From breakfast to dinner, from healthy meals to sweet desserts – Nx Recipes brings you quick, simple and tasty ideas for every occasion and every time.
Why make this recipe
The Easy Cake Mix Yule Log is a delightful dessert that brings the warmth and spirit of the holiday season to your table. Its festive appearance and delicious taste make it a great centerpiece for holiday gatherings. Plus, using a cake mix simplifies the process, making it quick and easy for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you are hosting a party or just want to enjoy a sweet treat with your family, this Yule Log is sure to impress!
How to make Easy Cake Mix Yule Log
Ingredients:
- 6 eggs
- 13.25 oz box chocolate cake mix
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or canola)
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar
- 12 oz can peppermint, vanilla or marshmallow frosting (to make your own, see notes)
- 12 oz whipped chocolate frosting (canned or homemade)
- Fresh cranberries and rosemary for garnish (to sugar, see notes)
- Add All Ingredients to Your Walmart Cart (Adds everything with one click! You can edit items before you check out.)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350ºF.
- Beat eggs. In a large bowl, beat eggs with an electric mixer for 5 minutes until frothy and pale yellow in color.
- Create batter. Add cake mix, water, and oil, and beat on low for 2 minutes.
- Prepare baking sheet. Line a baking pan with parchment paper or a silicone liner, then coat the liner with baking spray. Make sure to grease the sides of the baking sheet as well.
- Add batter to baking sheet. Pour batter onto prepared 12×18 baking sheet and spread evenly.
- Bake. Bake at 350˚F for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool. As soon as the toothpick comes out clean, remove from the oven and let cool for at least 5 minutes, not more than 10.
- Release cake from pan. While the cake is still warm, grab a linen dish towel. Sprinkle both sides of the towel with powdered sugar to prevent the cake from sticking to it, then lay it on top of the cake. Holding the towel and pan together, gently flip the pan upside down so the cake drops onto the towel. Tap to release if needed.
- Roll cake. Peel the parchment paper or silicone liner off the cake. Then tightly but gently roll the cake, keeping the towel in place to separate the layers. Place the rolled cake, seam-side down, on a cooling rack and let cool for at least 15 minutes.
- Unroll and add filling. When cooled, gently unroll the cake and spread a layer of marshmallow frosting all the way to the edges. Gently but tightly roll the cake back up to form a log. Place the cake onto a serving dish, seam-side down.
- Make a branch. (Optional) If you’d like to make a “branch,” cut away a slice of the cake at an angle and position it at the side of the cake. Trim the angled end of the cake to be flat. This will leave you with a leftover slice to enjoy!
- Frost. Frost the entire outside of the log and branch with chocolate frosting.
- Add bark texture. Using a fork, create a bark-like pattern in the frosting.
- Garnish. Add fresh cranberries and rosemary or decorate your log. Get creative and use whatever decorative items you like. Mushrooms and woodland creatures can be fun additions!
How to serve Easy Cake Mix Yule Log
Slice the Cake Mix Yule Log into sections to serve. It looks lovely displayed on a holiday platter. Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
How to store Easy Cake Mix Yule Log
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for about a week. You can also freeze the unfilled cake roll by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before adding frosting.
Tips to make Easy Cake Mix Yule Log
- Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for a fluffier cake.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the cake mix. Just mix until incorporated.
- Dust the powdered sugar on the towel generously to prevent sticking.
- You can use different flavored frostings to match your taste preferences.
Variation
You can experiment with different cake mix flavors such as vanilla or red velvet for a twist. Additionally, try filling the roll with whipped cream and fresh berries for a lighter version.
FAQs
- Can I use a different size pan? Yes, if you don’t have a 12×18 baking sheet, you can use two 9×13 pans and adjust the baking time accordingly.
- What can I use instead of frosting? You can substitute frosting with whipped cream or any other creamy filling you prefer.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? Absolutely! You can bake and roll the cake a day in advance and fill and frost it the next day. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator.
- How do I make this gluten-free? Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
- Can I decorate it differently? Yes! Feel free to use any decorations that fit your holiday theme, such as edible glitter, chocolate shavings, or even figures for a festive scene.