Ah, festive desserts! There’s just something magical about them, isn’t there? The *Hazelnut yule log* is one of my absolute favorites. It’s not just beautiful to look at, but the rich flavor of hazelnuts paired with chocolate is simply divine. I remember the first time I made this for a holiday gathering; the smiles on everyone’s faces as they took their first bite were priceless. It became a tradition in my family, and now I can’t imagine the holidays without it! Whether it’s for Christmas or any special occasion, this dessert always feels like a warm hug on a plate. Trust me, your friends and family will be raving about it for years to come!
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 100g granulated sugar
- 100g all-purpose flour
- 50g unsweetened cocoa powder
- 50g hazelnut meal
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 200ml heavy cream
- 100g hazelnut spread
- 50g chopped hazelnuts
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How to Prepare the Hazelnut Yule Log
Alright, let’s get down to the fun part—making this gorgeous *Hazelnut yule log*! Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to creating a festive masterpiece that will impress everyone.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This is crucial because you want your cake to bake evenly and come out perfectly fluffy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs and 100g of granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. You want to incorporate a good amount of air here for that lovely texture!
- Now, it’s time to sift in the dry ingredients—100g of all-purpose flour, 50g of unsweetened cocoa powder, 50g of hazelnut meal, and 1 tsp of baking powder. Gently fold everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want to keep that fluffiness!
- Grab a lined baking tray and pour your batter in, spreading it out evenly. It should be a beautiful chocolatey color by now!
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it springs back when lightly pressed and is set in the center.
- Once baked, let the cake cool in the tray for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully roll it up in a clean kitchen towel while it’s still warm. This helps shape the log and prevents cracking later. Let it cool completely in this rolled-up form.
- While your cake cools, whip 200ml of heavy cream until soft peaks form, and then gently mix in 100g of hazelnut spread. The combination of flavors here is heavenly!
- When the cake is completely cool, unroll it gently. Spread that dreamy cream mixture evenly over the cake and sprinkle with 50g of chopped hazelnuts.
- Now, roll the cake back up, seam-side down, and transfer it to a serving platter. Dust the top with powdered sugar for that snowy finish, and voilà! Your *Hazelnut yule log* is ready to dazzle!
Trust me, this process is worth every minute! Enjoy the sweet aroma filling your kitchen as you prepare this delightful dessert.
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Each slice of this delicious *Hazelnut yule log* packs approximately 250 calories. You’ll also find about 15g of fat, 5g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates per serving. Plus, with 2g of fiber and 15g of sugar, it’s a treat that satisfies without going overboard. Remember, these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of the tasty indulgence you’re about to enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a showstopper! The *Hazelnut yule log* looks stunning and is sure to impress your guests.
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for those busy holiday preparations.
- Rich, nutty flavors combined with chocolate create a delightful taste experience.
- Versatile! You can customize the filling or toppings to suit your taste.
- Great for sharing! This recipe yields enough to serve a crowd, making it ideal for festive gatherings.
- It’s a unique twist on traditional yule logs that everyone will love—trust me!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your *Hazelnut yule log* turns out absolutely perfect! First off, patience is key—make sure your cake is completely cool before you roll it up. If it’s even a little warm, it might crack, and we don’t want that! When you’re ready to slice, use a serrated knife for those clean, beautiful cuts. It makes a world of difference! Also, if you want to elevate the presentation, consider adding some fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce on top. And don’t forget, dusting with powdered sugar right before serving gives it that lovely, snowy finish! Trust me, these little tips will take your festive dessert to the next level!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up your *Hazelnut yule log*! For a fruity twist, try adding a layer of raspberry or cherry jam underneath the cream filling—it’s a delightful contrast to the rich hazelnut flavor. You could also consider swapping out the hazelnut spread for a creamy chocolate ganache for an extra indulgent treat. Feeling festive? Add some orange zest to the cream for a bright citrus note! And for a crunchy texture, top your log with some candied nuts or even a sprinkle of toffee bits. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity run wild!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve indulged in your delicious *Hazelnut yule log*, you might have some leftovers (though I doubt it!). To store, wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can even freeze the yule log! Just make sure to wrap it well to avoid freezer burn—tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. No reheating needed; just slice and serve chilled for the best texture and flavor!
FAQ Section
Can I make this *Hazelnut yule log* ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dessert actually stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can make it a day or two in advance, just be sure to wrap it tightly to keep it fresh. I always find it tastes even better after sitting a bit and letting those flavors meld!
What can I use instead of hazelnut meal?
If you don’t have hazelnut meal on hand, you can substitute it with almond meal or ground walnuts for a similar nutty flavor. Just keep in mind that the taste will vary slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover *Hazelnut yule log* in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn.
Can I use a different filling?
Of course! While the hazelnut spread is divine, feel free to get creative. A chocolate ganache, cream cheese frosting, or even a fruit filling like raspberry would be fantastic alternatives. Just think about what flavors you love!
Why is my cake cracking when I roll it?
If your cake cracks, it might be due to not cooling it completely before rolling or if it was overbaked. Make sure to follow the cooling instructions carefully, and always roll it while it’s still warm to form the log shape without breaking!
Hazelnut Yule Log: 7 Steps to Festive Perfection
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious hazelnut yule log for festive occasions.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 100g granulated sugar
- 100g all-purpose flour
- 50g unsweetened cocoa powder
- 50g hazelnut meal
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 200ml heavy cream
- 100g hazelnut spread
- 50g chopped hazelnuts
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until fluffy.
- Sift in flour, cocoa powder, hazelnut meal, and baking powder, and fold gently.
- Pour batter into a lined baking tray and spread evenly.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until set.
- Let it cool slightly, then roll in a clean towel.
- Whip the cream and mix with hazelnut spread.
- Unroll the cake, spread the cream mixture, and sprinkle chopped hazelnuts.
- Roll the cake back up and place seam-side down.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cool before rolling.
- Use a serrated knife for clean cuts.
- Store leftovers in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Hazelnut yule log, chocolate yule log, festive dessert