Go Back
Gingerbread Yule Log cake decorated with festive icing and spices.

Gingerbread Yule Log Cake

A delightful Gingerbread Yule Log Cake featuring spiced layers and a luscious cream filling, perfect for cozy winter gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

For the cake
  • 4 large large eggs
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/3 cup molasses
For the filling
  • 1 cup heavy cream (whipped) Ensure it’s whipped to soft peaks.
  • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Ensure it’s alcohol-free.
For topping (optional)
  • Crushed nuts
  • Candied ginger

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a jelly roll pan (approximately 15 x 10 inches) with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and brown sugar together until thick and pale, roughly 5–7 minutes.
  3. Sift together the flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in another bowl.
  4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture without deflating the batter. Mix in the vegetable oil and molasses until fully incorporated.
Baking
  1. Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until springy to the touch.
  2. Dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar. Immediately after baking, invert the cake onto the towel, remove the parchment paper, and roll the cake tightly from one end. Allow it to cool completely rolled.
Filling
  1. Whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
  2. Once the cake is cool, unroll it carefully. Spread the whipped cream filling evenly across the cake, then re-roll using the towel.
Chilling and Serving
  1. Wrap the rolled cake in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  2. Unwrap, place on a serving platter, and decorate with toppings as desired before slicing to serve.

Notes

Substitutions for molasses can include honey or date syrup. Cool the cake completely before unrolling to prevent cracking. The cake can be made a day in advance and should be stored tightly wrapped in the refrigerator.