Description
A festive and warmly spiced Yule log cake made with soft gingerbread sponge, filled with silky cream cheese frosting, and beautifully decorated for the holidays.
Ingredients
- Gingerbread Sponge Cake:
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Gingerbread Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ginger
- Finishing:
- Cocoa powder for dusting
- Mini gingerbread cookies or festive sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment and lightly grease.
- In a mixing bowl, beat eggs and sugar for 4–5 minutes until thick and pale. Mix in molasses.
- Sift flour, cornstarch, spices, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold into egg mixture until incorporated.
- Spread batter evenly in the pan and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cake springs back to the touch.
- While warm, invert cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off parchment and roll the cake up tightly in the towel. Allow to cool completely.
- For the filling, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Whip heavy cream separately, then fold into the cream cheese mixture.
- Unroll cooled cake, spread filling evenly, and reroll tightly. Chill for 30 minutes.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar and spices; whip until smooth and spreadable.
- Frost the outside of the log and create bark-like lines using a spatula or fork.
- Dust with cocoa powder and decorate with gingerbread cookies or sprinkles if desired. Chill 1 hour before slicing.
Notes
- Roll the cake while warm to prevent cracking.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for a stable filling.
- Frosting can be swapped for whipped cream for a lighter finish.
- Best made the day before serving for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 35 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American