Yule Log Sheet Cake has all of the elegance of a classic Yule log, minus the fussy rolling. A moist and rich chocolate cake is layered with vanilla-scented whipped cream and topped with a silky, smooth chocolate buttercream. With this cake, the holidays don’t have to be a headache!

Cake is what takes center stage, especially during the holiday season, yet most of the classic Christmas cakes are fussy and arduous, but not this Yule Log Sheet Cake. Here, the rolling is removed and in its place is a fudgy and decadent chocolate sheet cake meant to feed a crowd. 

What Are The Components Of The Yule Log Sheet Cake?

Chocolate cake layer

Whipped cream filling

Chocolate buttercream 

Red and green frosting (for decoration)

Powdered sugar (for garnish)

Are There Shortcuts For This Recipe?

If you’re in a pinch, a chocolate cake mix can substitue for the from-scratch cake and whipped topping can be substituted for the whipped topping.

You can use a cake mix instead of making a chocolate cake from scratch, but this cake is super easy to make! You mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another bowl. After combining the dry and wet ingredients together, a cup of strong brewed hot coffee is added to the mix. The batter will look really loose, but this is okay! Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for thirty minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.

When it is cooled, carefully slice the cake in half horizontally and put the bottom half back into the cake pan. 

The whipped cream topping is a simple combination of whipped cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla. While you can use whipped topping in the filling, fresh whipped cream feels decadent and feels special for the holiday season. Here, the chocolate buttercream has the addition of chocolate ganache, adding a deeper chocolate flavor to the frosting.

This cake can be easily made ahead of time. In fact, you can make the cake and buttercream the day before and assemble it the following day. The chocolate cake will taste better the following day after it’s rested for several hours in the refrigerator. 

After you cut the cake in half and placed the bottom into the pan, spread the whipped cream over the bottom layer, and cover with the top cake layer. 

What Can Be Used To Make The Bark Pattern?

There are many ways to go about making the bark of the Yule Log Sheet. You can use a cake comb, fork, knife, or star tip to make the lines. Out of all of these options, a pastry bag (or plastic storage bag) fitted with a star tip will produce the fastest and cleanest results.

Using a star tip, pipe swirls onto the top of the sheet cake. Pipe long lines with the star tip vertical across the cake, avoiding the swirls. This will give the appearance of bark. Dust with powdered sugar. Decorate the edges of the cake with red berries and green leaves.

Even without the rolling, this Yule Log Sheet Cake has a stately presence to grace any holiday table. The top mimics the classic decorations found on a yule log.

Unlike the classic yule log cake, which is a dried sponge, this chocolate sheet cake is something you’ll want to bake for any occasion. Its moist and tender crumb are full of rich and complex chocolate flavor. 

The whipped cream in between is a great contrast to the chocolate, adding light and refreshing levity to each bite. 

Chocolate ganache and cocoa powder in the frosting makes for a buttercream that has a nice, bold chocolate flavor.

It’s holiday decadence without the holiday stress! Yule Log Sheet Cake’s pretty appearance masks its quick and easy prep, and honestly, no one has to know!