This festive Yule Log recipe is a streamlined take on the traditional Bûche de Noël, using devil’s food cake mix and a rich filling of condensed milk, pecans, and coconut. It’s an ideal dessert for holiday gatherings, with a dramatic chocolate roll appearance mimicking a real log. The texture is a delightful balance between fluffy cake and a chewy, nutty base. Fudge frosting and a fork-textured finish enhance its visual appeal, making it a celebratory centerpiece with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter ( or margarine)
- 1 cup pecans (chopped )
- 1 cup coconut (flaked )
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 4 eggs
- ½ cup water
- 1 pkg devil’s food cake mix
- 1 can fudge frosting
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
- Line a 15" x 10" jelly roll pan with foil. Melt the butter in the pan.
- Sprinkle evenly with chopped pecans and coconut.
- Drizzle condensed milk over the top.
Step 2: Make the Batter
- In a large bowl, beat eggs at high speed until thick and lemon-colored (about 5 minutes).
- Reduce speed to low and blend in water.
- Add cake mix and blend for 1 minute.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter over the condensed milk layer, spreading evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the center springs back when lightly touched.
Step 4: Roll the Cake
- Dust a clean dishtowel with powdered sugar.
- Remove cake from oven. Cover with towel and invert pan.
- Carefully remove pan and foil.
- Roll cake with towel, starting from a short side. Let cool completely.
Step 5: Frost and Finish
- Unroll and spread with fudge frosting. Re-roll.
- Frost the outside with remaining fudge frosting.
- Drag a fork through the frosting to create a log-like texture.
- Decorate as desired.
Tips
- Use parchment paper instead of foil for easier release if preferred
- Toast the pecans lightly for deeper flavor
- Add a splash of rum or vanilla to the condensed milk for a richer filling
- Roll the cake while warm to prevent cracking
- Chill the cake before frosting for cleaner decoration
- Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy holiday effect
- Add maraschino cherries or holly décor for a classic look
- Substitute walnuts for pecans if needed
- Use homemade chocolate frosting for a less sweet finish
Nutrition
Calories: 387kcalCarbohydrates: 59gProtein: 7gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 66mgSodium: 399mgPotassium: 230mgFiber: 2gSugar: 39gVitamin A: 172IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 214mgIron: 2mg
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