Freezing Yule Log

Asked by sarahpayne. Answered on 23rd December 2014

Full question

I have just made the Yule Log as a test run for Christmas and it looked amazing (though I say it myself!) and the family absolutely loved it. I'm now full of confidence and inspired to make a double length one for Christmas which I want to make soon and freeze. My question is very simple - do I freeze it iced or un-iced? Thanks for your help, love the website!

Hello. I am hoping to try the Yule Log for the first time but am wondering about the size of tin to use? Also I am planning on using a rectangular baking sheet. Will this be ok? Can I store the cake in the fridge? I see the recipe only suggests a cool place. As there is cream in the icing I though it would need to be refrigerated? Many thanks!

If freezing Nigella's Yule Log is this done decorated or undecorated. Kag57

Our answer

Nigella's Yule Log (from Christmas and on the Nigella website) is a chocolate roulade that is filled and coated in a chocolate buttercream. It is possible to freeze the log with icing, but it is best to open freeze the log before wrapping it. Put the log on a baking sheet lined with baking parchment (parchment paper) and freeze until completely solid, then wrap the log tightly in a double layer of clingfilm (plastic wrap) and a layer of foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw the log unwrap it and put it on a serving dish. Tent loosely with foil or cover with a cake dome and leave it in a coo place overnight. Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in a cool place and eaten within 5 days.

Nigella's Yule log is baked in a Swiss roll tin (jelly roll pan) and these are usually around 23 x 33cm (for theUS around 9 x 11 inches). The pan needs a lip of at least 2cm (3/4 inch) around the edge so if you have a baking sheet that is about these dimensions then this should be fine. Otherwise the tins can be bought in some supermarkets, baking stores and on-line. The icing in Nigella's recipe contains only melted chocolate, butter, sugar and vanilla extract so it does not need to be refrigerated.