Name: Easy White Chocolate Raspberry Yule Log Cake: The Best Holiday Dessert
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: PT-491286H52M41S
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 4 large eggs; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2/3 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp baking powder; Pinch of salt; ; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 4 oz white chocolate, melted and cooled; 1/4 cup raspberry jam; 1/2 cup fresh raspberries (optional); ; 6 oz white chocolate, chopped; 1/2 cup heavy cream; Powdered sugar, for dusting; Fresh raspberries and white chocolate curls, for garnish

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Are you tired of stressing over complicated holiday desserts that never turn out as expected? The holiday season should be filled with joy, not kitchen anxiety! This Easy White Chocolate Raspberry Yule Log Cake is the perfect solution a stunning centerpiece dessert that looks professionally made but is surprisingly simple to create.

With its delicate sponge, creamy white chocolate filling, and fresh raspberry accent, this Yule log delivers that wow-factor you want for your holiday table without the complicated techniques.

Hi there! I’m Alexandra, a self-taught chef who once struggled with holiday baking just like you. After many Christmas dessert disasters (including a particularly memorable collapsed gingerbread house), I dedicated myself to creating festive recipes that are both impressive and achievable.

This White Chocolate Raspberry Yule Log became my signature holiday offering after years of testing and perfecting. Today, I’m sharing my foolproof method that has delighted my family and friends for many holiday seasons.

In this recipe guide, you’ll discover my secret tips for a crack-free cake roll, how to create that beautiful bark-like texture, and the perfect balance of white chocolate and raspberry flavors.

I’ll walk you through each step, from selecting ingredients to serving suggestions that will make your holiday gathering extra special.

Why This White Chocolate Raspberry Yule Log Cake Works

This Yule log cake stands out from other holiday desserts for several key reasons:

Uses simple, readily available ingredients you can find at any grocery store
Features a foolproof sponge cake recipe that rolls perfectly without cracking
Combines the classic flavor pairing of white chocolate and raspberry for universal appeal
Can be made 1-2 days ahead, reducing holiday cooking stress
Serves as both a dessert and a stunning table centerpiece

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Your White Chocolate Raspberry Yule Log

Best Quality Ingredients for Your Yule Log

The beauty of this White Chocolate Raspberry Yule Log Cake lies in its simplicity, which means the quality of each ingredient truly matters. For the white chocolate, choose a premium brand with real cocoa butter for the smoothest, richest frosting. When it comes to raspberries, fresh is ideal for the brightest flavor, but frozen (thawed and well-drained) can work during winter months.

Buying Tips

Look for white chocolate with cocoa butter listed in the first few ingredients
Choose eggs at room temperature for maximum volume in your sponge
Select bright, plump raspberries without signs of mold or mushiness
Purchase high-quality vanilla extract (not imitation) for the best flavor

Substitutions

If you need to make adjustments to the classic White Chocolate Raspberry Yule Log, consider these tested alternatives:

Strawberries can replace raspberries for a different berry flavor
Lemon zest adds brightness if you prefer a less sweet dessert
Cream cheese can substitute for some of the butter in the frosting for tang
Gluten-free flour blend (with xanthan gum) can replace all-purpose flour

Ingredients & Prep for White Chocolate Raspberry Yule Log Cake

Easy White Chocolate Raspberry Yule Log Cake: The Best Holiday Dessert

Cake Prep Essentials

Before beginning your White Chocolate Raspberry Yule Log, ensure your eggs are at room temperature for maximum volume. Line your jelly roll pan with parchment paper, extending slightly over the edges for easy removal. Have a clean kitchen towel ready and dusted with powdered sugar for the rolling process this prevents sticking and creates that classic spiral.

Ingredients List

For the Sponge Cake:

4 large eggs, separated
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
Powdered sugar (for rolling)

For the White Chocolate Filling:

8 oz white chocolate, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
8 oz mascarpone cheese
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup fresh raspberries

For the White Chocolate Frosting:

6 oz white chocolate
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
Additional fresh raspberries and mint leaves for garnish

Pantry Staples

Stock these basic ingredients that enhance your White Chocolate Raspberry Yule Log:

Powdered sugar for dusting
High-quality vanilla extract
Fresh lemon juice (to brighten the raspberry flavor)
Salt (enhances sweetness and balances flavors)

Step-by-Step White Chocolate Raspberry Yule Log Cake Instructions

Pre-Cooking Prep for Your Yule Log

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan by lining with parchment paper and spraying with non-stick cooking spray.
Separate eggs, ensuring no yolk contaminates the whites.
Measure all ingredients before starting to ensure smooth workflow.
Chop white chocolate for both filling and frosting.
Gently wash and thoroughly dry raspberries.

Cooking Method for White Chocolate Raspberry Yule Log

Make the sponge cake:
- Beat egg whites until soft peaks form, gradually adding half the sugar.
- In another bowl, beat egg yolks with remaining sugar until pale and thick.
- Fold sifted dry ingredients into egg yolks.
- Gently fold in egg whites until just combined.
- Spread batter evenly in prepared pan.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until springy to touch.
Roll the cake:
- Immediately turn hot cake onto a towel dusted with powdered sugar.
- Peel off parchment paper.
- While still warm, gently roll cake with towel from short end. Let cool completely.
Prepare white chocolate filling:
- Melt white chocolate with ¼ cup heavy cream, let cool slightly.
- Whip remaining cream until soft peaks form.
- Beat mascarpone with powdered sugar and vanilla.
- Fold in melted chocolate mixture, then fold in whipped cream.
Assemble the cake:
- Carefully unroll cooled cake.
- Spread filling evenly, leaving ½-inch border.
- Sprinkle with fresh raspberries.
- Re-roll cake (without towel) and place seam-side down.
- Slice off ends at an angle for a branch effect if desired.
Make and apply frosting:
- Melt white chocolate, let cool slightly.
- Beat butter until creamy, then add powdered sugar.
- Add melted chocolate and heavy cream, beat until fluffy.
- Cover cake with frosting, using a fork to create bark-like texture.

Doneness Check for Yule Log Cake

The sponge cake is done when it springs back when lightly touched and begins to pull away slightly from the edges of the pan. Be careful not to overbake, as this will cause the cake to crack when rolling. The ideal internal temperature for the cake is 190°F (88°C).

Resting and Chilling Your Yule Log

After assembly, refrigerate your White Chocolate Raspberry Yule Log for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the cake to set properly, making it easier to slice. Remove from refrigerator 20-30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to soften slightly for the best texture and flavor.

Pro Tips for Perfect White Chocolate Raspberry Yule Log

Avoiding Common Yule Log Mistakes

Prevent cake cracking: Don’t overbake the sponge, and roll it while still warm.
Avoid soggy cake: Ensure raspberries are completely dry before adding to the filling.
Prevent filling overflow: Leave a ½-inch border when spreading the filling.
Solve frosting issues: If too thin, refrigerate briefly; if too thick, add a teaspoon of heavy cream.

Tool Recommendations for Yule Log Success

Offset spatula for smoothly spreading filling and frosting
Stand mixer or hand mixer for proper aeration of eggs and frosting
Digital kitchen thermometer for perfect white chocolate melting
Serrated knife for clean slices through the finished cake

Storage & Reheating

This White Chocolate Raspberry Yule Log can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover loosely with plastic wrap to protect the frosting while allowing air circulation. For the best presentation, add fresh raspberry garnishes just before serving. This cake is not suitable for freezing due to the texture changes in the filling and frosting.

Looking for more holiday inspiration? Check out my Pinterest board for stunning Christmas dessert ideas that will make your celebration unforgettable!

Flavor Variations for Your White Chocolate Raspberry Yule Log

Festive Flavor Twists

Customize your White Chocolate Raspberry Yule Log with these delicious variations:

Mint Chocolate: Add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract to the filling for a refreshing holiday twist.
Orange Cranberry: Substitute cranberries for raspberries and add orange zest to the filling.
Coffee Infusion: Add 1 tablespoon espresso powder to the cake batter for a mocha version.

Dietary Adaptations

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Reduced Sugar: Use a monk fruit/erythritol blend in place of sugar in both cake and filling.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free white chocolate alternatives.

Global Flavor Inspirations

Region	Flavor Addition	Key Ingredients
French	Chestnut	Chestnut purée in filling
Italian	Tiramisu	Coffee-soaked cake, mascarpone filling
Nordic	Cardamom	Ground cardamom in cake batter
Japanese	Matcha	Matcha powder in cake or frosting

Serving Suggestions for White Chocolate Raspberry Yule Log

Elevate your White Chocolate Raspberry Yule Log presentation with these complementary offerings:

Serve with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or raspberry sorbet on the side
Offer a selection of fresh berries in a small dish alongside each slice
Create a dessert board with Baked Pears and your Yule log as the centerpiece
For a complete holiday dessert spread, include Christmas Red Velvet Cheesecake and Peppermint Cheesecake Cookies

For a truly festive table, pair with hot beverages like:

French vanilla coffee
Spiced chai tea
Hot chocolate with whipped cream
Earl Grey tea with milk

Complete your holiday meal with savory sides like Greek-Style Lemon Potatoes before serving this spectacular dessert.

FAQs About White Chocolate Raspberry Yule Log Cake

Q: Can I make this White Chocolate Raspberry Yule Log in advance?
A: Yes! You can make it 1-2 days ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. Add the final garnishes just before serving.

Q: Why did my cake crack when rolling?
A: The most common cause is overbaking. Make sure to roll the cake while it’s still warm, and don’t overbake the sponge.

Q: Can I use frozen raspberries in this recipe?
A: For the filling, thawed and well-drained frozen raspberries can work, but fresh is better for garnish due to appearance and texture.

Q: How do I create the realistic bark effect on the frosting?
A: After applying the frosting, drag the tines of a fork along the length of the cake in wavy patterns. For extra detail, use a small knife to create knot-like circles.

Q: Is there a non-dairy alternative for the filling?
A: Yes, you can use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a non-dairy cream cheese alternative instead of mascarpone.

Conclusion

The White Chocolate Raspberry Yule Log is more than just a dessert it’s a holiday tradition that creates memories around your table. With its beautiful presentation and delightful flavor combination, this cake celebrates the joy of the season while being accessible enough for bakers of all skill levels.

Easy White Chocolate Raspberry Yule Log Cake: The Best Holiday Dessert