Healthy Chocolate Yule Log Cake Recipe

‘Tis the season for festive treats and indulgent desserts! But what if we could enjoy these delights without compromising on our health goals? Sounds like a Christmas miracle, right? Well, it’s time to embrace the magic of the holiday season because we’re about to dive into a delicious, yet healthy, Chocolate Yule Log Cake recipe.

A Healthier Holiday Treat: The Chocolate Yule Log Cake Recipe You’ve Been Waiting For

A classic Christmas dessert, the Yule Log Cake, also known as Bûche de Noël, is a traditional French sweet treat that has found its place in many holiday tables worldwide. However, this year, we’re giving it a healthier twist. Packed with nutritious ingredients, our version will let you enjoy the festivities guilt-free.

From using coconut sugar as a natural sweetener to incorporating whole wheat pastry for added fiber, we’re bringing you the best version of this classic holiday dessert. It even has a homemade cream cheese filling and a chocolate frosting made from just three simple, wholesome ingredients.

So, get ready to roll up your sleeves, preheat your ovens and prepare to be amazed by how scrumptious a healthy Yule Log Cake can be! Stay tuned as we delve into the recipe details and baking tips to ensure your Yule Log is a hit at your holiday feast.

How to Make a Yule Log Cake

Indulge in a healthier version of the classic holiday treat with this Healthy Chocolate Yule Log Cake recipe. This delightful dessert serves 16, with each serving containing just 143 calories. If you’re on Nutrisystem, you can count each serving as one SmartCarb and one Extra.

The ingredients for the chocolate cake include whole wheat pastry flour, coconut sugar or white cane sugar, baking powder, baking soda, unsweetened cocoa powder, coffee or espresso grinds, eggs, vanilla extract, and pumpkin or sweet potato puree.

To create the cream cheese filling, you’ll need softened low-fat cream cheese, vanilla extract and light whipped topping. For the chocolate frosting, prepare nonfat plain Greek yogurt, some sugar-free instant chocolate pudding mix and unsweetened cocoa powder.

The Chocolate Cake

Begin by preheating your oven to a warm 350 degrees. Prepare your jelly roll pan by lining it with parchment paper and lightly greasing it with a nonstick spray. This will ensure that your cake doesn’t stick to the pan, making the rolling process easier later on.

In a large bowl, put together the dry ingredients: the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, unsweetened cocoa powder, and a hint of espresso or coffee grinds. The coffee grinds will enhance the chocolate flavor, giving your cake an extra depth of taste.

In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: the eggs, a splash of vanilla extract, and your choice of pumpkin or sweet potato puree. This puree will add a moist texture to your cake and a subtle sweetness that complements the rich chocolate.

Combine the two mixtures, blending well until you get a smooth, luscious chocolate cake batter. Pour this batter into your prepared jelly roll pan, spreading it evenly for a uniform bake. Pop it into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 14 minutes.

While the cake is filling your kitchen with a delightful aroma, prepare a clean kitchen towel on the countertop. As soon as the cake is done, act quickly and turn it out onto the towel. Peel off the parchment paper carefully to avoid tearing the cake. While the cake is still warm, roll it up with the towel, which will help prevent the cake from cracking later. Allow it to cool completely.

The Cream Cheese Filling

As the cake cools, whip up the filling. Beat together the softened cream cheese and vanilla extract until creamy. Fold in the light whipped topping to give it a fluffy, dreamy consistency.

Once the cake is cooled, carefully unroll it and spread the cream cheese mixture over the cake. Roll it back up, wrap it in plastic and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This will help the filling set and make the cake easier to slice.

The Chocolate Frosting

For the final touch, prepare the frosting by combining nonfat plain Greek yogurt, sugar free instant chocolate pudding mix and unsweetened cocoa powder. Mix well until you get a smooth, glossy chocolate spread.

Slather this heavenly frosting onto the cake, ensuring it covers every nook and cranny. Refrigerate the frosted cake until you’re ready to serve.

Finally, slice into your healthier, yet equally delicious version of the traditional Yule Log Cake and enjoy the symphony of flavors that dance on your tongue with each bite!

Creative Topping Ideas for Your Healthy Chocolate Yule Log Cake

This Healthy Chocolate Yule Log Cake is a canvas waiting to be adorned with your favorite toppings. While it’s delicious on its own, adding a few extra touches can make it even more festive and appealing. Here are some creative topping ideas:

• Fresh Berries – A scattering of fresh berries not only adds a pop of color but also provides a tart counterpoint to the sweet cake. Raspberries, strawberries or blueberries would all be excellent choices.
• Powdered Sugar – Dusting your Yule Log with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar can give it the look of a log lightly dusted with snow, perfect for a winter holiday theme.
• Chocolate Shavings or Sprinkles – Add another dimension of chocolaty goodness by grating some dark chocolate over the top of your cake. You could also simply add some chocolate sprinkles. This adds a beautiful texture and an extra layer of flavor.
• Edible Flowers – For a truly stunning cake, consider adorning it with edible flowers. They’ll add a touch of elegance and make your Yule Log a centerpiece-worthy dessert.
• Crushed Nuts – If you’re a fan of a little crunch in your dessert, consider sprinkling some crushed nuts over the frosting. Almonds, hazelnuts or pistachios would lend a nice contrast.
• Mint Leaves – For a touch of freshness and color, garnish your Yule Log with some mint leaves. They’ll look like tiny holly leaves on your log and add a refreshing twist.

Remember, the best part about making your own Yule Log cake is that you can customize it to your liking. Feel free to experiment with these suggestions or come up with your own unique toppings. Enjoy the process and have fun decorating! And don’t forget to consult the Nutrisystem Grocery Guide for more information on counting different add-ins.