Indulgent Chocolate Hazelnut Yule Log Recipe to Wow Your Guests

Ingredients

• 5 large Eggs (Use fresh, room-temperature eggs for a light and airy sponge.)
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar (Provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.)
• 3/4 cup All-Purpose Flour (Sifted to ensure a delicate, even texture.)
• 1/4 cup Cocoa Powder (Choose unsweetened for a rich chocolate base.)
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Adds warmth and depth to the cake flavor.)
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.)
• 1 cup Heavy Cream (Warmed gently to melt the chocolate smoothly.)
• 8 ounces Semisweet Chocolate (Use quality chocolate for a silky, indulgent ganache.)
• 1 cup Toasted Hazelnuts (Coarsely chopped for crunch and toasty aroma.)
• 2 tablespoons Butter (Adds shine and richness to the ganache.)
• 8 ounces Dark Chocolate (A higher percentage brings an intense chocolate flavor.)
• 1 cup Heavy Cream (Ensures a glossy, spreadable ganache perfect for coating.)
• 1 cup Powdered Sugar (A hint for sweetness and smooth texture, optional.)
• 1/2 cup Whole Hazelnuts (Toasted and used as a garnish for a rustic look.)
• 2 tablespoons Powdered Sugar (Light dusting to mimic snow and elevate the festive feel.)
• Fresh Mint Leaves (Optional, for a pop of fresh color.)

Instructions

1. 1

   --- For the Sponge Cake ---

2. 2

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment.

3. 3

   In a large bowl, beat eggs and granulated sugar on high speed until the mixture turns pale, fluffy, and thick—about 5 minutes.

4. 4

   Gently fold in sifted flour, cocoa powder, and salt using a spatula.

5. 5

   Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–14 minutes.

6. 6

   While still warm, invert the cake onto a clean, lightly dusted tea towel and roll the cake with towel inside to set its shape—cool completely.

7. 7

   --- For the Hazelnut Ganache Filling ---

8. 8

   Warm heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer gently—about 2 minutes.

9. 9

   Place semisweet chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl, pour the hot cream over it, and let sit for 1 minute; stir until smooth.

10. 10

    Fold in toasted, chopped hazelnuts and vanilla extract. Chill the ganache in the fridge for 15 minutes.

11. 11

    Carefully unroll the cooled sponge, spread the chilled hazelnut ganache in an even layer.

12. 12

    --- For the Chocolate Ganache Coating ---

13. 13

    In a double boiler, gently heat dark chocolate and heavy cream, stirring until glossy and smooth.

14. 14

    Place the filled log seam-side down on a wire rack over a baking sheet; pour the warm ganache over the log.

15. 15

    Transfer the yule log to a serving platter. Decorate with toasted whole hazelnuts and dust with powdered sugar.