Oh my goodness, if there’s one dessert that screams “holiday magic,” it’s the Red Velvet Yule Log! I still remember the first time I laid eyes on one at a family gathering — it was like a festive masterpiece, all swirled and sprinkled with a dusting of powdered sugar, and I just couldn’t wait to dive in. The vibrant red against the creamy filling and the beautiful garnishes made it feel like a celebration on a plate! Every bite is so rich and velvety, it’s like a hug from the inside out. Seriously, who can resist that?
The Red Velvet Yule Log is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a showstopper that’ll impress any crowd. It’s perfect for holiday celebrations, whether it’s Christmas dinner, New Year’s Eve, or just a cozy gathering with friends. You’ll find it’s surprisingly easy to make, and the best part is that it brings everyone together, sparking joy and laughter around the table. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started on this festive delight!
Why You’ll Love Red Velvet Yule Log
Oh, where do I even start with why I adore this Red Velvet Yule Log? First off, the flavor is just divine! The rich cocoa combined with the light sweetness of the cream cheese filling creates a perfect balance that dances on your palate. It’s not just dessert; it’s an experience! The stunning red color makes it a real showstopper on any holiday table, instantly elevating your dessert game.
What I love most is how it captures the spirit of the holidays. It’s festive, it’s fun, and it makes you feel all warm and cozy inside. Plus, it’s a fantastic conversation starter at gatherings! Everyone wants to know how you made this gorgeous cake roll, and trust me, they’ll be impressed when you tell them it’s not as complicated as it looks. The Red Velvet Yule Log is truly a holiday dessert that stands out, and it’s sure to become a beloved tradition in your home, just like it did in mine!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Alright, let’s gather everything we need for this gorgeous Red Velvet Yule Log! Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- 3 medium eggs (165 g)
- 3 medium egg yolks (45 g)
- 3/4 cup (150 g) sugar
- 3 cups (150 g) type 00 flour
- 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped (or you can use 1 tsp vanilla extract if that’s easier!)
- 1 tbsp (10 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- Red food coloring (liposoluble liquid, gel, or powder), to taste — go wild here, just don’t overdo it!
For the creamy filling, grab these:
- 3 cups (500 g) cream cheese — make sure it’s softened for easy mixing
- 2/3 cup (150 g) heavy cream
- 2 tbsp (50 g) wildflower honey — or any honey you have on hand will work!
And for the decoration, you’ll need:
- 1 cup (400 g) cold butter — trust me, it needs to be cold for that perfect frosting
- 2 tsp (10 g) Sambuca (or vanilla extract if you prefer)
- 1 cup (100 g) powdered sugar + extra for sprinkling on top
- Raspberries, to taste — they add a lovely tartness!
- Star anise, to taste — for that festive flair!
Now that we’ve got our ingredients lined up, let’s get ready to create some holiday magic!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, my fellow bakers, let’s dive into the fun part! Making the Red Velvet Yule Log is a delightful process, so let’s roll up our sleeves and get started!
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important so your cake bakes evenly!
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and egg yolks together with the sugar until it’s creamy and light in color — about 5 minutes. You want it to look fluffy and beautiful!
- Next, gently fold in the type 00 flour, vanilla bean seeds (or extract), cocoa powder, and that vibrant red food coloring. Mix it all together until it’s a smooth batter. Trust me, the red color will make your heart sing!
- Now, spread the batter evenly onto a lined baking sheet. Make sure it’s spread out to the edges — we want a nice thin layer!
- Pop it in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You’re looking for a toothpick to come out clean. The aroma will be heavenly, so enjoy that!
- Once done, take it out and let the sponge cool on a wire rack. This cooling part is crucial because you’ll be rolling it soon!
- While the sponge cools, let’s make the filling. In another bowl, whip the cream cheese, heavy cream, and honey together until it’s smooth and creamy. This filling is where the magic happens!
- Once your sponge is cool, spread that luscious filling all over the cake. Leave a little space at the edges so it doesn’t ooze out when you roll it.
- Carefully roll the sponge tightly, starting from one end. Don’t worry if it cracks a little; that just adds character!
- Now for the decoration! In a mixing bowl, beat the cold butter, Sambuca, and powdered sugar until fluffy and light. This buttercream is going to make your Yule Log shine!
- Frost the rolled log with your buttercream, covering it completely. Don’t be shy; get creative with it!
- Finally, garnish with those beautiful raspberries and star anise. Sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for that snowy effect!
And there you have it! Your Red Velvet Yule Log is ready to steal the show at your holiday celebrations. Just look at that beauty!
Variations
Oh, the possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing your Red Velvet Yule Log! For a twist on the classic, try swapping out the cream cheese filling for a lighter mascarpone or whipped cream filling. You could even add a splash of orange zest for a refreshing citrus kick!
If you’re feeling adventurous, how about a peppermint variation? Just mix in some crushed peppermint candies into the filling for a festive flair. And for the holidays, why not decorate it with edible gold leaf or a sprinkle of coconut for a snowy effect? Trust me, your guests will be amazed at your creativity!
Serving and Storage Tips
When it comes to serving your stunning Red Velvet Yule Log, presentation is key! Slice it into generous pieces and arrange them on a festive platter. You can even add a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of extra powdered sugar for that wow factor! It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, and I guarantee it’ll be the star of the dessert table!
As for leftovers, if you’re lucky enough to have any, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last about 3-4 days, but trust me, they won’t stick around for long! You can also freeze slices for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, so they stay fresh. When you’re ready to enjoy again, just let them thaw in the fridge overnight!
Helpful Notes
Here are a few extra tips to help you nail your Red Velvet Yule Log! If you’re looking to lighten things up a bit, you can use low-fat cream cheese in the filling. It’ll still taste delicious, just a tad less rich. Also, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the cream cheese and eggs; this helps everything blend together smoothly! For more baking tips, check out this guide to baking.
For a smoother frosting, beat the butter really well until it’s fluffy before adding the powdered sugar. And remember, if you don’t have Sambuca, vanilla extract works beautifully as a substitute. Lastly, don’t stress if it cracks while rolling — it’s all part of the charm, and you’ll cover it with frosting anyway! Enjoy the process, and happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I freeze this Red Velvet Yule Log?
Absolutely! You can freeze slices for up to a month. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to keep them fresh.
2. What if I don’t have type 00 flour?
No worries! All-purpose flour works just fine. Your Yule Log will still turn out delicious.
3. How do I prevent cracks when rolling the sponge?
To help avoid cracks, make sure to roll the sponge while it’s still warm and not too tightly. A little crack adds character!
4. Can I use a different filling?
Sure thing! Feel free to experiment with whipped cream, mascarpone, or even a fruit jam for a fun twist!
5. How can I achieve a brighter red color?
Use gel or powder food coloring for a more vibrant hue. Just remember to add it a little at a time until you reach your desired shade!
Final Thoughts
Making a Red Velvet Yule Log is truly a labor of love that brings so much joy to the holiday season. It’s not just about creating a stunning dessert; it’s about the memories you’ll make while baking and sharing it with friends and family. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch as it becomes a cherished part of your holiday traditions! Don’t forget to share your delightful creations with me; I’d love to hear about your experiences and any fun twists you’ve added. Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with sweetness and joy!
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Red Velvet Yule Log
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive Red Velvet Yule Log dessert, perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 3 medium eggs (165 g)
- 3 medium egg yolks (45 g)
- 3/4 cup (150 g) sugar
- 3 cups (150 g) type 00 flour
- 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped
- 1 tbsp (10 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- Red food coloring (liposoluble liquid, gel, or powder), to taste
- For the filling: 3 cups (500 g) cream cheese
- 2/3 cup (150 g) heavy cream
- 2 tbsp (50 g) wildflower honey
- For the decoration: 1 cup (400 g) cold butter
- 2 tsp (10 g) Sambuca (or vanilla extract as substitute)
- 1 cup (100 g) powdered sugar + extra for sprinkling
- Raspberries, to taste
- Star anise, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, beat the eggs and egg yolks with sugar until creamy.
- Add flour, vanilla seeds, cocoa powder, and red food coloring. Mix well.
- Spread the batter evenly on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the sponge cool on a wire rack.
- For the filling, whip the cream cheese, heavy cream, and honey until smooth.
- Spread the filling over the cooled sponge and roll it tightly.
- For the decoration, beat the cold butter, Sambuca, and powdered sugar until fluffy.
- Frost the rolled log with the buttercream.
- Garnish with raspberries and star anise.
Notes
- Use a sharp knife to cut the log for clean slices.
- Store leftovers in the fridge.
- Can be made a day in advance for easier preparation.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Red Velvet Yule Log, holiday dessert, festive cake
