White Chocolate Raspberry Yule Log

White Chocolate Raspberry Yule Log is a decadent dessert that brings a festive touch to your holiday celebrations. This delightful log combines the smooth and luxurious flavors of white chocolate with the tartness of fresh raspberries, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. With its light and airy sponge cake, creamy filling, and vibrant sauce, this Yule Log is not just a feast for the taste buds, but also a stunning centerpiece for your dessert table. It’s worth making because it captures the joy and warmth of the season, making it a cherished recipe for family gatherings. Join me in this step-by-step journey to create this delightful treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this White Chocolate Raspberry Yule Log. First and foremost, the preparation is surprisingly easy, allowing even novice bakers to feel accomplished. You don’t need a long list of complicated ingredients; rather, you just need a few high-quality staples and fresh raspberry goodness to create a culinary masterpiece. Moreover, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser; it impresses both family and friends without requiring hours of slaving away in the kitchen.

The creamy and luscious filling, combined with the soft cake, makes for a heavenly bite that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply want to indulge in a cozy night at home, this Yule Log brings comfort, nostalgia, and joy to the table.

Ingredients

For the Sponge Cake:

4 large eggs, separated
½ cup granulated sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup whole milk
2 tbsp melted butter

For the Filling:

8 oz white chocolate, chopped
½ cup heavy cream (to melt the white chocolate)
8 oz mascarpone cheese or cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Raspberry Sauce:

1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp cornstarch (optional, to thicken)

For Decoration (optional):

Whipped cream or white chocolate ganache
Fresh raspberries
White chocolate curls or shavings
Powdered sugar

Gather these indulgent ingredients, and you’ll have everything needed to make this stunning Yule Log!

Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat the Oven

To kick things off, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly-roll pan with parchment paper, allowing an overhang for easy removal later on.

Make the Sponge

In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks with granulated sugar until they become pale and thick. Stir in the vanilla extract, milk, and melted butter to create a luscious mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. Gently fold these whipped egg whites into the yolks mixture, creating a light and fluffy batter.

Next, sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Be cautious while folding these ingredients together; we want to keep the batter airy. Once combined, spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 10–12 minutes. The cake should spring back when touched.

Roll the Cake

Immediately turn the warm cake out onto a clean kitchen towel lightly dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment paper, and using the towel, roll the cake from the short end while it’s still warm. This step is crucial as it helps the cake retain its shape when cooled. Allow it to cool completely while rolled.

Make the Raspberry Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine the raspberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes until the berries break down. If you wish to thicken the sauce, stir in cornstarch mixed with a bit of cold water and cook until slightly thickened. Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds, then let it cool.

Make the Filling

Melt the white chocolate together with the heavy cream in a double boiler or microwave until smooth. Allow it to cool slightly. In a separate bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla until creamy. Gradually fold in the melted white chocolate mixture until you achieve a smooth and fluffy filling.

Assemble the Log

Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread the white chocolate filling evenly over the entire surface. Drizzle or spread the raspberry sauce across the filling, ensuring it has a beautiful distribution. Now, roll the cake back up (without the towel this time) and place it seam-side down on a serving platter.

Decoration

Spread whipped cream or white chocolate ganache over the rolled Yule Log for a polished finish. Decorate with fresh raspberries, white chocolate curls or shavings, and dust with powdered sugar to create a beautiful “snow-dusted” effect.

Tips & Tricks

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your eggs and cream cheese to come to room temperature before using them for a smoother mixture.
Sprinkle with Powdered Sugar: If you prefer a sophisticated touch, sprinkle the assembled log with powdered sugar right before serving for an extra beautiful finish.
Experiment with Flavors: For added depth, consider infusing the white chocolate filling with a hint of almond extract or using a mixed berry sauce instead of raspberry.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This luscious White Chocolate Raspberry Yule Log is perfect for serving during festive occasions, family gatherings, or cozy winter nights. Pair it with a warm cup of cocoa or a glass of your favorite winter wine for the ultimate comfort experience. Add a side of fresh fruit, or serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla or raspberry sorbet for a refreshing contrast.

Nutritional Information

This recipe yields approximately 10 servings. Each serving contains around 250 calories, with the following basic nutritional breakdown:

Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 75mg
Total Carbohydrates: 28g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 18g
Protein: 4g

While indulging in this delightful treat, remember that balance is key, so treat yourself to this dessert while enjoying it alongside nutritious options throughout your day.

Storing Tips & Variations

Store any leftover Yule Log in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will remain fresh for up to three days. You can also freeze the unassembled sponge cake for up to a month, then thaw and assemble later for fresh indulgence. For variations, consider swapping raspberries for strawberries or blueberries. You could also try adding a layer of crushed cookies for a delightful crunch.

Conclusion

I encourage you to give this White Chocolate Raspberry Yule Log a try! It’s a delightful twist on a classic holiday dessert, combining beautiful flavors and textures. Share your creation with family and friends and let them experience the magic you’ve conjured in your kitchen!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen raspberries for the sauce?

Absolutely! Frozen raspberries work perfectly and will break down similarly when cooked. Just be sure to thaw them slightly before use.

2. How long will the Yule Log last in the fridge?

The Yule Log can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

3. Can I make the sponge cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sponge cake a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap after it cools to maintain freshness.

4. Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in a 1:1 ratio for a gluten-free version.

5. Can I use a different type of chocolate?

While white chocolate gives a deliciously creamy flavor, using dark chocolate would provide a richer taste. Just adjust the quantities and sweetness accordingly.

White Chocolate Raspberry Yule Log