Transform your holiday table with this incredible Homemade Snickers Yule Log that combines all the beloved flavors of the classic candy bar in an elegant rolled cake format. This show-stopping dessert features chocolate sponge cake filled with salted caramel, peanut butter mousse, and chopped peanuts, all covered in rich chocolate ganache for the ultimate holiday indulgence.
What is a Homemade Snickers Yule Log?
A Homemade Snickers Yule Log is a festive Swiss roll-style cake that recreates the iconic flavors of Snickers candy bars in an elegant holiday dessert. This sophisticated cake features layers of chocolate sponge cake, salted caramel filling, peanut butter mousse, crunchy peanuts, and a glossy chocolate ganache coating. The traditional yule log shape makes it perfect for holiday celebrations while delivering the nostalgic taste of everyone’s favorite candy bar.
Why Snickers Yule Log is Perfect for Holiday Entertaining
This impressive dessert combines the comfort of familiar candy bar flavors with the elegance of traditional French patisserie. The Snickers Yule Log serves a crowd beautifully, can be made ahead of time, and creates a stunning centerpiece that guests will remember long after the holidays. The combination of textures and flavors appeals to both children and adults, making it the perfect compromise dessert for family gatherings.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Homemade Snickers Yule Log
For the Chocolate Sponge Cake:
- 6 large eggs, separated
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
For the Salted Caramel Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
For the Peanut Butter Mousse:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp corn syrup (for shine)
For Assembly and Decoration:
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
- Mini Snickers bars for garnish
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs
Step-by-Step Homemade Snickers Yule Log Recipe
Preparation Time: 2 hours
Baking Time: 12 minutes
Assembly Time: 1 hour
Chilling Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 7 hours
Serves: 12-14 people
Making the Chocolate Sponge Cake:
- Prepare pan: Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and grease thoroughly.
- Separate eggs: Place egg whites in a clean bowl and yolks in another bowl.
- Beat egg yolks: Beat egg yolks with 1/2 cup sugar until pale and thick. Add vanilla extract.
- Whip egg whites: Beat egg whites until soft peaks form, gradually add remaining sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Combine dry ingredients: Sift together cocoa powder, flour, and salt.
- Fold mixture: Gently fold dry ingredients into egg yolk mixture, then fold in beaten egg whites.
- Bake cake: Spread batter evenly in prepared pan and bake for 10-12 minutes until springs back when touched.
- Roll while warm: Immediately turn cake onto a kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Roll up with towel and cool completely.
Preparing the Salted Caramel:
- Make caramel: Heat sugar in a heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until melted and amber colored.
- Add butter: Carefully whisk in butter until melted.
- Add cream: Slowly pour in cream while whisking (mixture will bubble vigorously).
- Season and cool: Stir in vanilla and salt. Cool to room temperature.
Making the Peanut Butter Mousse:
- Beat peanut butter: Beat peanut butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
- Add sugar: Beat in powdered sugar and vanilla until combined.
- Whip cream: In separate bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks.
- Fold together: Gently fold whipped cream into peanut butter mixture until no streaks remain.
- Add peanuts: Fold in chopped peanuts for texture.
Preparing the Chocolate Ganache:
- Heat cream: Heat cream in a small saucepan until just simmering.
- Melt chocolate: Pour hot cream over chopped chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes.
- Whisk smooth: Whisk until smooth and glossy.
- Add butter: Whisk in butter and corn syrup for extra shine.
- Cool slightly: Let ganache cool until spreadable but still pourable.
Assembly Process:
- Unroll cake: Carefully unroll cooled cake and remove towel.
- Spread caramel: Spread salted caramel evenly over cake surface.
- Add mousse: Spread peanut butter mousse over caramel layer.
- Roll carefully: Roll cake up tightly, starting from short end.
- Chill seam-side down: Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Apply ganache: Pour ganache over chilled log, smoothing with offset spatula.
- Create bark texture: Use fork to create bark-like texture in ganache.
- Final chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Homemade Snickers Yule Log
Achieving Perfect Sponge Cake:
- Room temperature eggs: Use eggs at room temperature for better volume
- Gentle folding: Fold ingredients carefully to maintain airiness
- Quick rolling: Roll cake while still warm to prevent cracking
- Proper cooling: Cool completely before adding fillings
Caramel Mastery:
- Watch temperature: Don’t let sugar burn – remove from heat when amber
- Safety first: Be extremely careful with hot caramel
- Smooth consistency: Whisk constantly when adding cream
- Proper thickness: Cook to coating consistency
Mousse Perfection:
- Softened cream cheese: Ensure cream cheese is completely softened
- Proper whipping: Don’t over-whip cream to avoid grainy texture
- Gentle incorporation: Fold components together lightly
- Consistent texture: Ensure no lumps remain
Ganache Excellence:
- Quality chocolate: Use high-quality dark chocolate for best flavor
- Temperature control: Don’t let cream boil
- Smooth finish: Strain ganache if lumps appear
- Working consistency: Use when slightly cooled but still pourable
Homemade Snickers Yule Log Variations
Flavor Modifications:
- Nutella version: Replace peanut butter with Nutella
- Almond joy style: Use coconut and almonds instead of peanuts
- Turtle variation: Add pecans and extra caramel
- Milky Way twist: Focus on nougat and caramel flavors
Presentation Alternatives:
- Mini logs: Create individual portion sizes
- Tiered display: Make multiple logs in different sizes
- Decorated branches: Add marzipan mushrooms and leaves
- Rustic style: Leave ganache rough for natural bark appearance
Dietary Accommodations:
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free flour blend
- Dairy-free version: Use coconut cream and dairy-free chocolate
- Reduced sugar: Use sugar alternatives in appropriate ratios
- Nut-free alternative: Substitute sunflower seed butter
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
Storage Guidelines:
- Refrigeration required: Keep refrigerated at all times
- Storage duration: Best consumed within 3-4 days
- Covering method: Cover loosely with plastic wrap to protect ganache
- Freezing option: Can be frozen for up to 1 month (thaw in refrigerator)
Make-Ahead Strategy:
- Day before: Complete entire log and chill overnight
- Component prep: Make cake and fillings up to 2 days ahead
- Assembly timing: Assemble day of serving for best texture
- Transport tips: Keep chilled and handle carefully
Nutritional Information and Serving Suggestions
Per Slice (approximate):
- Calories: 485
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 32g
- Protein: 8g
- Sugar: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
Serving Recommendations:
- Portion size: Cut into 1-inch thick slices
- Presentation: Serve on chilled plates
- Accompaniments: Offer with coffee or dessert wine
- Garnish ideas: Dust with powdered sugar and add fresh berries
Equipment and Tools Needed
Essential Equipment:
- Jelly roll pan: 15×10-inch with sides
- Stand mixer: For beating eggs and cream
- Heavy saucepan: For caramel making
- Offset spatula: For smooth ganache application
- Kitchen towel: For rolling technique
Helpful Tools:
- Candy thermometer: For precise caramel temperature
- Fine mesh strainer: For smooth ganache
- Sharp knife: For clean slicing
- Bench scraper: For smooth sides
Perfect Occasions for Homemade Snickers Yule Log
This spectacular dessert is perfect for:
- Christmas celebrations and holiday gatherings
- New Year’s parties and winter entertaining
- Birthday celebrations during holiday season
- Potluck dinners and family reunions
- Special occasions requiring impressive desserts
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Cake Problems:
- Cracked cake: Roll while warm and work gently
- Dry texture: Don’t overbake, check timing carefully
- Uneven rolling: Use towel guide and work slowly
- Falling apart: Ensure proper cooling before filling
Filling Issues:
- Runny caramel: Cook longer to proper consistency
- Lumpy mousse: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature
- Separation: Beat components thoroughly before combining
- Leaking filling: Don’t overfill and roll tightly
Ganache Problems:
- Grainy texture: Strain and re-whisk while warm
- Too thick: Add warm cream gradually
- Won’t set: Chill longer or add more chocolate
- Dull finish: Add corn syrup for shine
Conclusion
Homemade Snickers Yule Log represents the perfect marriage of nostalgic candy bar flavors and elegant holiday presentation. This show-stopping dessert transforms beloved Snickers elements into a sophisticated centerpiece that will impress guests while delivering the comfort of familiar flavors.
Whether you’re hosting a formal holiday dinner or casual family gathering, this comprehensive guide ensures your Snickers Yule Log will be absolutely perfect. The combination of detailed techniques, professional tips, and creative variations provides everything needed to create a memorable dessert that captures the magic of the holiday season.
Ready to create your own edible masterpiece? Gather your ingredients, prepare your workspace, and embark on the rewarding journey of making this spectacular Homemade Snickers Yule Log that will become the star of your holiday table and a treasured family tradition.
