The Story & Intro
Every Christmas in Crete, my grandmother’s kitchen felt warmer than the rest of the house. The oven stayed on all day, music played softly, and the table filled with desserts waiting to be shared. While traditional Yule logs weren’t part of old Greek baking, I remember being fascinated by them when I first saw one in a magazine rolled like a log, dusted with sugar, and made to look like something from a winter forest.
Years later, I created my own version of a Strawberry Yule Log Cake, blending that festive Christmas idea with the fresh flavors I grew up loving. This Strawberry Yule Log Cake replaces heavy fillings with a light strawberry mascarpone cream that feels joyful, creamy, and not too sweet. Every slice brings back that feeling of gathering around the table, laughing, and sharing something made with love.
I love how this Strawberry Yule Log Cake looks fancy but feels friendly. You don’t need to be a professional baker to make it. If your cake cracks a little, don’t worry that just means it’s homemade. This Strawberry Yule Log Cake is all about comfort, celebration, and creating memories, not perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Yule Log Cake
This cake delivers holiday magic without stress. The sponge stays soft and flexible, the strawberry mascarpone filling tastes fresh and creamy, and the rolled shape makes it perfect for Christmas gatherings. It feels light after a big meal, slices beautifully, and always earns compliments. Best of all, it looks impressive while staying approachable even for beginner bakers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Sponge Cake
- Large eggs, room temperature
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Baking powder
- Salt
For the Strawberry Mascarpone Filling
- Mascarpone cheese, cold
- Heavy whipping cream
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Strawberry jam or strawberry puree
- Fresh strawberries, finely chopped
For Decoration
- Powdered sugar (snow effect)
- Fresh strawberries
- Optional rosemary sprigs for a festive look
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven and line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease it so the cake releases easily later. This step matters because a smooth release helps prevent cracks when rolling.
Step 2: Make the Sponge Batter
Beat the eggs and sugar until pale, thick, and fluffy. This step creates the light structure of the sponge. Add vanilla, then gently fold in the dry ingredients. Use a soft hand overmixing can make the cake stiff.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Spread the batter evenly in the pan and bake until the top springs back when lightly touched. Don’t overbake. A dry sponge won’t roll nicely.
Step 4: Roll While Warm
Immediately turn the warm cake onto a clean towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment and gently roll the cake with the towel inside. Let it cool completely in this rolled shape to “train” it.
Step 5: Prepare the Strawberry Mascarpone Filling
Whip the cream until soft peaks form. In another bowl, mix mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla, and strawberry jam until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped cream and chopped strawberries. The filling should feel creamy, not runny.
Step 6: Fill and Roll
Unroll the cooled cake carefully. Spread the strawberry mascarpone filling evenly, leaving a small border. Roll it back up gently but snugly.
Step 7: Decorate
Trim the ends for a clean look. Dust with powdered sugar or decorate with strawberries for a festive finish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Strawberry Yule Log Cake chilled for clean slices. Pair it with coffee, hot chocolate, or herbal tea. It works beautifully as a centerpiece dessert for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day and stays fresh in the fridge for up to two days.
🎄 Recipe Card – Strawberry Yule Log Cake 🎂
⏱️ Time Cook
Prep: 25 minutes
Bake: 12 minutes
Chill: 1 hour
Total: About 1 hour 40 minutes
🥣 Ingredients
Eggs, sugar, flour, cornstarch, mascarpone, whipped cream, strawberry jam, fresh strawberries
👩🍳 Instruction
Bake sponge, roll warm, cool, fill with strawberry mascarpone, roll again, decorate
📝 Note
Always roll the cake while warm to avoid cracking
🍓 Nutrition (Approx. per slice)
Calories: 260
Carbs: 28g
Fat: 15g
Protein: 5g
100-Word Short Recipe Version
This Strawberry Yule Log Cake is a festive Christmas dessert filled with light strawberry mascarpone cream. A soft vanilla sponge gets rolled while warm to keep it flexible, then filled with a creamy blend of mascarpone, whipped cream, and strawberries. The result is a beautiful log-style cake that looks impressive but feels easy to make. Light, fresh, and not overly sweet, this cake is perfect for holiday gatherings and makes a lovely centerpiece on any Christmas table.
Helpful Tips for Success
- Use room-temperature eggs for better volume
- Don’t overbake the sponge
- Chill the cake before slicing for clean cuts
- Small cracks can be hidden with powdered sugar
Conclusion
This Strawberry Yule Log Cake brings together holiday tradition and fresh flavor in a way that feels joyful and homemade. Every slice tells a story—of gatherings, laughter, and desserts made with care. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, this cake reminds us that Christmas isn’t about perfection. It’s about sharing something sweet and meaningful, straight from the heart.