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Red Velvet Yule Log

Red Velvet Yule Log

A festive and elegant Red Velvet Yule Log combining the moist richness of red velvet cake with creamy tangy cream cheese frosting, shaped into a traditional Yule Log—perfect for holiday celebrations and impressive dessert tables.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease the paper to prevent sticking, ensuring easy cake removal and rolling later on.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting these ingredients will prevent lumps and result in a light, fluffy sponge.
  3. Beat the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together until fluffy and pale. Add the buttermilk, red food coloring, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and well combined.
  4. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be smooth and thick but still pourable.
  5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the cake springs back gently when touched or a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  6. Roll the Cake While Warm: Once baked, immediately invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel sprinkled with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment and gently roll the cake with the towel from the short end, helping it hold the Yule log shape.
  7. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing, and finish with vanilla extract for a smooth, spreadable frosting.
  8. Unroll, Frost, and Re-Roll: Carefully unroll the cake, spread an even layer of frosting over the surface, then re-roll without the towel to form a clean, frosted Yule log.
  9. Decorate Your Red Velvet Yule Log: Use the remaining frosting to cover the outside. Add texture by lightly running a fork or spatula along the surface to mimic tree bark. Sprinkle with powdered sugar or festive sprinkles for a final touch.

Notes

  • Use fresh eggs and buttermilk for the best cake texture and flavor.
  • Do not overmix the batter to avoid a tough cake; fold gently.
  • Roll the cake while it’s still warm to prevent cracks and maintain shape.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely before applying frosting to avoid melting.
  • Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make rolling easier.
  • Beat cream cheese and butter until silky smooth for easy spreading of frosting.

Nutrition

Keywords: Red Velvet, Yule Log, Holiday Dessert, Christmas Cake, Cream Cheese Frosting, Festive Cake