Red Velvet Yule Log

This Red Velvet Yule Log is a stunning centerpiece for any festive gathering. With its vibrant color and delicious creamy filling, this dessert is perfect for Christmas celebrations, holiday parties, or even just a cozy family dinner. The combination of fluffy sponge cake and rich cream cheese filling creates a delightful taste experience that will impress your guests and make your celebrations even more special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Eye-Catching Appearance: The bold red hue and log shape make it a show-stopping dessert that stands out on any table.
• Delicious Flavor: The balance of sweet cream cheese filling and light cocoa undertones in the sponge cake creates a delicious flavor profile.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a festive dessert or slice it for an afternoon treat with coffee or tea.
• Fun to Make: Rolling the sponge is a fun activity that can be enjoyed with family or friends, making baking a memorable experience.
• Customizable Decoration: You can personalize the decoration with seasonal fruits or edible flowers to match your celebration theme.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delightful Red Velvet Yule Log, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having the right equipment will ensure smooth preparation and baking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking pan (12×16 inch)
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Offset spatula
• Plastic wrap

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking pan: The right size ensures even baking of the sponge cake, preventing it from being too thick or thin.
• Electric mixer: A powerful mixer makes whipping eggs and cream easy, creating light and fluffy textures in your batter and filling.

Ingredients

This festive red velvet yule log features a soft red sponge cake rolled with a creamy honey-sweetened cream cheese filling and topped with a decorative buttercream bark. Perfect as a show-stopping Christmas dessert.

For the Sponge:

• 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

How to Make Red Velvet Yule Log

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 374°F (190°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper and lightly butter it to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

Whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and scraped vanilla seeds until pale and frothy. Add red food coloring until you achieve your desired shade of red velvet.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift in the type 00 flour and cocoa powder into the mixture. Gently fold them in using a spatula to maintain airiness in the batter.

Step 4: Bake the Sponge Cake

Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan. Bake for about 20 minutes until set.

Step 5: Cool Down

Immediately transfer the baked sponge onto parchment paper. Cover it with plastic wrap while it’s still warm and let it cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese, heavy cream, and honey until smooth and fluffy.

Step 7: Assemble the Yule Log

Trim any rough edges from your sponge. Spread an even layer of cream cheese filling over it. Use parchment to help you roll up the sponge tightly into a log shape. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Step 8: Create Branches for Effect

After chilling, cut both ends of the rolled cake diagonally to create branches for that log effect.

Step 9: Prepare Buttercream Frosting

Beat cold butter with powdered sugar until fluffy; then mix in Sambuca (or vanilla extract). Whip until smooth.

Step 10: Decorate Your Log Cake

Lightly frost your yule log with buttercream frosting. Use an offset spatula to pipe bark lines on top. Finish by decorating with raspberries, star anise, and a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

How to Serve Red Velvet Yule Log

The Red Velvet Yule Log is a delightful centerpiece for any festive gathering. Serving it with the right accompaniments can elevate its flavors and presentation.

Pair with Fresh Berries

• Raspberries: Their tartness balances the sweetness of the yule log beautifully.
• Strawberries: Sliced or whole, strawberries add a pop of color and freshness.

Enhance with Cream

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream complements the creamy filling.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve it alongside a scoop for a delightful contrast in temperature.

Garnish with Edible Flowers

• Pansies or Violets: These flowers not only add elegance but also a subtle floral note that pairs well with chocolate and cream.

Drizzle with Sauce

• Chocolate Sauce: A rich chocolate drizzle can enhance the dessert’s appeal and flavor.
• Fruit Coulis: A raspberry or strawberry coulis can add a tangy twist that complements the cake.

How to Perfect Red Velvet Yule Log

Creating the perfect Red Velvet Yule Log requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dessert is a success.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh eggs and quality cream cheese will significantly improve flavor and texture.
• Whip egg mixture adequately: Ensure the egg mixture is pale and frothy for a light sponge cake.
• Fold gently: When incorporating dry ingredients, fold gently to keep air in the batter for a fluffy result.
• Cool completely before rolling: Allowing the sponge to cool properly prevents cracking when you roll it up.
• Chill after filling: Refrigerating the rolled cake helps it hold its shape better as it sets.

Best Side Dishes for Red Velvet Yule Log

Pairing side dishes with your Red Velvet Yule Log can create a balanced dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and contrasts nicely with the rich yule log.
2. Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a creamy counterpoint to the cake’s sweetness.
3. Chocolate Mousse: This indulgent treat enhances the chocolate notes in your yule log while providing a different texture.
4. Coffee or Espresso: A strong coffee complements the sweetness of the yule log, making each bite even more enjoyable.
5. Mini Pastries: Consider adding small pastries like éclairs or cream puffs to offer variety in flavors and textures.
6. Nut Mix: A blend of nuts adds crunch and saltiness, balancing out the dessert’s sweetness while providing an appealing contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Red Velvet Yule Log can be fun, but it’s easy to stumble on some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to avoid for the perfect holiday dessert.

• Boldly skip the cooling step – Forgetting to cool the sponge cake completely before rolling can lead to cracks. Always let it cool while wrapped in parchment.
• Boldly overmixing the batter – Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of fluffy. Gently fold in dry ingredients until just combined.
• Boldly ignoring ingredient temperatures – Using cold ingredients can affect texture. Ensure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Boldly underestimating decoration – Skipping decorations can make your log look plain. Use berries, star anise, or powdered sugar to enhance presentation.
• Boldly not measuring precisely – Inaccurate measurements lead to inconsistencies. Always use a kitchen scale for baking for better results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the Red Velvet Yule Log in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Red Velvet Yule Log

• Wrap the Yule Log tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for best results.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Red Velvet Yule Log

• Boldly oven method – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Boldly microwave method – Heat a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds on low power, checking frequently.
• Boldly stovetop method – Place a slice in a pan over low heat, covering it with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making the Red Velvet Yule Log that may help you during preparation.

What makes a Red Velvet Yule Log special?

The vibrant red color combined with creamy filling and festive decorations creates a visually stunning dessert that’s perfect for celebrations.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce and use plant-based cream cheese and heavy cream alternatives.

How do I enhance the flavor of my Red Velvet Yule Log?

Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter or using flavored extracts in your filling for extra depth.

What is the best way to serve Red Velvet Yule Log?

Slice it into rounds and serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with fresh berries or chocolate shavings for added flair.

Final Thoughts

The Red Velvet Yule Log is not only visually appealing but also versatile enough to customize according to personal preferences. You can experiment with different fillings or decorations. This festive dish is sure to impress at any gathering, so don’t hesitate to try it!