Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe holiday season rolls around, and there’s no better way to impress your loved ones than with a stunning Tiramisu Yule Log Cake! This festive treat captures the essence of rich coffee and sweet cream, making it the perfect centerpiece for any gathering. What I adore about this recipe is its flexibility: you can easily whip up a gluten-free or dairy-free version without sacrificing flavor or elegance. With quick prep and a show-stopping presentation, you’ll find this cake is not just a dessert but a conversation starter. So, are you ready to sweeten your celebrations with a twist on a classic favorite? Let’s dive in! Why Is This Cake So Special? Elegantly Festive: This Tiramisu Yule Log Cake is not just a dessert—it’s a stunning centerpiece for your holiday gatherings. Rich, Indulgent Flavors: The delightful combination of coffee and cream will elevate your taste buds and leave guests wanting more. Versatile Options: Whether you opt for gluten-free or dairy-free variations, this cake ensures everyone can enjoy a slice of festive joy, just like my other favorites, the Raspberry Tiramisu Bake or Decadent Chocolate Cake. Quick and Simple Prep: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this gorgeous treat without spending all day in the kitchen. Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Impress friends and family with a dessert that not only looks beautiful but tastes divine, making it the perfect end to any holiday meal! Tiramisu Yule Log Cake Ingredients For the Cake Plain Flour – Provides structure to the cake; substitute with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free version, noting it may be denser. Almond Flour – A great gluten-free option; reduce the amount by 25% and add xanthan gum to help bind. Espresso Powder – Adds rich coffee flavor; you may also use strongly brewed coffee or instant coffee granules. Egg Whites – Essential for creating an airy texture; beat them to medium peaks for best results. Egg Yolks – These enrich the batter when combined with whole eggs and sugar. Sugar – Sweetens the cake and stabilizes egg whites during whipping for a fluffy texture. For the Filling Cream – Brings lusciousness to the filling; make sure to beat it to soft peaks. Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the filling effortlessly. Vanilla Extract – Adds depth of flavor to your filling, enhancing the overall taste. Coffee Liqueur – Optional, but it amplifies the coffee flavor beautifully! Mascarpone Cheese – Provides creamy richness; you can substitute with a mix of cream cheese and heavy cream (3:1 ratio). Coconut Cream and Cashew Cream – Excellent dairy-free alternatives for mascarpone; keep in mind they will slightly alter the flavor. For Dusting Cocoa Powder – A must for that classic tiramisu finish and adds a hint of chocolate flavor. This Tiramisu Yule Log Cake is not only visually appealing but promises a delightful indulgence that your guests will love. Happy baking! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Tiramisu Yule Log Cake Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take a jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper, lightly spraying the surface with baking spray to ensure your Tiramisu Yule Log Cake releases easily after baking. This preparation will set the stage for a perfectly baked cake. Step 2: Sift Ingredients In a mixing bowl, sift together the plain flour and espresso powder, creating a fine mixture that will provide a rich coffee flavor. Set this dry mix aside while you focus on whipping the eggs; this step is crucial for achieving a light texture in your cake. Step 3: Whip Egg Whites In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with sugar until they become foamy. Continue whipping until medium peaks form, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes. This process incorporates air, ensuring the Tiramisu Yule Log Cake has a soft, airy texture that enhances its overall lightness. Step 4: Beat Egg Yolks In another clean bowl, combine the egg yolks, whole eggs, and sugar, beating them for about 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture reaches the ribbon stage. It should become thick and pale, indicating that it’s ready to be combined with the egg whites, adding richness to the cake. Step 5: Combine Mixtures Gently fold the beaten egg white meringue into the egg yolk mixture in three additions. This careful folding process helps maintain the airy texture you’ve created in the egg whites, ensuring your Tiramisu Yule Log Cake remains light and fluffy as it bakes. Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients Once combined, gently fold in the sifted flour and espresso mixture until just blended. Take care not to overmix, as this will deflate the batter. This step adds the essential structure to your cake, giving it a wonderful balance of flavors and textures. Step 7: Bake the Cake Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan, leveling it out with a spatula for even baking. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cake is springy to the touch and lightly golden. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking. Step 8: Cool and Roll Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and dust it lightly with cocoa powder. While it’s still warm, carefully roll the cake up in the parchment paper from one short end to the other. This shapes the cake and will hold its form as it cools for 20 minutes. Step 9: Prepare the Filling While the cake cools, prepare the filling by beating the cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and coffee liqueur until soft peaks form. Once achieved, gently fold in the mascarpone cheese to create a luscious, creamy filling perfect for your Tiramisu Yule Log Cake. Step 10: Assemble the Cake After the cake has completely cooled, carefully unroll it and spread half of the filling over the surface. Roll the cake back up tightly, ensuring the filling is evenly distributed. Frost the outside with the remaining filling, creating an elegant finish for your Tiramisu Yule Log Cake. Step 11: Dust and Serve Before serving, dust the rolled cake with additional cocoa powder for a classic tiramisu look. Slice it carefully to showcase the beautiful layers inside, and present this show-stopping Tiramisu Yule Log Cake to your guests, ensuring delight with every bite. Make Ahead Options These Gourmet Tiramisu Yule Log Cakes are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can bake the cake and roll it up up to 24 hours in advance, storing it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator to keep it moist. Additionally, prepare the filling a day ahead and chill it separately; just be sure to cover it with plastic wrap to prevent drying. When you’re ready to serve, simply unroll the cake, spread the filling, and frost it with the remaining mixture. This prep ahead strategy ensures that your dessert is just as delicious and impressive, saving you time on the big day! What to Serve with Gourmet Tiramisu Yule Log Cake Pairing the perfect sides with your decadent dessert elevates the overall experience, completing your holiday gathering. Rich Espresso: This bold coffee drink complements the coffee notes in the cake, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and sweet, vanilla ice cream contrasts the cake’s texture and adds a cooling sensation with every bite. Fresh Berries: Juicy raspberries or strawberries add a touch of brightness and acidity, cutting through the richness of the Yule Log. Chocolate Truffles: Luxurious and indulgent, these bite-sized delights mirror the cake’s flavors and elevate your dessert platter to the next level. Spiced Mulled Wine: The warmth and spices of this drink offer a lovely contrast to the cake, making for a cozy pairing. Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of fresh whipped cream adds an extra layer of creaminess, enhancing the overall indulgence. Hazelnut Liqueur: Sipping on this nutty liqueur after dessert brings out the rich coffee flavors and leaves a lingering sweetness. Each of these options adds a unique element to your holiday table, creating a delightful fusion of tastes that will leave everyone craving more! Tiramisu Yule Log Cake Variations Let your creativity shine and customize this delightful Tiramisu Yule Log Cake with these tempting alternatives! Gluten-Free: Substitute plain flour with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free treat. Remember, this may change the texture slightly, making it denser but still delicious! Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free option, swap mascarpone cheese with a blend of coconut cream and cashew cream. This will tweak the flavor a bit, but the creaminess will remain satisfying. Caffeine-Free: Use chicory root powder instead of espresso for a caffeine-free twist. This option mimics the earthy notes of coffee without the jitters, making your Tiramisu accessible to everyone. Flavor Boost: For a fruity touch, try adding a layer of raspberry preserves between the cake and filling. This brings a refreshing contrast to the rich coffee flavors. Nutty Surprise: Incorporate crushed hazelnuts or almonds into the filling. This adds a delightful crunch that complements the soft textures beautifully. Chocolate Lovers: Add chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips to your filling for an extra chocolatey explosion! It’s a wonderful way to up the indulgence level. Festive Spice: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter to give this cake a hint of warmth and holiday cheer. Each slice will taste like a cozy winter evening. Zesty Twist: Add some orange zest to your cream filling for a bright, citrusy note that cuts through the richness, offering a refreshing balancing flavor. With these variations, there’s something delightful for every occasion or dietary preference. Explore more sensational flavors, just like those in the Lemon Blackberry Cake or the delightful Bee Sting Cake. Happy baking! Expert Tips for Tiramisu Yule Log Cake Room Temperature Eggs: Ensure your egg whites are at room temperature to whip them into perfect medium peaks, resulting in a lighter cake. Gentle Folding: Always fold the egg whites into the yolks gently to maintain airiness; overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of the intended light texture. Even Baking: Level out the batter in the jelly roll pan before baking to ensure an even bake, helping your Tiramisu Yule Log Cake look and taste fantastic. Trim for Presentation: For a clean finish, trim the ends of the rolled cake right before serving—this not only enhances appearance but ensures pristine slices. Chilling is Key: Allow the cake to chill after assembling; this time helps firm up the filling, making it easier to slice and serve delicious portions. How to Store and Freeze Tiramisu Yule Log Cake Fridge: Keep your Tiramisu Yule Log Cake covered in plastic wrap or an airtight container for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its moisture and delicate flavors. Freezer: For long-term storage, wrap the rolled cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. To enjoy, defrost in the fridge overnight before serving. Reheating: Unlike typical baked goods, this cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. Avoid reheating to preserve the creamy texture and flavor. Serving Suggestions: Slice and dust with additional cocoa powder just before serving to create a beautiful presentation that’s sure to impress! Tiramisu Yule Log Cake Recipe FAQs What type of flour should I use for the Tiramisu Yule Log Cake? For the best structure, plain flour is recommended. However, if you need a gluten-free option, almond flour or coconut flour can be used. Just remember to reduce the amount of almond flour by 25% and add xanthan gum for proper binding. How long can I store Tiramisu Yule Log Cake in the fridge? Absolutely! This delightful cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cover it well with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh and moist. Can I freeze Tiramisu Yule Log Cake? How do I do it? Yes, you can freeze it! To do so, wrap the rolled cake tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply place it in the fridge overnight to defrost slowly, which helps retain its creamy texture. What should I do if my cake is too dry after baking? To prevent dryness, make sure not to overbake—the cake should spring back lightly when touched. If you find it’s still dry, consider serving with a drizzle of coffee liqueur or a simple syrup brushed on prior to assembling. This adds moisture and enhances flavor beautifully. Can I make this cake dairy-free or caffeine-free? Very much so! For a dairy-free option, substitute mascarpone cheese with a mixture of coconut cream and cashew cream. To eliminate caffeine, you can use chicory root powder instead of espresso powder for a similar flavor profile without the jitters! What’s the best way to serve and present the Tiramisu Yule Log Cake? To impress your guests, slice the cake neatly just before serving and dust it with cocoa powder for that classic tiramisu look. Arrange the slices on a beautiful platter alongside fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an elegant touch! Delicious Tiramisu Yule Log Cake for Holiday Bliss Impress your loved ones with a stunning Tiramisu Yule Log Cake! This festive treat captures rich coffee and sweet cream flavors. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsCooling Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr Servings: 12 slicesCourse: DessertsCuisine: ItalianCalories: 290 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cake1 cup Plain Flour Substitute with almond or coconut flour for gluten-free3/4 cup Almond Flour Reduce by 25% and add xanthan gum for binding1 tablespoon Espresso Powder Can substitute with brewed coffee or instant granules4 large Egg Whites Beat to medium peaks for best results4 large Egg Yolks Enriches the batter with whole eggs and sugar3/4 cup Sugar Stabilizes egg whites during whippingFor the Filling1 cup Cream Beat to soft peaks1/2 cup Powdered Sugar Sweetens the filling1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Enhances flavor2 tablespoons Coffee Liqueur Optional for added coffee flavor8 oz Mascarpone Cheese Can substitute with cream cheese and heavy cream (3:1 ratio)1/2 cup Coconut Cream Dairy-free alternative for mascarpone1/2 cup Cashew Cream Another dairy-free alternative for mascarponeFor Dusting2 tablespoons Cocoa Powder For a classic finish Equipment jelly roll panmixing bowlswhiskspatula Method Preparation StepsPreheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper, spraying lightly with baking spray.Sift together plain flour and espresso powder in a mixing bowl and set aside.Beat egg whites with sugar until foamy and medium peaks form, about 3 to 5 minutes.In another bowl, beat egg yolks and sugar until the mixture reaches the ribbon stage, about 5 to 10 minutes.Carefully fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture in three additions.Gently fold in the sifted flour and espresso mixture until just blended.Pour the batter into the prepared pan, leveling it out, and bake for 8 to 10 minutes.Dust the baked cake with cocoa powder, roll it up in parchment paper while warm, and let cool for 20 minutes.Prepare the filling by beating cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and coffee liqueur until soft peaks form; then fold in mascarpone cheese.After the cake cools, unroll it and spread half of the filling over the surface; roll it back up tightly.Frost the outside of the cake with remaining filling and dust with cocoa powder before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 5gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg NotesEnsure egg whites are at room temperature for optimal whipping. For even baking, level out the batter in the pan, and consider chilling the assembled cake for easier slicing. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!