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Nothing can beat the yule log among exquisite and time-honoured Christmas desserts and cakes. This gorgeous-looking sweetmeat, however, isn't easy to prepare. It demands a certain amount of culinary finesse to master the perfect yule log. Often the standard questions with its making are, 'How to stop the Yule log from cracking?' 'How to roll the Yule Log without breaking it?' 'How to keep it together, avoiding splitting?' While the answers to such questions don't lie in best yule log recipes. One has to follow a few methods to get the best results. So, here are some handy Christmas yule log cake tips and hacks to get that flawless and tastiest version.
Let's learn a few and try our luck.
Enhance taste, not just looks
Preparing filling with butter, Image Source: Pexels
Yule log is a roulade that is frequently more about appearance than taste. It tends to be too sweet. However, it can be tweaked by including some festive spice, a brandy butter filling, and a chocolate truffle frosting. This way, it looks great and has a lot of flavours.
Spotlight on the sponge base
Make some adjustments to the recipe. Pick a flourless sponge as the foundation. This minor change will keep the Yule log exceptionally light and airy. The sponge turns gluten-free if you use pure cocoa powder.
Leaner foundation
The traditional roulade has a thicker base. Choose a thinner sponge base than the normal roulade to perfect your yule log. It will enable you to achieve a more spiral form through the centre.
Light brown sugar
Light brown sugar, Image Source: Freepik
The original recipe calls for regular sugar. You can pass on it. Instead, use light brown soft sugar as your primary source of sweetness. It will lend the log a subtle toffee flavour.
Choose the right cocoa
Cocoa powder doesn't have a uniform quality. In fact, it can fluctuate drastically. It can range from the grounder forms, which are most like sipping chocolate infused with cornflour and icing sugar, to authentic, pure cocoa powder with a refined taste. So, always ensure the purity of the cocoa as it will ensure the best flavour, hue and scent.
Chocolate truffle glaze
Creamy chocolate coating, Image Source: BigStock
Yule log is known for its coating, and it is indeed a task. But that's what gives it the richness. But this Christmas, amplify its decadence by coating the log in the rich chocolate truffle. This will add to its taste as well.
Spice magic
Christmas foods are famed for their dominating flavours. Take, for example, mulled wine. It is a burst of fragrances. So, why should the yule log stay subtle? Enhance its festive aroma and taste by infusing spice blends like nutmeg, cinnamon, and a hint of freshly grated ginger or dried ginger powder.
Snowy effect
Dusting on cake, Image Source: Unsplash
Christmas in various parts of the world arrives when winter is at its peak, and there is a blanket of snow everywhere. You can reflect on your Yule log to resonate with the natural environment outside. Give it a snowy effect. Wondering how? Just do a light dusting of icing sugar on it. The final result will be incredible.
Boozy filling
Why shy away from some boozy filling when it is about the biggest festival of the year. Go creative by adding a buttercream filling inspired by brandy butter. If you aren't a brandy person, then you can consider whiskey or rum. Either of them will work well.
