Description
A stunning and festive Yule log cake inspired by classic tiramisu, featuring an espresso-soaked sponge rolled with mascarpone cream and finished with a silky coffee frosting and cocoa dusting.
Ingredients
- Chocolate Sponge Cake:
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Coffee Soak:
- 1/2 cup strong brewed espresso, cooled
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional)
- Mascarpone Filling:
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Coffee Frosting:
- 1/2 cup mascarpone
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp instant espresso powder
- Finishing:
- Cocoa powder for dusting
- Chocolate curls or grated chocolate (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
- In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar for 5 minutes until pale and thick. Sift in flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold until combined.
- Spread batter evenly in the pan and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched.
- While warm, turn cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with cocoa powder. Peel off parchment and roll the cake up in the towel. Let cool completely.
- Mix espresso, sugar, and optional liqueur to make the soak. Set aside.
- For the filling, whip heavy cream, mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until thick and smooth.
- Unroll the cooled cake and brush generously with the coffee soak.
- Spread mascarpone filling evenly over the cake and roll it back up tightly. Chill for 30 minutes.
- For the frosting, whip mascarpone, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and espresso powder until spreadable.
- Frost the outside of the chilled log and create bark-like lines with a spatula.
- Dust with cocoa powder and garnish with chocolate curls if desired. Chill at least 1 hour before slicing.
Notes
- Ensure mascarpone is cold to prevent curdling when whipped.
- The cake rolls easier while still warm; don’t skip the towel method.
- For stronger tiramisu flavor, increase espresso or add more coffee liqueur.
- Refrigerates well for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 35 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian