Decadent Christmas Yule Log Sheet Cake

Bring the charm of a traditional Yule log to your holiday table without the stress of rolling a cake! This Christmas Yule Log Sheet Cake is a festive crowd-pleaser featuring rich chocolate cake layers, creamy whipped filling, and a luscious chocolate ganache buttercream. Topped with rosemary, fresh cranberries, and a light dusting of powdered sugar, this cake captures the spirit of the holidays in a simple, elegant presentation.

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10 Sheet Cakes for Christmas Series

This recipe is part of a series highlighting the best sheet cakes for the holiday season. It’s number five out of ten in a collection of must-try Christmas desserts. So far, readers have enjoyed recipes like Eggnog Tres Leches Cake, Chocolate Peppermint Sheet Cake, Red Velvet Hot Chocolate Sheet Cake, and more. Each cake in this series is designed to be approachable for home bakers while delivering exceptional flavor and festive flair.

What Is a Yule Log Cake?

A Yule log cake, traditionally known as Bûche de Noël, is a classic Christmas dessert inspired by the ancient custom of burning a Yule log during winter celebrations. Typically, it consists of a rolled chocolate cake filled with buttercream or whipped cream and covered with chocolate frosting to resemble tree bark. To create a winter scene, powdered sugar “snow,” edible decorations, and seasonal garnishes are often added. This recipe transforms that tradition into a sheet cake, making it easier to serve a large crowd without sacrificing the iconic Yule log look.

Transforming a Classic into a Sheet Cake

The charm of this recipe is its simplicity. By adapting the traditional Yule log into a sheet cake, you save time while still delivering that festive visual impact. The chocolate cake layers are moist and rich, and the whipped cream filling adds a light, airy texture. The chocolate ganache buttercream creates the illusion of bark and gives the cake a decadent finishing touch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the cake, filling, and buttercream, you’ll need everyday ingredients that are easy to find:

Chocolate Cake Layers:

• Buttermilk
• Sour cream
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract
• Chocolate cake mix

Whipped Cream Filling:

• Heavy whipping cream
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Chocolate Ganache Buttercream:

• Chocolate melts
• Unsalted butter
• Heavy cream
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Decorative Garnishes:

• Fresh rosemary
• Fresh cranberries
• Powdered sugar

A 9×13 sheet pan and a Wilton 1M piping tip will help recreate the textured log design.

How to Prepare the Chocolate Sheet Cake

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and preparing a 9×13 baking pan with non-stick spray or shortening. In a large bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients—eggs, buttermilk, sour cream, oil, and vanilla. Gradually sift in the chocolate cake mix and fold it in gently. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 27-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack.

Once cooled, carefully slice the cake in half horizontally using a serrated knife or cake leveler. Place the bottom layer back into the pan and set the top layer aside temporarily.

Making the Whipped Cream Filling

To achieve perfect whipped cream, chill a metal mixing bowl and whisk in the freezer for five minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and whip on low speed, gradually increasing over three minutes. Add vanilla and powdered sugar, then whip until stiff peaks form. Spread the filling evenly on the bottom cake layer and gently place the top layer back on. Chill for five minutes to help the filling set.

Crafting the Chocolate Ganache Buttercream

For the ganache, combine chocolate melts and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Let the ganache cool slightly. Meanwhile, beat unsalted butter until light and fluffy, then add salt and vanilla. Incorporate the cooled ganache and powdered sugar, whipping until the buttercream is light and airy. Adjust the consistency with additional cream if necessary.

Decorating Your Yule Log Sheet Cake

Using a piping bag fitted with the Wilton 1M tip, create swirls and lines across the cake to mimic the texture of bark. Dust lightly with powdered sugar to resemble snow and arrange rosemary sprigs and cranberries on top for a festive touch. Remember to remove garnishes before slicing and serving.

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