Gingerbread Yule Log

Gingerbread Yule Log Recipe - European Delight

Region / culture: Europe | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 12 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Gingerbread Yule Log is a festive and delicious dessert that is perfect for the holiday season. This recipe combines the warm flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves with a light and fluffy spiced cream filling. It is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.

History

The Yule log, or Buche de Noel, is a traditional Christmas dessert that originated in France. The cake is shaped and decorated to resemble a log, symbolizing the traditional Yule log that was burned in the fireplace during the winter solstice. The gingerbread version of the Yule log adds a spicy twist to this classic dessert.

Ingredients

3 eggs, separated
0.5 cup molasses
1 tbsp butter or margarine, melted
0.25 cup sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
0.25 tsp baking soda
0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
0.5 tsp ground ginger
0.5 tsp ground cloves
0.13 tsp salt

Spiced cream filling

1.5 cup whipping cream
0.33 cup confectioners' sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
0.25 tsp ground cloves
additional ground cinnamon, optional

How to prepare

In a mixing bowl, beat the yolks on high until thickened, about 3 minutes.
Beat in the molasses and butter.
In another bowl, beat the whites until foamy; gradually add sugar, beating until soft peaks form.
Fold the whites into the yolk mixture.
Combine the dry ingredients; gently fold into the egg mixture until well mixed.
Line a greased 15 inches x 10 inches x 1 inch baking pan with waxed paper; grease and flour the paper.
Spread the batter into the pan. Bake at 375°F (191°C) for 9-12 minutes or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
Turn the cake onto a linen towel dusted with confectioners' sugar. Peel off the paper and roll the cake up in the towel, starting with the short end. Cool on a wire rack.
Meanwhile, beat the first five filling ingredients in a mixing bowl until soft peaks form.
Unroll the cake; spread half of the filling on it. Roll it up again. Spread the remaining filling over the cake. Sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the spiced cream filling for added texture and flavor.
Substitute maple syrup for the molasses for a different flavor profile.
Use different spices such as nutmeg or allspice for a unique twist on the classic gingerbread flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to beat the egg yolks until thickened to ensure a light and fluffy cake.

- Folding the egg whites into the batter gently will help maintain the cake's airy texture.

- Rolling the cake while it is still warm will help prevent cracking.

- Dusting the towel with confectioners' sugar before rolling the cake will prevent sticking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Gingerbread Yule Log with a dusting of confectioners' sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for a festive touch. Pair with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced cider for a cozy holiday treat.

Cooking Techniques

Beating the egg yolks until thickened

- Folding in the egg whites gently

- Rolling the cake while warm

Ingredient Substitutions

Butter can be substituted for margarine

- Maple syrup can be substituted for molasses

- Different spices can be used in place of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves

Make Ahead Tips

The Gingerbread Yule Log can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Decorate the Gingerbread Yule Log with sugared cranberries, rosemary sprigs, and a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Gingerbread Yule Log with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy holiday dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Gingerbread Yule Log in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Gingerbread Yule Log contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Gingerbread Yule Log contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Gingerbread Yule Log contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Gingerbread Yule Log contains approximately 4 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Gingerbread Yule Log is a good source of iron and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and dairy.

Summary

Gingerbread Yule Log is a delicious dessert that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides a good source of protein, iron, and calcium.

Summary

Gingerbread Yule Log is a delicious and festive dessert that is perfect for the holiday season. This recipe combines the warm flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves with a light and fluffy spiced cream filling. Serve this dessert at your next holiday gathering for a sweet and satisfying treat.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for a Gingerbread Yule Log. It was many years ago, when I was a young girl visiting my Aunt Mary for the holidays. Aunt Mary was known for her delicious baked goods, and I always looked forward to her special treats during our visits.

One chilly December evening, as the snow gently fell outside, Aunt Mary invited me into the kitchen to help her bake a special dessert for Christmas dinner. She pulled out an old, tattered cookbook from her pantry and flipped through the pages until she found the recipe for Gingerbread Yule Log. As she read through the ingredients and instructions, I could see the passion and love she had for baking shining through her eyes.

Aunt Mary explained to me that this recipe had been passed down through generations in our family, and that it was a tradition to make it every year for the holidays. She shared stories of her own mother teaching her how to bake the Gingerbread Yule Log when she was a young girl, and how she had perfected the recipe over the years.

As we gathered the ingredients and began to mix them together, the warm aroma of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves filled the kitchen. Aunt Mary showed me how to carefully fold in the flour and spices, and how to roll out the dough into a thin, even layer. She then spread a layer of creamy chocolate filling on top of the dough and rolled it up into a log shape, just like a traditional Yule log.

While the Gingerbread Yule Log baked in the oven, Aunt Mary and I sipped on hot cocoa and chatted about our family traditions and memories of Christmases past. I felt a sense of connection to my ancestors as I learned this special recipe, knowing that I was carrying on a tradition that had been passed down through the generations.

When the Gingerbread Yule Log was finally done baking, Aunt Mary showed me how to carefully transfer it to a serving platter and dust it with powdered sugar to give it a snowy appearance. The rich, spicy aroma of the gingerbread filled the air, and I couldn't wait to taste a slice of the delicious dessert we had worked so hard to create.

As we sat down to enjoy our creation, Aunt Mary shared more stories of her childhood and the special moments she had shared with her own mother in the kitchen. I felt a sense of gratitude for the time we had spent together, learning this recipe and creating a delicious treat that would be enjoyed by our family for years to come.

From that day on, the Gingerbread Yule Log became a staple at our family holiday gatherings. I would bake it each year with my own children, passing on the tradition and the stories that Aunt Mary had shared with me. And as I watched my children's faces light up with joy as they took their first bite of the sweet and spicy dessert, I knew that this recipe would continue to bring our family together for generations to come.