White Chocolate Peppermint Yule Log Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping holiday dessert that blends festive flavors with a stunning presentation, you’ve come to the right place! This White Chocolate Peppermint Yule Log Recipe is my absolute favorite way to wow guests and treat my family during the winter season. Rich chocolate chiffon cake, a luscious white chocolate peppermint filling, and that classic bark-like ganache come together perfectly — I promise, you’ll love how this turns out.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this White Chocolate Peppermint Yule Log Recipe comes from balancing rich, smooth flavors with light textures. I always recommend using the freshest cream and good-quality chocolate for the best results.

• White chocolate: Choose a good-quality bar or chips — this really affects the filling’s creaminess and flavor.
• Heavy whipping cream: Full-fat cream whips beautifully and gives that decadent texture to the filling and ganache.
• Peppermint extract: Just a touch adds that refreshing festive essence; pure extract works best.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the chiffon cake moist without weighing it down.
• Cocoa powder: Use unsweetened and sifted to avoid lumps and get a clean chocolate flavor.
• Espresso/coffee powder: Optional but highly recommended — it deepens the chocolate notes without tasting like coffee.
• Sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Whole milk: Adds moisture; avoid lower-fat milk for best texture.
• Vanilla extract: A little vanilla enhances richness and rounds out the flavors.
• Egg yolks and egg whites: Key for that airy chiffon texture, separated for a proper meringue.
• Cake flour: Provides the tenderness you want in a chiffon cake.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the meringue.
• Cream of tartar: Helps your egg whites hold peaks perfectly.
• Dark chocolate: For the rich chocolate ganache bark — opt for 60-70% cocoa for balance.
• Decorations: Meringue mushrooms, sugared cranberries, rosemary, and almond pine cones add charm.

Variations

I like to keep this recipe pretty traditional to highlight the classic Yule Log aesthetics, but I’ve also experimented with a few tweaks that really personalize it.

• Mint Chocolate: Swapping the white chocolate filling for a mint chocolate ganache gives a richer, deeper flavor that my family sometimes prefers.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream and dairy-free chocolate for a vegan twist — I tried this once and the texture came out surprisingly good!
• Fruit Infusion: Adding a layer of raspberry jam under the filling adds a lovely tartness that cuts through the sweetness, which I find refreshing.

How to Make White Chocolate Peppermint Yule Log Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your White Chocolate Peppermint Filling

Start by gently heating chopped white chocolate with heavy cream over medium heat. Stir constantly until the chocolate fully melts into a smooth mixture. This is where patience matters — don’t rush or your chocolate can seize. Once smooth, take it off the heat, add your peppermint extract, and transfer to the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours. I usually make this the day before — it gives you plenty of time and the flavor really melds together.

Step 2: Whip Up the Chocolate Chiffon Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 375°F (191°C) and prep an 18″x13″ baking sheet by lining it with parchment and greasing lightly. I like to use a large heat-safe bowl for the chocolate mixture: heat the vegetable oil in the microwave until hot, then whisk in the sifted cocoa powder, espresso powder, and salt until smooth.

Next, stir in whole milk and vanilla — then let it cool slightly before mixing in the egg yolks. This cooling step prevents the eggs from cooking prematurely.

Add sifted cake flour and fold gently with a spatula to maintain lightness.

Meanwhile, in your stand mixer, whip the egg whites with cream of tartar until foamy, then gradually add sugar while increasing speed until you see those gorgeous soft peaks form. Folding the meringue into the chocolate mixture is crucial — do it gently in thirds to keep all that air trapped. A deflated batter means a dense cake, so be patient and fold carefully!

Step 3: Bake and Cool the Cake

Pour your batter evenly into the pan, smoothing the surface and tapping to release any bubbles. Bake for 15-16 minutes until the top feels springy and dry — this tells you the cake is perfectly cooked but not overdone.

Once done, tap the pan firmly on your countertop (this helps loosen it) and let the cake cool for about 15 minutes. I always watch closely so the cake doesn’t dry out or crack.

Step 4: Roll the Cake with the Peppermint Filling

While the cake cools, whip your chilled white chocolate peppermint filling until it’s light and fluffy but not overly stiff — this is step I discovered makes all the difference in texture.

Flip your cake onto a parchment paper, skin side down (this helps prevent sticking). Spread the filling evenly using an offset spatula, then gently roll the cake lengthwise, keeping it tight but gentle. Seal the roll in parchment and refrigerate — chilling here helps everything set and makes it easier to handle when decorating.

Step 5: Make the Chocolate Ganache “Bark” and Decorate

For the chocolate bark, heat heavy cream until just simmering, then pour over chopped dark chocolate. Let it sit 5 minutes before whisking until smooth and slightly thickened (don’t overwhip or it’ll become grainy).

Trim the ends of your chilled log — those edges are perfect for snacking! Cut a 3-inch piece and slice it diagonally to create “branches” that you’ll attach to the main log with toothpicks.

Spread the ganache quickly on the entire log and branches, then use a fork to draw bark-like lines. This texture step is fun and really brings that woodland vibe.

Lastly, use the remaining ganache as edible glue to attach meringue mushrooms, pine cones, sugared cranberries, and rosemary sprigs. A dusting of powdered sugar and matcha powder works wonders to create the illusion of snow and moss — trust me, it’s a finishing touch that never goes unnoticed.

How to Serve White Chocolate Peppermint Yule Log Recipe

Garnishes

I personally adore using meringue mushrooms and sugared cranberries for that frosty, forest feel — it’s the kind of detail that really impresses. Sprigs of fresh rosemary add a lovely pine scent that complements the peppermint, and almond pine cones add texture and a rustic touch.

Side Dishes

This Yule Log pairs beautifully with a simple cup of rich hot cocoa or your favorite holiday-spiced tea. I also like serving it alongside light fruit salad or candied nuts to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged the log on a wooden board scattered with fresh pine needles and edible gold dust for a festive touch. Sometimes I add tiny fairy lights around the plate to create that magical winter scene — it’s a crowd-pleaser every single time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I recommend wrapping leftover Yule Log tightly in plastic wrap and storing it in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 4 days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight. When I have leftovers, I always slice thinly to keep the texture intact.

Freezing

If you want to prep early, this cake freezes nicely. Once fully assembled and chilled, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. I once froze it a week ahead and was amazed how fresh it tasted after thawing!

Reheating

Since this is a chilled dessert, reheating isn’t usually necessary or recommended. If you want the ganache a little softer, leave slices at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving — it brings out the creamy texture beautifully.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This White Chocolate Peppermint Yule Log Recipe has become a beloved tradition in my home—not just because it tastes incredible but because it brings a sense of celebration to the kitchen. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a festive party, this recipe is a delightful way to share some holiday magic. I know you’ll enjoy creating it as much as eating it, and your loved ones will be asking for seconds before the night is over. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready for some joyful baking moments!

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