Name: Gourmet Tiramisu Yule Log Cake Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 1/3 cup plain flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons instant espresso; 2 large egg whites, at room temperature; 5 tablespoons white sugar (for egg whites); 3 large egg yolks, at room temperature; 2 large whole eggs, at room temperature; 3 tablespoons white sugar (for yolks and whole eggs); 7/8 cup chilled heavy cream; 3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar; 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons coffee-flavored liqueur; 1/2 cup chilled mascarpone cheese; Cocoa powder for dusting

Jump to Recipe

There is something truly magical about the Gourmet Tiramisu Yule Log Cake that makes it the perfect centerpiece for any festive celebration. This stunning dessert brings together the rich flavors of espresso, creamy mascarpone, and airy sponge in a way that feels both sophisticated and warmly inviting. Every bite offers a delightful balance of texture and taste, capturing the classic spirit of tiramisu while adding the festive charm of a yule log. If you’re looking to wow your guests or simply treat yourself to a memorable holiday indulgence, this cake recipe is a treasure you don’t want to miss.

Gourmet Tiramisu Yule Log Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe may sound elaborate, but it’s made using simple, essential ingredients that each do their part to create the perfect texture, flavor, and festive look. From the lightness of egg whites to the rich creaminess of mascarpone, every component brings balance and depth to the final dessert.

1/3 cup plain flour: The base that creates the delicate sponge that rolls so beautifully.
1 1/2 teaspoons instant espresso: Instantly infuses that unmistakable coffee flavor intrinsic to tiramisu.
2 large egg whites, at room temperature: Whipped to airy perfection, these give the cake its light, fluffy texture.
5 tablespoons white sugar: Sweetens the egg whites gently without weighing them down.
3 large egg yolks, at room temperature: Adds richness for a velvety batter.
2 large whole eggs, at room temperature: Helps bind and enrich the sponge.
3 tablespoons white sugar: Blends into the yolks for that luscious smoothness in the cake.
Cocoa powder for dusting: Gives the cake its classic finish and a hint of bittersweet contrast.
7/8 cup chilled heavy cream: Whipped to soft peaks for the silky frosting and filling.
3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens the cream filling delicately.
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the creamy filling.
2 tablespoons coffee-flavored liqueur: Brings that grown-up, boozy tiramisu kick.
1/2 cup chilled mascarpone cheese: The signature creamy ingredient that makes this cake irresistibly decadent.

How to Make Gourmet Tiramisu Yule Log Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Equipment and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to a hot 400℉ (200℃). Line your jelly roll pan with parchment paper and give it a light spray with baking spray — this little step guarantees your delicate cake will never stick during the big reveal. In a small bowl, sift together the flour and espresso powder to make sure the powder is lump-free and evenly distributed. This dry mixture is crucial for building both flavor and the light texture of your sponge.

Step 2: Whip Egg Whites and Yolks

Using an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the egg whites until foamy. Slowly add in 5 tablespoons of white sugar while continuing to beat until medium peaks form — this meringue base is what will give your yule log that essential lift and airiness. In a separate bowl, combine the egg yolks, whole eggs, and 3 tablespoons of sugar. Beat this mixture until you have reached the ribbon stage, when the batter falls back into the bowl in thick ribbons. This technique ensures a rich and smooth batter ready for folding.

Step 3: Fold Ingredients and Bake

Here comes the delicate part: folding the beaten egg whites into the yolk mixture in three gentle additions to keep as much air as possible trapped inside. Next, carefully fold in the sifted dry ingredients until just combined — overmixing here would deflate your batter. Pour this beautifully airy mixture into your prepared pan, making sure it spreads evenly across every corner. A gentle tap to the pan will release any stubborn air bubbles. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the cake is a light golden color and springs back gently when tapped.

Step 4: Roll and Cool the Cake

Immediately after baking, dust the top with cocoa powder for that classic tiramisu touch. Turn the cake out onto another sheet of parchment paper, peel off the original lining, and roll the cake with the parchment starting from the short end — this initial roll helps form the log shape without cracking. Allow the roll to cool in this shape for 20 minutes. Once it’s manageable, gently unroll to cool completely before adding the luscious filling.

Step 5: Prepare Filling and Fill the Cake

Whip together the chilled heavy cream, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and coffee liqueur until soft peaks form, then fold in the mascarpone cheese gently to keep the filling light yet rich. Spread half of this creamy filling evenly over the cooled cake, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow during the second roll.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve the Cake Roll

Roll the cake up tightly again, this time without the parchment, ensuring a smooth, tight spiral. Use the remaining filling to frost the outside of your yule log, turning it into a velvety, luxurious canvas. Finish with another dusting of cocoa powder to evoke that timeless tiramisu look. Trim the ends if you want a clean, polished presentation before serving this showstopper dessert.

How to Serve Gourmet Tiramisu Yule Log Cake

Garnishes

To make your Gourmet Tiramisu Yule Log Cake truly pop, think about adding some fresh garnishes that echo the flavors inside. A sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings, a few coffee beans, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar can elevate the look and taste. Fresh berries like raspberries or a few sprigs of mint add a beautiful splash of color and freshness that balance the richness.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with simple accompaniments that don’t compete with its complex flavors. Consider serving it with a lightly brewed espresso or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on the side. A small bowl of fresh fruit like strawberries or sliced pears also complements the coffee and mascarpone beautifully without overpowering the cake.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive flair, place your Gourmet Tiramisu Yule Log Cake on a long wooden board with some pinecones, cinnamon sticks, or edible gold leaf for a holiday vibe. You could also pipe little rosettes of cream along the sides or use a fork to create bark-like texture in the frosting. Wrapping the cake in parchment and tying with twine makes a rustic, gift-like presentation that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the delightful feast, your Gourmet Tiramisu Yule Log Cake can be covered tightly with plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled lets the flavors mature and meld beautifully, so leftovers can be just as delicious—if not more so—as when freshly made.

Freezing

If you want to prepare this cake well in advance, wrap it carefully in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. This dessert freezes quite well and can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to keep that creamy filling perfectly firm and luscious.

Reheating

Because this cake is best served chilled, reheating is not recommended as it would soften the textures and melt the creamy filling. Simply let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving to take the chill off, allowing all the flavors to shine through without compromising its signature texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of instant espresso powder?

Instant espresso powder is preferred because it dissolves thoroughly in the batter without adding extra moisture. However, if you don’t have any, you could reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly and add a small amount of very strong brewed coffee, though this might slightly affect the texture.

Is it okay to use a different liqueur if I don’t have coffee-flavored liqueur?

Absolutely! While coffee-flavored liqueur is traditional and enhances the tiramisu experience, a splash of amaretto, Kahlua, or even a sweet rum can add delicious depth and keep the spirit of the cake alive.

My cake cracked while rolling — what went wrong?

This usually happens if the cake is too cool and dry when you try rolling or if it’s underbaked. Rolling the cake immediately after dusting it with cocoa and while still warm helps create flexibility and prevents cracks. Also, make sure the cake sponge is evenly baked but still moist and soft.

Can I make the cake gluten-free?

You can substitute the plain flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend designed for baking. Just make sure it has xanthan gum included for structure. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavors will still shine through beautifully.

How can I make this cake ahead for a holiday party?

The cake can be baked and rolled a day ahead, kept wrapped in parchment and refrigerated. Prepare the filling and assemble the day of your event for maximum freshness, or assemble fully up to 24 hours in advance and keep chilled until serving.

Final Thoughts

There is truly nothing like the joy of slicing into a Gourmet Tiramisu Yule Log Cake and witnessing its luscious layers of coffee-infused sponge and creamy filling come together. This dessert is a celebration of both tradition and indulgence, making it a standout at any gathering. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll find it’s easier than it looks, and the reward is a showstopping cake your loved ones will adore. Trust me, once you experience your own slice of this yule log perfection, it may just become a holiday staple in your kitchen.

Gourmet Tiramisu Yule Log Cake Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 28 reviews

Author: Aiden
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Gourmet Tiramisu Yule Log Cake is a delightful twist on the classic tiramisu, presented in a festive yule log shape. Featuring a light espresso-infused sponge cake rolled with creamy mascarpone filling and finished with cocoa powder dusting, this elegant dessert combines rich coffee flavors and velvety textures perfect for holiday celebrations or special occasions.

Instructions

Prepare Baking Equipment and Dry Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 400℉ (200℃). Line a jellyroll pan with parchment paper and lightly coat it with baking spray to prevent sticking. Sift together the flour and instant espresso powder to remove lumps and set aside.
Whip Egg Whites and Yolks: Using an electric mixer with a whisk attachment, beat the egg whites until foamy. Gradually add 5 tablespoons of sugar and continue beating until medium peaks form. In a separate bowl, beat egg yolks, whole eggs, and 3 tablespoons of sugar together until they reach the ribbon stage, about 5-10 minutes.
Fold Ingredients and Bake: Fold the egg white meringue gently into the egg yolk mixture in three additions to maintain airiness. Then fold in the sifted flour and espresso mixture just until combined. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan, tap gently to remove air bubbles, and bake for 8-10 minutes or until done.
Roll and Cool the Cake: Immediately dust the baked cake with cocoa powder. Turn it out onto a fresh sheet of parchment paper, peel away the original parchment carefully, then roll the cake and parchment together starting from the short end. Let it cool rolled for about 20 minutes, then unroll gently and allow to cool completely.
Prepare Filling and Fill the Cake: While the cake cools, beat heavy cream, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and coffee liqueur with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Fold in the mascarpone cheese gently. Once the cake is fully cooled, spread half of the filling evenly over the cake, leaving a ¼ inch border on all sides.
Assemble and Serve the Cake Roll: Roll the cake tightly again starting from the same side. Use the remaining filling to frost the outside of the cake roll. Dust the finished cake generously with cocoa powder. Trim the ends just before serving for a clean presentation. Enjoy your Gourmet Tiramisu Yule Log Cake!

Notes

Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better volume when whipping.
Do not overmix the batter after folding to keep the sponge light and airy.
Chill the cream and mascarpone beforehand to ease whipping and folding.
Use fresh coffee liqueur for richer flavor; alternatives include Kahlua or Tia Maria.
Wrap the cake roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate if not serving immediately to preserve freshness.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking and whipping
Cuisine: Italian-inspired