Growing up in a French-American household, the Bûche de Noël was always the crown jewel of our holiday dessert table. But it wasn’t until I started my own holiday traditions that I decided to give this classic a modern twist. Combining the beloved red velvet cake with the traditional yule log format created something magical – a dessert that bridges old-world charm with contemporary flavors. This Red Velvet Yule Log has become my signature holiday contribution, earning its place at countless December gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This showstopping Red Velvet Yule Log combines the rich, chocolatey tang of red velvet cake with silky cream cheese frosting, all rolled into a stunning holiday centerpiece. It’s easier than you might think, requiring just basic baking skills and some patience. The deep red color against the snowy white frosting creates a stunning contrast that’s perfect for your holiday table.

What makes this recipe special is its foolproof rolling technique and the perfect balance of flavors. The cake stays moist and flexible, while the cream cheese frosting adds that signature tangy sweetness that red velvet cake lovers crave.

Ingredients & Equipment

For the Cake:

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red gel food coloring
• Powdered sugar (for rolling)

For the Filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy cream, whipped

Equipment Needed:

• 15×10 inch jelly roll pan
• Parchment paper
• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Clean kitchen towel
• Sifter
• Offset spatula
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Pan (10 minutes)

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
• Line your jelly roll pan with parchment paper
• Grease the paper and dust with flour

1. Make the Cake Batter (15 minutes)

• Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt
• Beat eggs until foamy, gradually add sugar until pale and thick
• Mix in oil, buttermilk, vanilla, and food coloring
• Fold in dry ingredients gently

1. Bake and Roll (12 minutes + rolling time)

• Spread batter evenly in prepared pan
• Bake for 10-12 minutes until springy to touch
• While hot, dust with powdered sugar and roll with towel
• Let cool completely (about 1 hour)

1. Prepare Filling (15 minutes)

• Beat cream cheese until smooth
• Mix in powdered sugar and vanilla
• Fold in whipped cream until uniform

1. Assemble (20 minutes)

• Unroll cooled cake carefully
• Spread filling evenly, leaving 1/2 inch border
• Re-roll tightly, using parchment as guide
• Chill for at least 1 hour before decorating

Tips & Variations

Expert Tips:

• Don’t overbake! The cake should be just set and springy
• Roll the cake while hot to prevent cracking
• Chill the filled log for easier slicing

Common Substitutions:

• Replace buttermilk with regular milk + 1/4 tsp vinegar
• Use natural red food coloring (beet powder) for a natural version
• Make it gluten-free using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend

Troubleshooting:

• Cracked cake? Use extra frosting to patch
• Filling too soft? Chill for 30 minutes before spreading
• Cake won’t roll? It might be overbaked – use it for trifle instead

Storage

This Red Velvet Yule Log keeps beautifully when stored properly. Here’s how:

• Counter: Up to 2 hours for serving
• Refrigerator: Up to 5 days, well-wrapped
• Freezer: Up to 2 months, double-wrapped in plastic and foil

Let frozen log thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can make it up to 2 days in advance and store in the refrigerator.

Why did my cake crack?
Usually because it’s either overbaked or rolled when too cool. Roll immediately while hot!

Can I use regular food coloring?
Yes, but gel coloring provides more intense color without adding excess liquid.

How do I get the “bark” effect?
Use a fork to create lines in the frosting, or pipe additional frosting in a wood-grain pattern.

Is this suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! While it looks impressive, the techniques are straightforward. Just follow the steps carefully and don’t rush.

Remember, the key to a perfect Red Velvet Yule Log is patience and attention to detail. Don’t rush the cooling or chilling steps, and you’ll be rewarded with a stunning holiday dessert that’s sure to become a tradition in your home too.