How do I Make a Torte Yule Log?

Yule logs are also called Swiss Rolls.

Chocolate yule logs are traditions in many homes for the holidays. The yule log has many variations. Some enjoy a chocolate raspberry filling and some enjoy sprinkling almonds over the top. Enjoying a yule log torte style is a delicious way to liven up the recipe. A torte is a cake that is made with egg yolks and the egg whites are beaten stiffly. A torte cake features many layers, lots of butter cream or jam and ground nuts. These are tantalizing ingredients for a yule log.

Things You'll Need

• 6 Large eggs (separated)<br /><br />1/3 Cup sugar <br /><br />1 Tablespoon sugar <br /><br />1/4 Cup sugar<br /><br />2 Tablespoons flour<br /><br />1/2 Tablespoon cocoa powder<br /><br />1 Teaspoon vanilla extract<br /><br />1 Tablespoon water<br /><br />1/2 Teaspoon cream of tartar<br /><br />2 Tablespoons unsalted butter<br /><br />1/3 Cup cocoa powder<br /><br />Chocolate butter cream icing<br /><br />Ground nuts<br /><br />1/2 Teaspoon salt<br /><br />Spoon<br /><br />Fork<br /><br />Cooling rack<br /><br />Damp kitchen towel<br /><br />Frosting spatula<br /><br />Bowl<br /><br />Sieve<br /><br />Saucepan<br /><br />Whisk<br /><br />Oven<br /><br />Electric mixer<br /><br />Jelly roll pan (12 X 17)<br /><br />Parchment paper<br /><br />Baking sheet

Instructions

The Cake

1. 

   An electric mixer will be needed for yule log recipes.

   Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

2. Degrease a 12-by-17 jelly roll pan or baking sheet with non-stick spray or butter. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread butter on the parchment paper and then sprinkle it with flour.

3. Combine the butter, 1 tablespoon sugar, salt and water in a saucepan. Bring the ingredients to a boil. Whisk in the cocoa powder until all lumps have smoothed. Set aside and allow to cool.

4. Beat the egg yolks for 1 minute with the electric mixer, set at medium.

5. Add 1/4 cup sugar. Continue to beat until the mixture is thick and yellowing.

6. Add in the cocoa mixture and the vanilla. Continue to beat them into the mixture for 1 minute.

7. Pour the batter into a larger container for mixing in the flour.

8. Sift the flour into the batter. Using a spatula, fold the flour into the batter gently and set it to the side.

9. Whisk the egg whites with the electric mixer.

10. Add the cream of tartar to the egg whites and whisk them until peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/3 cups of sugar.

11. Fold the mixture into the chocolate batter gently and gradually. Spread the batter onto the buttered pan evenly.

12. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cake is like a sponge or springy to the touch. Remove from the oven. Cover with a clean damp towel and cool on a cooling rack.

Filling and Rolling

1. 

   Incorporating nuts into your yule log is a festive addition.

   Spread the butter cream icing thickly over the top of the cake with the icing spatula.

2. Sprinkle chopped nuts on top of the filling butter cream if you want nuts on the inside of your yule log.

3. Gently roll the yule log toward you, using the damp towel to adjust the log as you roll it. Rolling it too tightly may cause it to crack.

Icing and Decorating

1. 

   Sugared cranberries make a festive decoration for yule logs.

   Spread the butter cream icing or chocolate icing of your choice over the entire yule log. Sprinkle it with chopped nuts if you desire.

2. Swirl the spatula or a butter knife in the icing to decorate it with markings that resemble a log moving horizontally along the roll.

3. Sprinkle confectioners sugar lightly over the log to simulate snow. Top it off with holly or sugared cranberries.

References

• The Pastry Case: The Pastry Case: How to Make a Chocolate Yule Log
• Green Chronicle: The Green Chronicle: Christmas Recipes: How to Make Yule Log
• Cooks Recipes: Chocolate Almond Yule Log
• All Recipes: All Recipes.com: Chocolate Decadence Yule Log