Decadent Brownie Yule Log Recipe: Elevating the Christmas Classic with a Modern Twist

17 Dec 2025

If Christmas desserts had a glow-up, this would be it. This brownie yule log recipe takes everything you love about a traditional yule log and swaps the sponge for a rich, fudgy brownie. The result? A show-stopping centrepiece that feels festive and modern – perfect for family Christmas dinners, Boxing Day spreads, and that one relative who ‘doesn’t usually like dessert’ (they will now).

This guide walks you through how to make a brownie yule log, step by step, with plenty of tips to guarantee success – even if you’re baking with kids or juggling a chaotic Christmas kitchen.

What You’ll Learn in This Recipe Guide

  • Exactly how to make a brownie yule log without cracks or stress
  • The best ingredients and tin size for rolling success
  • Easy flavour variations (hello Biscoff and Kinder Bueno)
  • Storage, freezing and make-ahead tips for Christmas planning

What Is a Brownie Yule Log?

A brownie yule log is a festive twist on the classic Christmas dessert. Instead of a light sponge, this version uses a thin-baked brownie sheet that’s rolled with a creamy filling and decorated to resemble a traditional log.

How It Differs From a Traditional Yule Log

  • Texture: Rich and fudgy rather than light and airy
  • Flavour: Deep chocolate brownie flavour
  • Vibe: Modern, indulgent, and very crowd-pleasing

It’s ideal if you’re looking for the best brownie yule log recipe with maximum impact and minimal faff.

What’s the Difference Between a Yule Log and a Roulade?

They’re closely related. A roulade is the technique (rolling a baked sheet with filling), while a yule log is the festive presentation – decorated to look like a log and traditionally served at Christmas.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Core Brownie Batter Ingredients

  • 200g dark chocolate
  • 150g unsalted butter
  • 150g caster sugar
  • 100g light brown sugar
  • 80g plain flour
  • 30g cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Using high quality free-range eggs helps create structure and flexibility in the brownie sheet – essential for rolling.

Filling Options

  • Whipped cream
  • Chocolate ganache
  • Mascarpone cream
  • Cream cheese frosting

Optional Add-Ins

Perfect for customising this easy brownie yule log recipe:

  • Crushed Biscoff biscuits
  • Kinder Bueno pieces
  • Chocolate chips
  • Orange zest or peppermint extract

Equipment Checklist

Best Tin Size for a Brownie Yule Log

  • Swiss roll tin (approx. 23 x 33cm)

A shallow tin ensures the brownie bakes thin enough to roll without cracking.

Tools That Make Rolling Easier

  • Baking parchment
  • Electric whisk
  • Clean tea towel
  • Offset spatula

How to Make a Brownie Yule Log

1. Prep Your Tin

Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Line your tin with baking parchment, leaving an overhang.

2. Melt Chocolate and Butter

Gently melt together until smooth - you can achieve this easily in the microwave in short bursts or in a large heatproof bowl over a pan of boiling water. Set aside to cool slightly.

3. Whisk Eggs & Sugar

Whisk your St. Ewe Original Large eggs and both sugars until pale, thick, and fluffy. This step adds lightness and structure.

4. Combine Wet Ingredients

Slowly whisk the melted chocolate mixture into the eggs & sugar.

5. Add Dry Ingredients

Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Fold gently until just combined.

6. Bake the Brownie Sheet

Pour into the tin and spread evenly. Bake for 12–15 minutes – it should be set but still soft.

7. Prepare for Rolling

Lay a clean tea towel on the worktop and dust lightly with cocoa powder.

8. Roll While Warm

Turn the brownie out onto the towel, peel off parchment, and gently roll from the short end. Leave to cool rolled up.

9. Make the Filling

Whip or prepare your chosen filling until smooth and spreadable.

10. Unroll & Fill

Carefully unroll the brownie and spread filling evenly, leaving a small border.

11. Roll Up Again

Re-roll gently but firmly. Don’t panic about cracks – they add character.

12. Decorate!

Cover with ganache or frosting. Use a fork to create a bark effect and dust with icing sugar.

13. Chill & Serve

Chill for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!

Viral Variation: Brownie Yule Log Recipe

This method is all over social media and perfect if rolling makes you nervous.

Crumble & Press the Brownie

Crumble the baked brownie and mix with a little ganache or cream.

Chill the Brownie ’til Firm

Press into a log shape and chill until firm.

Roll Tightly

Roll in parchment to smooth and shape, then decorate as usual.

Serving & Storage

Best Ways to Store a Brownie Yule Log

Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezing Instructions

Wrap tightly and freeze for up to one month. Defrost overnight in the fridge.

How to Serve for Maximum Freshness

Remove from the fridge 20 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Use St. Ewe Large Eggs for the Perfect Brownie Yule Log

Upgrade Your Bake with St. Ewe

Great bakes start with great ingredients. St. Ewe Original Large Eggs give this brownie yule log structure, richness, and consistency – ideal for festive baking when you want results you can trust. A bakers best friend some may say...

Traditionally chocolate. Coffee, chestnut and vanilla variations are also very popular.

Bake until just set and springy. Overbaking causes cracking when rolling.

The buttered toast is cut into long, straight strips that stand to attention like soldiers on parade - hence the name. They're perfectly sized for dunking into the soft yolk.


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