Yule logs have this mythic charm, but I love giving them a little twist, especially with bold flavors. This version with spiced orange feels like a holiday hug—bright, warm, and a bit unexpected. It’s a showstopper that’s surprisingly simple to pull off, even if baking isn’t your daily game.
Why I Keep Coming Back to This Yule Log
The combination of familiar holiday spices with a fresh citrus punch keeps it exciting. Every year, I tweak the filling or decoration, but the core stays the same — that satisfying roll and the aroma of baking spices. It’s a reminder that simple ingredients, treated right, can make something memorable.
Breaking Down the Magic: Key Ingredients
- Eggs: They give the sponge structure; whip until thick for that airy texture.
- Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the foam — don’t skimp.
- Cocoa powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor, but sift well to avoid lumps.
- Flour: Keeps everything tender; use plain or all-purpose flour.
- Spiced orange jam: The star filling, bright and aromatic, with a hint of cinnamon and citrus.
- Butter and cream cheese: Create a rich, velvety frosting that balances sweet and tang.
Tools of the Trade for a Perfect Yule Log
- Baking tray: To hold and shape the sponge evenly.
- Electric whisk: To whip eggs and sugar to a fluffy, thick consistency.
- Parchment paper: Prevent sticking and help in flipping the sponge.
- Clean towel: To roll the sponge while it cools, preventing cracks.
- Spatula: For spreading jam and frosting smoothly.
Step-by-step to a Spiced Orange Yule Log
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 30x20cm (12×8 inch) baking tray with parchment.
Step 2: In a bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until thick and pale — about 5 minutes. The mixture should ribbon when dripped from a spoon.
Step 3: Gently fold in sifted flour and cocoa powder, then pour into the prepared tray. Spread evenly.
Step 4: Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the sponge springs back when touched. It should be slightly crackled and fragrant.
Step 5: While still warm, invert onto a damp towel dusted with cocoa powder. Carefully peel off parchment.
Step 6: Spread a warm spiced orange jam over the sponge, then roll up from the short side, using the towel to help.
Step 7: Let it cool completely on a wire rack, seam side down, before frosting.
Critical Checkpoints to Perfect Your Yule Log
- The sponge should be golden and slightly firm on top, tender inside.
- The roll must hold together without cracking — if it cracks, it’s underbaked or overbaked.
- The frosting should be smooth, not runny, and spread evenly for a natural, rustic look.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
- Parchment sticking to the sponge.? Use a slightly damp towel to help peel the parchment easily.
- Sponge cracking when rolling.? Bake a minute less if sponge cracks during rolling.
- Jam tearing the sponge.? Warm the jam slightly to make spreading easier.
- Uneven frosting.? Ensure even spreading of frosting to avoid runny patches.
Spiced Orange Yule Log
Equipment
- Baking tray
- Electric whisk
- Parchment paper
- Damp towel
- Spatula
- Wire Rack
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs at room temperature
- 150 g sugar caster or superfine
- 30 g cocoa powder sifted
- 120 g plain flour all-purpose flour
- 200 g spiced orange jam warm slightly for spreading
- 200 g cream cheese softened
- 100 g unsalted butter softened
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a 30x20cm (12x8 inch) baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs and sugar together using an electric whisk until the mixture is thick, pale, and ribbons fall from the whisk after about 5 minutes.
- Sift the cocoa powder and gently fold it into the egg mixture, ensuring no lumps remain, creating a smooth, dark batter.
- Carefully sift the flour over the batter and fold it gently using a spatula, maintaining the airy texture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tray, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure a uniform layer.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the sponge springs back when lightly touched and has a slightly crackled surface.
- Once baked, invert the sponge onto a damp towel dusted with cocoa powder, peel away the parchment paper gently, and let it cool slightly.
- Spread the warmed spiced orange jam evenly over the sponge, then carefully roll it up from the short side, using the towel to help prevent cracking.
- Allow the rolled sponge to cool completely on a wire rack, seam side down, to set the shape.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Spread the creamy frosting over the cooled yule log, creating a rustic, textured appearance with a spatula.
- Decorate as desired with festive toppings or simply serve, revealing the luscious spiral inside and fragrant aroma.
