Once the cake has cooled completely, I carefully unroll it and peel off the parchment paper. Then comes the fun part: the peanut butter frosting! In a mixing bowl, I beat the softened butter and peanut butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually, I add in the powdered sugar, mixing well. If it’s too thick, I adjust the consistency with a touch of milk. After spreading a generous layer of peanut butter frosting over the unrolled cake, I drizzle my homemade or store-bought caramel sauce on top. To add a delightful crunch, I sprinkle on some chopped salted peanuts for that classic Snickers taste. Then, I re-roll the cake, keeping everything tight and neat, and wrap it in plastic wrap.
After that, I chill the log in the fridge for at least an hour to let it set. Meanwhile, I whip up a quick chocolate ganache by melting chocolate with heavy cream. When it’s time to serve, I take my Yule log out of the fridge, cover it with the luscious chocolate ganache, and smooth it out so it looks like bark. For a finishing touch, I sprinkle some extra chopped peanuts and perhaps a few edible gold stars for a festive flair.
Pro Tips for Best Results
I’ve made this Yule log multiple times, and one of my best tips is to ensure that your eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a light and airy sponge cake. I’ve also experimented with different types of frosting; if you have a thing for chocolate, blending cocoa powder into the frosting gives an extra chocolatey twist! Lastly, when preparing the cake for rolling, be gentle—you want it to stay beautiful and intact.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One mistake I initially made was overbaking the sponge cake. It turned out dry, and the log fell apart when rolling. Keep an eye on your cake and do the toothpick test to ensure it’s just right. Also, avoid skipping the chilling step once assembled; it makes a world of difference in keeping the layers intact when slicing. Another thing to watch out for is not using enough powdered sugar in your frosting. I learned the hard way that an under-sweetened frosting doesn’t complement the rich flavors! (See the next page below to continue…)