This Christmas Yule Log Sheet Cake combines the rich flavors of chocolate cake with a fluffy whipped cream filling and decadent chocolate ganache buttercream. It’s beautifully decorated with powdered sugar “snow,” rosemary, and cranberries for a festive centerpiece dessert that’s sure to impress your guests.
Why You Will Love This Christmas Yule Log Sheet Cake
- Simplified Yule Log: No rolling required! Using a sheet cake makes this easier to assemble than a traditional yule log.
- Rich and Creamy: Layers of chocolate cake, whipped cream, and ganache buttercream make each bite indulgent.
- Festive Presentation: Garnishes like powdered sugar, rosemary, and cranberries make it a showstopper for holiday gatherings.
- Customizable: Add flavors like coffee or orange zest for a unique twist.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in steps to save time during busy holiday preparations.
Ingredients Notes For Christmas Yule Log Sheet Cake
For the Chocolate Sheet Cake
- Buttermilk and Sour Cream: Both add moisture and richness to the cake.
- Vegetable Oil (⅓ cup): Keeps the cake soft and tender.
- Chocolate Cake Mix: Using a mix simplifies the process while still delivering delicious results.
For the Whipped Cream Filling
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Chilled cream whips best, forming the light, airy filling.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream.
For the Chocolate Ganache Buttercream
- Chocolate Melts (3 cups): High-quality chocolate ensures a silky ganache.
- Heavy Cream: Combines with the chocolate to form a smooth ganache base.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup): Adds creaminess and stability to the frosting.
- Powdered Sugar: Balances the richness of the ganache and butter.
Garnishes
- Powdered Sugar: Dust over the cake to resemble snow.
- Fresh Rosemary and Cranberries: Create a festive holiday aesthetic.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch sheet pan
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Chilled metal bowl and whisk
- Wire cooling rack
- Piping bag with a Wilton 1M piping tip
- Serrated knife or cake leveler
- Sifter or fine mesh sieve
How to Make the Christmas Yule Log Sheet Cake
Step 1: Make the Chocolate Sheet Cake
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9×13-inch sheet pan with shortening or baking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, sour cream, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla.
- Sift in the chocolate cake mix and stir gently until combined.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 27–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack. Carefully slice the cake in half horizontally. Place the bottom half back into the pan and set aside the top layer.
Step 2: Make the Whipped Cream Filling
- Chill a metal bowl and whisk in the freezer for 5 minutes.
- Using a stand mixer, whip the cold heavy cream on low speed, gradually increasing to high over 3 minutes, until stiff peaks form.
- Add the vanilla and powdered sugar and whip again to stiff peaks.
- Spread the whipped cream evenly over the bottom layer of the cake. Place the top half back on and gently press down. Chill in the freezer for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache Buttercream
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate melts and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Cool for 15 minutes.
- Whip the butter in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla, salt, and cooled ganache, and whip again.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, beating on high speed until the buttercream is fluffy. Add additional heavy cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed for a smoother consistency.
- Transfer the buttercream to a piping bag fitted with a Wilton 1M piping tip.
Step 4: Assemble and Decorate
- Pipe swirls of buttercream onto the cake to resemble the rings of a log. Drag the piping in straight lines to create a bark-like texture.
- Dust the cake with powdered sugar using a sifter or sieve to mimic snow.
- Garnish with sprigs of rosemary and fresh cranberries for a festive touch.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Slice into squares and serve with coffee or hot cocoa for a cozy holiday treat.
- Storage: Store in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap (before decorating) and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator and decorate before serving.
Variations
- Orange Chocolate: Add 1 teaspoon of orange zest to the cake batter and ganache for a citrusy twist.
- Coffee Infusion: Mix 1 tablespoon of espresso powder into the ganache for a mocha flavor.
- Nutty Garnish: Sprinkle crushed toasted hazelnuts over the buttercream for added texture and flavor.
Helpful Notes
- Allow the ganache to cool fully before mixing with butter to avoid melting the butter.
- Work quickly when piping the buttercream to achieve smooth, clean lines.
- Use a serrated knife or cake leveler for a clean cut when halving the cake.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Sally McKenney (Sally’s Baking Addiction): “Chill your cake layers before frosting to make assembly easier and reduce crumbs.”
- Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman): “Use good-quality chocolate for ganache—it makes all the difference in flavor.”
- Ina Garten: “Use fresh, high-quality garnishes to elevate the presentation and taste.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a mix?
Yes! Substitute with your favorite chocolate cake recipe for a completely homemade version.
What if I don’t have a piping tip?
Use a spatula to spread the buttercream and a fork to create a bark texture.
How do I prevent the whipped cream from softening?
Keep the whipped cream cold by chilling your mixing bowl and tools before use.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes! Assemble the cake (without garnishes) a day ahead, store in the refrigerator, and add decorations just before serving.
Is this cake kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The rich chocolate and festive decorations make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
This Christmas Yule Log Sheet Cake is a stunning, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat. Enjoy spreading holiday cheer with every slice!
