How to Make a Pumpkin Yule Log

Making a pumpkin yule log for the holidays is fun and easy. Beginning with the classic pumpkin roll, then decorating it to look like an old fashioned yule log, it is sure to become a favorite for years to come. Friends and family will be dazzled at the beautiful presentation that accompanies the perfect holiday meal. Below are the steps to take to make a pumpkin yule log.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar for towel
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup pumpkin
• 1 cup chopped walnuts, optional
• 1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup sifted powdered sugar
• 6 tablespoons softened butter or margarine
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 375° F. Use a 10 x 15-inch jelly roll pan; grease and line it with wax paper. Then grease and also flour the paper. Lay out a thin cotton kitchen towel and sprinkle with powdered sugar to cover the towel.

2. Combine dry ingredients in a small bowl: baking soda, baking powder, cloves, cinnamon and salt. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and the granulated sugar until it is thick. Mix in the pumpkin and then stir in the flour mixture. Evenly spread into the pan that you have prepared. Sprinkle the nuts on top, if you choose.

3. Bake for approximately 13 to 15 minutes. It will be done when the cake top springs back at the touch. Darker pans require less time, so check it after about 11 minutes. When the cake is done, immediately loosen from the pan and turn the cake onto the towel that you have prepared. Remove the paper carefully. Starting with the narrow end of the cake, roll the cake and towel up together. Let cool on a wire rack.

4. Beat the butter, cup of powdered sugar, cream cheese and the vanilla extract until it is smooth. Using care, unroll the cake and towel until it is flat. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly all over the cake. Roll up the cake by itself, wrap in some plastic wrap and then refrigerate it for at least an hour.

5. Cut small sections off the ends of the cake to be arranged as limbs. You can use toothpicks to hold them where you want them, then frost the entire roll and limbs with the butter cream frosting. Use a fork to create the tree bark, by dragging it over the frosting. You can sprinkle the log with powdered sugar for a snow effect or add some darker brown piping to add a grain look.

6. Serve to family and friends. This pumpkin yule log will yield approximately 10 servings.