Gourmet Tiramisu Yule Log Cake: A Festive Italian-Inspired Christmas Dessert

At Eminent Recipes, every dessert tells a story of family gatherings, shared moments, and a love for approachable gourmet cooking. This Gourmet Tiramisu Yule Log Cake reflects that philosophy perfectly—classic flavors made simple, elegant yet comforting. Inspired by festive traditions and everyday home baking, this recipe brings together espresso, mascarpone, and soft cake to create a holiday centerpiece that feels special without being complicated or intimidating.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is designed for home cooks who want impressive results without unnecessary stress. The Gourmet Tiramisu Yule Log Cake delivers rich espresso flavor, creamy mascarpone filling, and a festive presentation while staying approachable and family-friendly. Whether you’re searching for a tiramisu yule log recipe easy enough for beginners or a dessert worthy of a holiday table, this recipe fits both needs beautifully.

You’ll love how quick and flexible it is. It can be made ahead, customized with ladyfingers or sponge cake, and adjusted to suit different tastes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions. Inspired by classic European desserts and popular variations like tiramisu yule log British baking show styles, this recipe balances elegance with comfort.

From cozy family dinners to Christmas celebrations, this dessert feels special without being complicated. If you enjoy recipes that are comforting, customizable, and reliable, the Gourmet Tiramisu Yule Log Cake is a perfect choice. It’s a dessert that brings people together, looks stunning on the table, and tastes even better with every slice.

Ingredients for This Recipe

The ingredients in this recipe are carefully chosen to create a balanced, elegant dessert that still feels approachable for home bakers. The sponge cake provides a light, flexible base that rolls easily without cracking, while espresso and coffee syrup bring the signature tiramisu flavor. Mascarpone cheese adds richness and creaminess, giving the filling its smooth, luxurious texture. Cocoa powder and dark chocolate finish the dessert with a classic, slightly bitter contrast that elevates the sweetness. Together, these components make the Gourmet Tiramisu Yule Log Cake both refined and comforting, ideal for anyone looking for a reliable tiramisu yule log recipe that delivers consistent results with simple, high-quality ingredients.

Ingredients for gourmet tiramisu yule log cake
Gourmet Tiramisu Yule Log Cake: A Festive Italian-Inspired Christmas Dessert 13

🛒 Ingredients (for one standard Yule Log / 10–12 servings):

For the Espresso Sponge Cake
4 large eggs, room temperature
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
½ teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt

For the Coffee Syrup
¾ cup strong brewed espresso or coffee, cooled
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional)

For the Mascarpone Cream Filling
1 cup (8 oz) mascarpone cheese, chilled
1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cocoa Finish & Decoration
Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
Dark chocolate shavings or curls
Optional: chocolate ganache or whipped cream for bark-style decoration

How to Make This Recipe

Making this dessert is all about simple techniques that deliver bakery-style results. The process focuses on creating a soft, flexible sponge, building deep coffee flavor, and finishing with a smooth mascarpone cream. Each step is designed to be beginner-friendly while still producing a Gourmet Tiramisu Yule Log Cake that looks elegant and tastes indulgent. Rolling the cake while warm prevents cracking, and chilling before slicing ensures clean, professional-looking results. This method works perfectly if you’re looking for a tiramisu yule log recipe easy enough for home baking but impressive enough for holidays, dinner parties, or special occasions.

🛒 Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper for an even bake.

Whip eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy, creating the airy base essential for a successful tiramisu yule log recipe.

Gently fold in dry ingredients and espresso powder to maintain volume and flavor.

Bake the sponge until lightly golden, then immediately roll it in a towel to lock in flexibility.

Prepare strong coffee syrup and allow it to cool for balanced espresso flavor.

Whip mascarpone cream until smooth and spread evenly over the unrolled cake.

Re-roll tightly, chill to set, then finish with cocoa dusting or chocolate for a classic Gourmet Tiramisu Yule Log Cake presentation.

Assembling gourmet tiramisu yule log cake
Gourmet Tiramisu Yule Log Cake: A Festive Italian-Inspired Christmas Dessert 14

Expert Cooking Tips

Mastering this dessert comes down to technique and ingredient handling. Using room-temperature eggs ensures maximum volume in the sponge, which is essential for a flexible roll that won’t crack. High-quality mascarpone and freshly brewed espresso elevate the flavor, giving the Gourmet Tiramisu Yule Log Cake its signature richness. Chilling at the right stages allows the tiramisu layers to set properly, creating clean slices and a refined finish. These professional techniques help guarantee success whether you’re preparing a tiramisu yule log recipe easy enough for beginners or refining it into a gourmet holiday centerpiece.

💡 Expert Tips:

Use room-temperature eggs to achieve a light, airy sponge for a smooth tiramisu yule log roll.

Roll the cake while warm to prevent cracks and maintain structure.

Brush the sponge lightly with coffee syrup to enhance espresso flavor without making it soggy.

Whip mascarpone gently to avoid overmixing and grainy texture.

Chill the assembled log before decorating for sharp slices and a polished Gourmet Tiramisu Yule Log Cake presentation.

Dust cocoa just before serving for a fresh, classic tiramisu finish.

Four gourmet tiramisu yule log cake variations
Gourmet Tiramisu Yule Log Cake: A Festive Italian-Inspired Christmas Dessert 15

FAQs

What is the best way to keep a tiramisu yule log recipe from cracking

Rolling the sponge cake while it is still warm is essential. This technique keeps the cake flexible and helps maintain the structure of a gourmet tiramisu yule log cake without breaking.

Can I make a tiramisu yule log recipe easy for beginners

Yes, this recipe is very beginner-friendly. You can simplify it by using a basic sponge or ladyfingers while still achieving the classic flavor of a gourmet tiramisu yule log cake.

How far in advance can I prepare a gourmet tiramisu yule log cake

This dessert can be made one day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Chilling improves flavor and texture, making it ideal for holidays and special occasions.

Can I customize this tiramisu yule log recipe

Absolutely. You can adjust coffee strength, add chocolate layers, or use alcohol-free syrup, making this tiramisu yule log recipe easy to customize for family-friendly or gourmet preferences.

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This Gourmet Tiramisu Yule Log Cake brings together classic tiramisu flavors and festive presentation in a way that feels both elegant and achievable. With simple techniques, flexible ingredients, and rich espresso-mascarpone layers, it’s a dessert that fits busy schedules while still making a statement on the table. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday celebration or a special family gathering, this tiramisu yule log recipe delivers comfort, flavor, and visual appeal. It’s a reliable, crowd-pleasing dessert that turns everyday ingredients into a memorable centerpiece worth sharing.

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Slice of gourmet tiramisu yule log cake

Gourmet Tiramisu Yule Log Cake


  • Author: Savannah
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 1012 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A luxurious twist on the classic holiday Yule log, this Gourmet Tiramisu Yule Log Cake blends soft espresso-soaked sponge, silky mascarpone cream, and a cocoa-dusted finish. Elegant yet approachable, it delivers the iconic tiramisu flavor in a festive rolled cake perfect for Christmas, winter gatherings, or gourmet dessert tables.


Ingredients

Scale

🛒 Ingredients (for one standard Yule Log / 10–12 servings):

For the Espresso Sponge Cake:

  • 4 large eggs, room temperature

  • ½ cup granulated sugar

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour

  • ¼ cup cornstarch

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder

  • ½ teaspoon baking powder

  • Pinch of salt

For the Coffee Syrup:

  • ¾ cup strong brewed espresso or coffee, cooled

  • 2 tablespoons sugar

  • 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional)

For the Mascarpone Cream Filling:

  • 1 cup (8 oz) mascarpone cheese, chilled

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold

  • ½ cup powdered sugar

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cocoa Finish & Decoration:

  • Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting

  • Dark chocolate shavings or curls

  • Optional: chocolate ganache or whipped cream for bark-style decoration


Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Bake the Sponge Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.

In a bowl, whisk flour, cornstarch, baking powder, espresso powder, and salt.

In a separate large bowl, beat eggs and granulated sugar until pale, thick, and tripled in volume (about 5–7 minutes). Gently fold in vanilla.

Carefully fold dry ingredients into the egg mixture in batches, preserving as much air as possible.

Spread batter evenly into prepared pan and bake 10–12 minutes, until lightly golden and springy to touch.

Step 2: Roll & Cool

While warm, turn cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off parchment.

Roll the cake gently (with towel inside) from the short end. Let cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare Coffee Syrup

Mix cooled espresso, sugar, and coffee liqueur until dissolved. Set aside.

Step 4: Make Mascarpone Cream

Whip heavy cream to soft peaks.

In another bowl, whisk mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Gently fold in whipped cream until light and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble the Yule Log

Unroll the cooled cake carefully. Brush evenly with coffee syrup.

Spread mascarpone cream in an even layer, leaving a ½-inch border.

Re-roll the cake tightly (without towel). Place seam-side down and chill 30–45 minutes.

Step 6: Decorate

Dust generously with cocoa powder or coat with chocolate ganache for a bark effect.

 

Decorate with chocolate shavings, cocoa snow, or piped whipped cream.

Notes

  • Clean Slices: Chill well before slicing for sharp, elegant cuts.
  • No-Alcohol Option: Skip the liqueur and use vanilla-infused coffee.
  • Ladyfinger Version: Swap sponge with espresso-soaked ladyfingers for a no-bake tiramisu log.
  • Gourmet Touch: Add a thin layer of dark chocolate between cake and cream.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert / Holiday Cake
  • Method: Baked / Rolled / Chilled
  • Cuisine: Italian-Inspired / European Holiday Dessert

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