6 Easy Steps for a Magical Ginger Bread Yule Log Cake

If the holidays had a flavor, I’m convinced it would taste exactly like this Ginger Bread Yule Log Cake—warm, cozy, and just a little bit dramatic (in a good way!). Whether you’re juggling office parties, family dinners, or kiddos running laps around the living room, this cake is your magical holiday showstopper without the stress. And yes, your home will smell like a Hallmark movie in the best way.

As someone who believes desserts should feel like a hug, this Ginger Bread Yule Log Cake makes me smile every year. It’s festive, fun, and surprisingly manageable—even if the idea of rolling a cake sounds like something only pastry chefs do while wearing tall white hats. Trust me, you can do this. I’ll walk with you, spatula in hand.

Why You’ll Love This Ginger Bread Yule Log Cake

This cake is more than a dessert—it’s a festive centerpiece, a conversation starter, and honestly, a delicious way to impress people without turning your kitchen into a holiday battlefield.

Here’s what makes it special:

• Warm gingerbread spices that feel like Christmas wrapping itself around you
• Mascarpone filling so creamy it could melt even your grumpiest relative’s heart
• Toasted meringue frosting that looks like you spent hours decorating (but didn’t!)
• Sugared cranberries that sparkle like tiny edible ornaments

And yes, I make this every year because my family insists—and because it’s one of those recipes that make me feel like the culinary fairy godmother I always wanted to be.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake

• 1/4 tsp allspice
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (dark brown adds deeper flavor)
• 4 eggs, separated
• 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses (Grandma’s unsulphured works great)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 1 1/4 cups cake flour
• 1 tbsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp salt

Mascarpone Filling

• 1 cup heavy cream (at least 36% fat)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese

Meringue Frosting

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 egg whites

Sugared Cranberries & Garnish

• 1/4 cup fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup simple syrup
• 1/4 cup sugared cranberries
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 sprigs fresh rosemary

How to Make This Stunning Ginger Bread Yule Log Cake

Let’s take this step by step. You won’t need fancy equipment—just a little patience and maybe a holiday playlist to set the mood.

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 10×15 jelly roll pan with parchment.

1. In a stand mixer, whip the egg whites to stiff peaks. Set aside in a bowl.
2. Add the egg yolks to the mixer with the paddle attachment.
3. Slowly pour in brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla, mixing on low.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, cardamom, and salt.
5. Add the dry ingredient mix to the mixer along with yogurt and molasses.
6. Scrape down the sides and mix until smooth.
7. Fold the whipped egg whites gently into the batter—this keeps the cake light and rollable.

Pour the batter into your jelly roll pan, spread it evenly, and bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges brown slightly and the cake springs back when touched.

Step 2: Roll the Cake While Warm

This step sounds intimidating, but I promise—it’s easier than rolling up a yoga mat.

1. Dust a clean kitchen towel generously with powdered sugar.
2. Flip the cake onto the towel while it’s still warm, parchment side up.
3. Keeping the parchment on, gently roll the cake from one end to the other.

Let it cool in the towel for 1–2 hours. This helps the cake “learn” its rolled shape without cracking later. If only teaching kids to clean their rooms worked this well.

Step 3: Make the Sugared Cranberries

While the cake cools, let’s make some edible decorations that look like snow-kissed jewels.

1. Make simple syrup by microwaving 1/4 cup sugar + 1/4 cup water until dissolved.
2. Dip each cranberry into the syrup.
3. Roll them in granulated sugar.
4. Dry them on a rack.

These little gems add sparkle and contrast on top of your Ginger Bread Yule Log Cake. And yes… you’ll probably snack on a few. I always do.

Step 4: Fill the Cake With Mascarpone Magic

After the cake has cooled, gently unroll it. Peel off the parchment.

In your stand mixer, whip together:

• Mascarpone
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla
• Powdered sugar

Whip until stiff peaks form—smooth, creamy, dreamy.

Spread the filling evenly over your cake, leaving a ½-inch border to prevent overflow. Then roll the cake back up tightly.

Refrigerate 30 minutes to 1 hour so everything settles beautifully.

Step 5: Make the Meringue Frosting

This frosting is a showpiece. Light, glossy, and easily torched for that rustic log effect.

1. Set up a double boiler.
2. Combine egg whites and sugar in a bowl over the steam.
3. Whisk until warm and sugar dissolves.
4. Transfer to a mixer and whip on high until stiff peaks form.
5. Add vanilla.

Put about a third of the meringue in a piping bag for detailing.

Step 6: Decorate Like a Holiday Pro

Spread the meringue frosting all over the cake. Don’t worry if it looks messy—logs are supposed to have character!

Use:

• an offset spatula for smoothing
• a fork to create bark-like lines
• a blow torch to lightly toast the peaks

Arrange fresh rosemary sprigs and both fresh and sugared cranberries around the log. Stand back. Admire. Beam with pride.

Serve immediately or refrigerate until showtime (preferably the same day).

Tips for a Stress-Free Ginger Bread Yule Log Cake

• If your cake cracks—don’t panic! The meringue hides everything like the world’s most delicious concealer.
• Use room-temperature eggs for fluffier meringue and cake batter.
• Don’t skip the towel roll. It’s the secret to a smooth spiral.
• Feeling fancy? Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar over the top for sparkle.

A few years ago, I made this for my family’s Christmas Eve dinner, and my kids gasped like I’d pulled a rabbit out of a hat. Now it’s my official “Santa dessert.” You’ll understand why after the first bite.

FAQs About Making a Ginger Bread Yule Log Cake

Bringing It All Together

This Ginger Bread Yule Log Cake brings holiday magic straight to your table. Filled with warm spices, creamy mascarpone, and a festive meringue finish, it’s the kind of dessert that makes memories. Whether you’re hosting a big holiday dinner or just want to treat your family, this cake is guaranteed to bring smiles (and maybe a few happy dances).

If you try this recipe, come tell me how it went—I love hearing your kitchen stories. Until then, happy baking, and may your home smell like gingerbread and joy all season long.

More Festive Treats You’ll Love

If this Ginger Bread Yule Log Cake brought a little extra holiday magic into your kitchen, I’ve got a few more cozy, cheerful recipes you might adore. These are perfect for gifting, sharing, or simply treating yourself after a long day of holiday hustle:

• Keep the festive fun going with these colorful and irresistible Twisted Christmas Cookies—they’re playful, soft, and always disappear fast at parties.
• Craving something creamy and whimsical? This dreamy No Bake Grinch Pie is a holiday hit that requires almost no effort (your secret is safe with me!).
• If you love warm spices as much as I do, you have to try the velvety-smooth Gingerbread Tiramisu—it’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket of flavor.
• And for another showstopping centerpiece, don’t miss the decadent Classic Yule Log Recipe—a chocolate lover’s dream and a guaranteed “wow” moment on your holiday table.

Enjoy exploring these festive favorites, and may your kitchen stay warm, sweet, and full of magic all season long.

Print