Red Velvet Yule Log: 5 Stunning Variations for the Holidays

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Red Velvet Yule Log is a stunning and festive dessert that brings a touch of elegance to your holiday table. This delightful cake features a soft red velvet sponge rolled with luscious cream cheese frosting. It’s beautiful, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make, making it the perfect centerpiece for any Christmas gathering. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply indulging in some festive baking, this recipe will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Yule Log

This Red Velvet Yule Log is not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. Here are a few reasons to love this dessert:

Perfect for festive occasions like Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.
It combines the rich flavors of red velvet with creamy frosting for a delightful taste experience.
Versatile filling options allow for personalization, like adding orange zest or mini chocolate chips.
It serves as a beautiful centerpiece that will wow your guests.
This recipe can easily be adapted to be gluten-free.
It’s a great way to showcase your baking skills without being overly complicated.

Ingredients for Red Velvet Yule Log

Gather these items:

¾ cup (95 g) all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
4 large eggs, room temperature
¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon white vinegar
2 teaspoons red gel food coloring
8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups (190 g) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Extra cream cheese frosting
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Crumble cake scraps or red sprinkles
Fresh berries (optional)
Use gluten-free flour if needed
Add orange zest to the filling
Swap for whipped cream frosting
Add mini chocolate chips
Use beet powder for natural coloring

How to Make Red Velvet Yule Log Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment. Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt together.
Step 2: In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar for 3–5 minutes until thick and pale. Add oil, vanilla, vinegar, and red food coloring, mixing well.
Step 3: Gently fold in the dry ingredients until combined. Spread the batter evenly in the pan and bake for 12–14 minutes.
Step 4: While the cake is baking, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla and powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy. Chill for 10 minutes.
Step 5: Dust the baked cake with powdered sugar. Invert onto a sugared kitchen towel, peel off the parchment, and roll while warm. Cool for 30–40 minutes.
Step 6: Unroll the cooled cake, spread the filling evenly, and roll it back up tightly. Frost lightly if desired and decorate with powdered sugar or crumbled cake scraps.
Step 7: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight). Slice with a serrated knife before serving.

Irresistible Red Velvet Yule Log with cream cheese frosting ready for the holidays

Pro Tips for the Best Red Velvet Yule Log

Keep these in mind:

This cake is perfect for holiday gatherings, making it a festive choice.
Adjust sweetness by altering the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
For a unique twist, consider adding a layer of fruit preserves or a chocolate ganache.

Best Ways to Serve Red Velvet Yule Log

Here are some serving suggestions:

Pair with fresh berries for a pop of color and added freshness.
Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect, perfect for the holidays.
Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

How to Store and Reheat Red Velvet Yule Log

To store your Red Velvet Yule Log, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you need to reheat, slice and microwave each piece for a few seconds until slightly warm; this enhances the flavor and texture, making it even more enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Red Velvet Yule Log

What’s the secret to perfect Red Velvet Yule Log?

The key to a perfect Red Velvet Yule Log lies in the baking process. Make sure to roll the cake while it’s still warm to prevent cracking. The cream cheese frosting adds moisture and flavor, making it an irresistible dessert.

Can I make Red Velvet Yule Log ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare your Red Velvet Yule Log a day in advance. Just make sure to store it in the fridge wrapped tightly with plastic wrap to keep it fresh until serving.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Red Velvet Yule Log?

Avoid overmixing the batter as this can lead to a dense texture. Additionally, be careful when rolling the cake; if it cracks, simply patch it up with frosting.

Variations of Red Velvet Yule Log You Can Try

Here are some creative twists for your Red Velvet Yule Log:

Try a Gluten-free Red Velvet Yule Log recipe using gluten-free flour for those with dietary restrictions.
Consider a Red Velvet Swiss Roll style, filled with whipped cream instead of frosting for a lighter dessert.
Experiment with flavors by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a unique holiday taste.
For a festive flair, decorate with edible glitter or themed sprinkles to match your holiday decorations.

With these variations, your Red Velvet Yule Log will not only stand out but also cater to different palates, making it a delightful treat for everyone!

Delicious Red Velvet Yule Log with festive decorations and cream cheese frosting

For more festive recipes, check out our Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies or Deviled Egg Christmas Trees. You can also explore Peppermint Meringue Cookies for a sweet holiday treat!