Cherry Chocolate Yule Log 🍒🍫

Ingredients:

For the Sponge Cake:

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

4 large eggs

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Powdered sugar (for dusting)

For the Cherry Filling:

1 1/2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or canned)

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 teaspoons cornstarch

1 tablespoon water

For the Chocolate Frosting:

1 cup heavy cream

8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For Garnish:

Fresh cherries

Chocolate shavings or curls

Powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sponge Cake:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 10x15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.

In a bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

In a separate bowl, beat eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy (about 5 minutes). Gently fold in the vanilla extract and the dry ingredients until just combined.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.

Dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar. Immediately invert the cake onto the towel, remove the parchment, and roll the cake up tightly in the towel. Let cool completely.

2. Prepare the Cherry Filling:

Combine cherries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Dissolve cornstarch in water and stir into the cherry mixture. Cook until thickened, then let cool.

3. Make the Chocolate Frosting:

Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until it begins to simmer. Pour over chopped chocolate and butter in a bowl. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Cool until thickened but still spreadable.

4. Assemble the Yule Log:

Unroll the cooled sponge cake and spread the cherry filling evenly over the surface. Roll the cake back up tightly without the towel. Place seam-side down on a serving platter.

Spread the chocolate frosting over the entire log, using a fork to create a bark-like texture.

5. Garnish and Serve:

Decorate with fresh cherries, chocolate shavings, and a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive look. Chill for 1 hour before slicing.

Prep Time: 40 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Servings: 8