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Gingerbread Yule Log: A Festive Holiday Delight Recipe

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This Gingerbread Yule Log is a festive holiday dessert featuring a soft and spiced gingerbread cake rolled with a creamy, smooth cream cheese filling. Finished optionally with rich chocolate ganache and decorated with powdered sugar and seasonal garnishes, it makes a beautiful centerpiece dessert perfect for Christmas celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

Gingerbread Cake:

  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Filling:

  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream (or milk for a lighter filling)

Chocolate Ganache (optional):

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional for extra gloss)

Decoration:

  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)
  • Fresh rosemary or holly leaves (for garnish)
  • Optional: Chocolate shavings, edible glitter, or small meringue mushrooms

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking and aid in easy removal and rolling of the cake.
  2. Prepare the Gingerbread Cake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients: flour, sugar, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat eggs until frothy, then add molasses, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, ensuring not to overmix for a light texture.
  3. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cake is springy to the touch and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. While baking, prepare a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Once baked, cool the cake for 5 minutes, then invert onto the towel, remove parchment paper, and roll the cake gently with the towel to cool completely. This rolling step helps the cake maintain shape for filling.
  4. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes). Add vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and heavy cream (or milk), continuing to beat until smooth and spreadable. Adjust sweetness or texture if needed.
  5. Assemble the Gingerbread Yule Log: Once the cake is fully cooled, carefully unroll it and spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface, leaving a small border. Roll the cake back up tightly using the parchment paper as a guide and transfer to a platter. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the filling set.
  6. Make the Chocolate Ganache (Optional): Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it simmers. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips until smooth and glossy. Add butter if desired for shine. Cool slightly before pouring and spreading the ganache over the chilled Yule log, allowing it to drip for a rustic appearance.
  7. Decorate the Yule Log: Once ganache is set, dust with powdered sugar to resemble snow. Garnish with fresh rosemary or holly leaves, and optionally add chocolate shavings, edible glitter, or meringue mushrooms for festive detail.
  8. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the decorated Yule log into generous portions. Best served chilled but also delicious at room temperature. Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and tender.
  • Rolling the cake with the towel while warm prevents cracks when filled later.
  • The chocolate ganache is optional but adds richness and an attractive finish.
  • You can substitute vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.
  • The cake is best enjoyed within 3 days for freshness, stored refrigerated.

Keywords: Gingerbread Yule Log, Holiday Dessert, Christmas Cake, Cream Cheese Filling, Chocolate Ganache, Festive Cake

Find it online: https://servedbynora.com/gingerbread-yule-log-a-festive-holiday-delight-recipe/