves – this is what gives it that signature Black Forest touch!
Garnish and Finishing Touches
And for the grand finale, the pretty decorations:
- 1/4 cup of chocolate shavings – you can buy these or just shave a chocolate bar yourself!
- Fresh cherries for garnish – these really make it look special and festive.
Crafting Your Easy Black Forest Yule Log: Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get this party started and actually *make* the Easy Black Forest Yule Log! It might seem a little intimidating with the rolling part, but I promise, if you follow these steps, you’ll have a beautiful cake. Just breathe and have fun with it!
Preparing the Chocolate Cake Base
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grab a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan, give it a good grease, and then dust it with flour. This is super important to make sure our cake doesn’t stick! Now, in a big bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients: the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and that little pinch of salt. Give it a good mix so everything is evenly distributed. In a separate bowl, whisk up your eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and that teaspoon of vanilla. Pour the wet stuff into the dry stuff and mix it up until it’s just combined. Seriously, don’t go crazy mixing here; overmixing makes the cake tough, and we want it tender for rolling!
Pour all that lovely chocolate batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it into the oven for about 12-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when you stick a wooden skewer in the middle, and it comes out clean. Keep an eye on it, because nobody wants a dry cake!
Creating the Whipped Cream Filling
While the cake is baking, let’s whip up that creamy filling. Grab a chilled bowl (seriously, cold bowls make whipping cream SO much easier!) and pour in your cold heavy cream. Add the powdered sugar and that other teaspoon of vanilla. Now, get your mixer going – start slow and then speed it up. You’re looking for stiff peaks, which means when you lift the beaters, the cream holds its shape and doesn’t flop over. It should look like soft clouds!
Assembling the Easy Black Forest Yule Log
Okay, cake is out of the oven, and it smells amazing, right? While it’s still warm, carefully flip it out onto a clean kitchen towel that you’ve lightly dusted with powdered sugar. Gently peel off the parchment paper it baked on. Now, while it’s still warm and flexible, spread that yummy cherry preserves all over the surface. Try to get it as even as you can. Then, starting from one of the shorter sides, carefully roll up the cake *with the towel inside*. It might feel a little weird, but trust me, this helps it keep its shape. Let it cool down completely like this – it needs to relax!
Once it’s totally cool, gently unroll the cake. I know, it might have a few little cracks, but that’s okay, we’re covering it up! Spread that gorgeous whipped cream all over the cake, again trying to get an even layer. Now, carefully roll it up again, but this time, leave the towel out. This is the final roll, so be gentle!
Decorating Your Festive Yule Log
This is the fun part where it really starts to look like a Yule log! Sprinkle those chocolate shavings all over the top and sides of your rolled cake. You can use a spatula to gently press them on if they don’t stick right away. Then, pop those fresh cherries on top for a pop of color and that classic Black Forest look. Ta-da! Your Easy Black Forest Yule Log is ready to impress!
Tips for a Perfect Easy Black Forest Yule Log
Making this Easy Black Forest Yule Log is totally achievable, but a few little tricks really help ensure it turns out beautifully every time. My biggest advice? Don’t overbake that cake! If it gets too dry, it’ll crack like crazy when you try to roll it. Just a quick skewer test is all you need. And speaking of rolling, letting the cake cool completely after the first roll is a game-changer. It makes it so much easier to handle and fill without it falling apart.
Baking and Rolling Techniques
When you bake your cake, keep a close eye on it. Overbaking is the enemy of a good Yule log roll! As soon as a skewer comes out clean, out it goes. Then, immediately invert it onto a towel dusted with powdered sugar and peel off the parchment. While it’s still warm, spread the cherry preserves and then roll it up gently with the towel inside. This helps set the shape and prevents those dreaded cracks when you do the final roll with the cream. It might look a little messy at first, but the whipped cream and chocolate shavings hide a multitude of sins!
Achieving the Best Whipped Cream
For that luscious whipped cream filling, make sure your heavy cream, bowl, and beaters are super cold. Seriously, it makes all the difference! Start mixing on low speed, then gradually increase. You’re looking for stiff peaks, which means when you lift the beaters, the cream stands straight up. If you’re feeling fancy and want that authentic Black Forest vibe, a tiny splash of kirsch (cherry liqueur) in the cream before whipping adds an amazing flavor boost. Just don’t go too crazy, or it might get too soft. You can learn more about the science behind whipping cream here.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Easy Black Forest Yule Log
Got questions about making this festive Easy Black Forest Yule Log? I totally get it! It’s always good to have a little extra info. Here are some things folks often ask:
Q1. My cake cracked when I rolled it. What did I do wrong?
Oh, a little crack happens to the best of us with cake rolls! The most common culprits are overbaking the cake, making it too dry, or trying to roll it when it’s too cool. Make sure you don’t overbake, and try rolling it while it’s still warm and pliable. Even if it cracks a bit, don’t worry! The whipped cream and chocolate shavings will do a fantastic job of covering it up.
Q2. Can I use something other than cherry preserves?
Absolutely! While cherry preserves are classic for a Black Forest flavor, you can totally switch it up. A good quality raspberry jam or even a mixed berry preserves would be delicious. Just make sure it’s not too runny!
Q3. How do I get that authentic Black Forest flavor in my Yule log?
Besides the cherries, the best way to get that authentic taste is to add a splash of kirsch (cherry liqueur) to the whipped cream before you whip it. It really amps up the flavor! Just a teaspoon or two makes a big difference. It’s optional, of course, but highly recommended for that true Black Forest cake experience. For more information on kirsch, check out this resource.
Q4. How long does this Christmas Yule log recipe keep?
This Easy Black Forest Yule Log is best enjoyed within 2-3 days. Keep it covered tightly in the refrigerator. The whipped cream will hold up well, but it’s always freshest when eaten sooner rather than later!
Storing and Reheating Your Easy Black Forest Yule Log
Leftovers of your gorgeous Easy Black Forest Yule Log are precious, so let’s keep them tasting amazing! The best way to store it is to wrap it up really well in plastic wrap, then pop it into an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay yummy for about 2 to 3 days. Honestly, though, it’s so good, I doubt you’ll have leftovers for that long! Reheating isn’t really recommended since the filling is cream and the cake is best served chilled.
Estimated Nutritional Information for an Easy Black Forest Yule Log
Just so you know, the nutritional info for this Easy Black Forest Yule Log is an estimate, since everyone’s baking can be a little different! But generally, one slice is around 350 calories. You’re looking at about 20g of fat, with 12g of that being saturated fat, and roughly 40g of carbohydrates. It also has about 5g of protein. Remember, these are just ballpark figures to give you an idea! For more general baking tips, you can explore resources on King Arthur Baking.
Print
Easy Black Forest Yule Log: 1 Amazing Twist
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and festive Black Forest Yule Log cake, perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cherry preserves
- 1/4 cup chocolate shavings
- Fresh cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the whipped cream by beating heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Once the cake is baked, invert it onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment paper.
- While the cake is still warm, spread the cherry preserves evenly over the surface.
- Starting from one of the shorter sides, carefully roll up the cake with the towel inside. Let it cool completely.
- Once cooled, gently unroll the cake. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the cake.
- Roll up the cake again, this time without the towel.
- Decorate the Yule Log with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries.
Notes
- Ensure your cake is not overbaked, as this can make it difficult to roll.
- Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing for easier handling.
- Feel free to add a splash of kirsch to the whipped cream for an authentic Black Forest flavor.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Black Forest cake, Yule log, Christmas cake, holiday dessert, chocolate cake, cherry cake, easy dessert