Red Velvet Yule Log
The Red Velvet Yule Log is a festive and elegant dessert featuring the moist, velvety texture of a classic red velvet cake rolled with creamy cream cheese frosting. This vibrant dessert is perfect for holiday celebrations, offering a stunning presentation and customizable options for various dietary preferences.
- Author: Judy
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (or substitute: 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice + 1 cup milk)
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Prepare Your Baking Sheet and Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients: eggs, buttermilk, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, mixing until smooth and vibrantly red.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared jelly roll pan, spreading it with a spatula for an even layer. Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the cake springs back lightly when touched. Be careful not to overbake to maintain moisture and prevent cracking during rolling.
- Roll the Cake While Warm: Immediately after baking, invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel lightly dusted with powdered sugar. Carefully peel off the parchment paper, then gently roll the cake up in the towel to form its shape and prevent cracks. Allow the rolled cake to cool completely while wrapped.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
- Fill and Roll the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, gently unroll it and spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting evenly over the surface. Re-roll the cake tightly but carefully without the towel, and transfer it to a serving platter with the seam-side down.
- Frost and Decorate: Use the remaining frosting to cover the outside of the rolled cake. Create a bark-like texture by gently running a fork over the surface. Decorate with festive toppings such as powdered sugar to mimic snow, fresh cranberries, or sprigs of mint for a charming holiday touch.
Notes
- Use an offset spatula to spread batter evenly for a uniform cake layer that rolls well.
- Do not overbake; keep a close watch to maintain moisture and avoid cracking.
- Roll the cake while still warm to help prevent cracks.
- Chill the assembled Yule log in the refrigerator to allow the frosting to set firmly before serving.
- Use fresh cream cheese and good-quality cocoa powder for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: Red Velvet, Yule Log, Holiday Dessert, Christmas Cake, Festive Dessert, Cream Cheese Frosting