Nigella's Yule Log (Christmas)

Asked by britinfrance. Answered on 7th December 2010

Full question

Living in France where the Christmas Log is traditional, I am keen to try Nigella's Yule Log (Nigella Christmas). The ingredients do not include flour. Is it possible to cook the sponge base with just eggs and sugar plus cocao powder? I am confused and hope to get a reply from you. Many thanks

Our answer

The Yule Log cake base is a type of cake known as a fatless whisked sponge. These type of cakes have quite a low ratio of flour and in this case the flour is replaced with cocoa powder, which will provide some structure to the cake. As there is no fat in the cake you can't add too much flour or other starch, otherwise the cake would be too dry. So do not worry that it does not contain any regular flour.

Yule Logs can be made in advance which is handy for Christmas entertaining. You can make and ice the cake up to one week in advance and keep it in an airtight container in a cool place. It can also be frozen in the container but if you are short on space in your deep freeze then assemble the log on a baking sheet lined with baking parchment (parchment paper) and freeze, uncovered, until firm. Wrap the frozen log tightly in a double layer of clingfilm (plastic wrap) and a layer of foil then return to the freezer. To thaw the frozen cake unwrap it and put on a serving plate, then leave in a cool place overnight.