Vanilla Sponge Cake Recipe for Yule Log

Embrace the spirit of Yule with a delightful Vanilla Sponge Cake recipe that's perfect for creating a festive Yule log. This traditional English dessert is a showstopper, combining a light and fluffy sponge with a rich, velvety chocolate buttercream. Let's dive into this enchanting recipe that's sure to become a cherished holiday tradition.

Ingredients

For the Sponge Cake	For the Chocolate Buttercream
4 large eggs	175g unsalted butter, softened
200g caster sugar	300g icing sugar
200g self-raising flour	50g cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder	1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp milk	100ml double cream

Equipment

Vanilla Yule Log Cake Recipe (Bûche de Noël)

23cm x 30cm swiss roll tin
Electric whisk
Spatula
Sieve
Piping bag (optional)

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Sponge Cake

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or Gas Mark 4. Grease and line the swiss roll tin with baking parchment. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and caster sugar until the mixture is pale, thick, and doubled in volume.

Sift in the flour and baking powder, then gently fold into the egg mixture using a metal spoon or spatula. Add the milk and combine until just smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared tin and spread evenly.

Step 2: Bake and Cool

Bake the sponge cake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden and springy to the touch. Leave it to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack, leaving the parchment paper on.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Buttercream

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While the cake is cooling, make the chocolate buttercream. Beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add the icing sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and double cream. Beat until smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Assemble the Yule Log

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How to Make a Yule Log Cake (Bûche de Noël)

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Once the sponge cake is completely cool, carefully peel off the parchment paper. Spread the chocolate buttercream evenly over the cake, leaving a 1cm border. Carefully roll up the cake, using the parchment paper to help guide you. Trim the ends to create a neat log shape.

To create the bark effect, use a fork to lightly score the buttercream. For the mushrooms, use a small round cutter to create circles of buttercream, then place a small piece of chocolate or a chocolate button on top. Dust with icing sugar for a snowy effect.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the Yule log to a serving plate, decorate with your chocolate mushrooms, and serve. This delightful dessert is best enjoyed with loved ones, surrounded by the warmth and joy of the Yule season.