Name: Chocolate Orange Yule Log Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 200 g Dark chocolate; 200 ml Double cream; 20 g Unsalted butter; 3 Large eggs; 75 g Caster sugar; 50 g Plain flour (sieved); 25 g Cocoa powder (sieved); Zest of 1 orange (optional); 75 g Unsalted butter (softened); 150 g Icing sugar; 1 tsp Orange extract; 1 tbsp Milk; Orange food colouring (such as Sugarflair); 10 segments Terry’s Chocolate Orange; Sprinkles (optional); Icing sugar for dusting

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 82 reviews

If there is one show-stopping festive dessert that never fails to dazzle and delight, it has to be the Chocolate Orange Yule Log Recipe. This heavenly creation combines the rich intensity of dark chocolate with the bright, zesty freshness of orange, wrapped in a soft, spongy cake and finished with luscious ganache and buttercream. Every bite is a merry burst of indulgence and cheer, making it the perfect centerpiece for your holiday celebrations or a cozy winter treat with loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A freshly baked rectangular chocolate cake with a soft, slightly bumpy but smooth surface, resting in a white baking tray lined with light brown parchment paper that folds over the edges. The cake has a warm medium brown color and fills the tray evenly with no visible cracks. A woman's hand, covered with a dark cloth, holds the tray from below against a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you; these simple staples come together beautifully, each playing a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and festive color in your Chocolate Orange Yule Log Recipe.

Dark chocolate (200 g): The rich backbone of your ganache, providing deep chocolate flavor and smoothness.
Double cream (200 ml): Adds creaminess to the ganache, making it silky and luscious.
Butter (unsalted, 20 g and 75 g): The first portion enriches the ganache, while the softer butter forms the base of the tangy orange buttercream.
Eggs (3 large): Whisked to glorious volume, they give the sponge its light, airy structure.
Caster sugar (75 g): Sweetens the sponge perfectly without overpowering it.
Plain flour (50 g, sieved): Provides the cake’s structure while keeping it tender.
Cocoa powder (25 g, sieved): Offers an extra chocolate kick and deep color to the sponge.
Orange zest (1 orange, optional): Brings a refreshing citrus sparkle that lifts the entire log.
Icing sugar (150 g): Sweetens and smooths the buttercream for a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Orange extract (1 tsp): Intensifies the orange flavor in the buttercream for a deliciously bright contrast.
Milk (1 tbsp): Helps achieve the perfect buttercream consistency.
Orange food colouring: Adds a festive pop of color to the buttercream, making it visually stunning.
Terry’s Chocolate Orange segments (10): The iconic garnish that brings crunch and classic chocolate-orange goodness.
Sprinkles (optional): For that extra sparkle and playful finishing touch.

How to Make Chocolate Orange Yule Log Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ganache

First things first, the ganache needs time to cool and set perfectly. Warm the double cream and butter gently until melted and steaming but not boiling; this gentle heat is key because it melts the dark chocolate smoothly when mixed off the heat. Let the chocolate sit for a few minutes, then stir until glossy and completely melted. Set this aside to cool; patience here will reward you with a silky ganache that blankets the log beautifully.

Step 2: Bake the Sponge

Preheat your oven to 160°C fan (180°C conventional) and line your Swiss roll tin with baking paper. Whisk the eggs and caster sugar vigorously for about 8 minutes until you reach the “ribbon stage” — a magical texture where the batter falls slowly in a figure 8 shape without disappearing right away. Gently fold in the orange zest, maple syrup, and then sifted flour and cocoa powder in three careful additions. This keeps the sponge light and airy while packing in flavor. Pour the batter into your tin, smooth it out, and bake for about 10 minutes until springy to the touch.

Step 3: Roll and Cool the Sponge

Once baked, tip the sponge onto a clean baking paper sheet and carefully peel off the one it was baked with. While it’s still warm, roll up the sponge tightly with the clean paper inside to avoid cracks—and let it cool completely in this rolled shape. This step is essential to make the final rolling with buttercream smooth and crack-free, making your Chocolate Orange Yule Log Recipe look absolutely stunning.

Step 4: Whip Up the Buttercream

Now to the buttery cloud of orange-flavored bliss. Beat softened butter, icing sugar, orange extract, milk, and food coloring until the mixture is silky, smooth, and bright orange. This is the filling and the secret Christmas cheer inside your yule log, combining festive flair and creamy delight.

Step 5: Assemble the Yule Log

Unroll the cooled sponge gently and spread an even layer of the orange buttercream over the surface. Then roll it back up snugly without squeezing out the beautiful filling. Place the rolled cake on your serving plate and get ready to envelop it in your luscious ganache.

Step 6: Finish with Ganache and Decoration

Check your ganache; it should be thick but spreadable—if it’s too stiff, pop it briefly in the microwave for 15-30 seconds to loosen. Then cover the log entirely using a spatula or pipe it with a star nozzle to create festive ridges and texture. To add an extra dash of holiday magic, dust with icing sugar, sprinkle colorful sprinkles, and decorate with those iconic Terry’s Chocolate Orange segments. Your Chocolate Orange Yule Log Recipe is now ready for the spotlight!

How to Serve Chocolate Orange Yule Log Recipe

A slice of chocolate roll cake sits on a white plate with a shiny gold fork beside it; the cake has three visible layers, a thick dark brown outer chocolate layer, a moist dark brown cake layer, and a bright orange cream spiral center. The cake slice is decorated with a half of a chocolate orange segment placed on the side. In the background, a larger piece of the rolled cake is on a white plate, and a bowl filled with more chocolate orange segments is visible, all arranged on a white marbled surface with red berries and pine cones adding a festive touch. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple dusting of icing sugar can transform your yule log into a winter wonderland of snow-kissed beauty. Adding Terry’s Chocolate Orange segments enhances the citrus-chocolate appeal and makes each slice a joyful surprise. For a festive touch, sprinkles or edible glitter can add sparkle and charm.

Side Dishes

This yule log pairs perfectly with light sides like fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the richness. Fresh berries or a crisp winter salad can refresh the palate and complement the citrus notes of the chocolate orange delight.

Creative Ways to Present

Try displaying your yule log on a rustic wooden board for a cozy holiday vibe or a sleek glass cake stand for elegant dinner parties. You can also slice it into petite logs for individual servings, making it easier to impress each guest with personalized flair. Wrapping a festive ribbon around the log before serving amps up the charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Chocolate Orange Yule Log Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature or in a cool place for 2-3 days. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it ideal to prepare a day ahead of serving to ease holiday stress.

Freezing

If you want to prepare in advance, freeze the assembled yule log wrapped tightly in cling film and foil to protect it from freezer burn. It freezes well for up to a month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge so the texture and flavor stay intact and perfect.

Reheating

Since this dessert is best served chilled or at room temperature, reheating is not necessary. Just let it come to room temperature before serving if taken from the fridge, ensuring the buttercream and ganache taste at their best.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for the ganache?

Absolutely! Using milk chocolate will give your ganache a sweeter, creamier profile. Just be aware it may be less intense, so adjust the sweetness of your buttercream accordingly to keep the balance in your Chocolate Orange Yule Log Recipe.

What if I don’t have orange extract?

You can substitute fresh orange zest alone or use a splash of orange juice for the buttercream. The zest provides the fragrant oils that make the orange flavor shine, so ensure you use plenty to maintain that signature bright note.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the plain flour for a gluten-free flour blend that can be substituted cup-for-cup. Just sift it well to keep the sponge light, and enjoy your Chocolate Orange Yule Log Recipe without worry.

How can I tell if the sponge is cooked perfectly?

After baking, gently press the center of the sponge with your fingertip; it should spring back quickly without leaving an indentation. This bounce-back means it’s cooked through but still moist—a crucial step for that flawless roll and texture.

Can I decorate the yule log in advance?

Yes, you can decorate your Chocolate Orange Yule Log Recipe a few hours ahead. Keep it refrigerated and bring it out about 30 minutes before serving to let the buttercream and ganache soften slightly for optimal flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Orange Yule Log Recipe is truly a festive treasure, marrying classic winter flavors with a wow-factor presentation. It’s a dessert that brings joy, warmth, and a little bit of magic to every celebration. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved holiday tradition in your home!