Oatmeal Chocolate Yule Log
A delicious Chocolate Yule Log made with Whole Grain Oats and a Chocolate Cashew Cream filling that would be a delightful dessert as well as a breakfast treat or a snack!
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc., and Quaker. All opinions are mine alone.
Most times, I think I enjoy “discussions” with my daughter that begin with: “when I was your age…”
in fact, I enjoy those conversations way more than she does.
Most times, “when I was your age…” discussions are because she happens to think our non-existent maid is going to clean up after her. But then, sometimes, our “when I was your age…” discussions end up being reflections on memories from the past.
Recently, we were discussing Christmas Dinners from when I was a young lass in Sri Lanka. Back then, our main meal consisted of fancy rice pilaf or “yellow rice” or “rice biryani”, with at least a half dozen amazing curries my mom had labored over for hours.
The Desserts that followed consisted of Sri Lankan Christmas Cake (a boozy, one-of-a-kind fruit and nut cake), one of my mom’s famous chocolate cakes, and a Yule Log my dad would pick up from a local bakery. I would sneak pieces of that yule log and hide under the table and devour them! No lie!
That Yule Log has been something I have struggled -quite unsuccessfully- to recreate over the last few years!
There have been many Christmas’s when my intended “Yule Log” had to be renamed to: “Yule Rolled-Layer Cake” or “Yule Chunks” or “Yule Surprise.”
Fortunately, there are advantages to being the only “experimental-baker” in the family and no one questioned my “creations”!
This year, after many failed attempts, using different kinds of ingredients and techniques; I finally decided to use ground up Quaker Oats Old Fashioned Oats #QuakerUp.
I picked up a 42 oz canister of Quaker Oats Old Fashioned Oats in special winter packaging from my neighborhood Target. If you are looking for these canisters of Quaker Oats with special winter graphics on them, they are available at your neighborhood Target, for a limited time only.
I love rolled oats and eat them in the form of cookies, pancakes, bars, and bowls at pretty much every meal and I figured if I failed again, I could just use the result of my attempt as breakfast or a snack or dessert over the next week (or a couple of days as concoctions with whole grain oats usually don’t last long in our house).
I changed up my previous processes of going about making a yule log in addition to changing up the ingredients. I changed the order of mixing the ingredients. I gave up the idea of using a napkin or towel or even parchment paper to roll the cake and trap in moisture.
And I changed my filling; and, what do you know, the result was actually a believable Yule Log! #MyOatsCreation
Of Course, seeing it was made with rolled oats, we justified our ingestion of it for breakfast over the next couple of days, and finished the last bit off as dessert as my daughter engaged me in a “when YOU were MY age…” discussion about how desserts should NOT be consumed – in hiding – under tables…
It’s a good thing she is in the middle of finals and won’t read this post and find out that under the table wasn’t the only place I hid and ate stolen desserts – there was also the bathroom!
What are the ingredients to make this gluten-free yule log?
FOR CAKE
eggs
sugar
vanilla
salt
Quaker Rolled Oats
cocoa
strong coffee
FOR CASHEW CREAM
cashews soaked overnight
almond milk
coconut oil
brown sugar
cocoa
salt
vanilla
sugared Raspberries
FOR FROSTING:
butter
dark chocolate
powdered sugar
How do you make a chocolate yule log with oats?
While I have the recipe posted below – I figured the above step by step visual will clarify any confusions that might set in from my directions below so here goes:
- I beat 5 eggs (yolks and whites) and sugar and vanilla for about 10 minutes till the mixture had almost doubled in quantity.
- I folded in the salt, oats and cocoa
- Made sure all ingredients were folded well together
- Poured into a parchment lined baking tray
- Baked it for 9 minutes at 375 degrees
- Took it out of the oven and covered it with aluminum foil immediately
- Let it sit, covered in foil till it cooled (while it cooled, I made the cashew cream and stuck it in the fridge to firm up some)
- Using plastic wrap, I flipped the cake over, when completely cooled, and
- I brushed each side with 2-3 tablespoons of strong black coffee
- I piled on the cashew cream
- Spread it around thickly (about 1/4 inch thick)
Rolled up the Yule Log gently using plastic wrap (I should have made sure the first roll was less straight -resulting in the straight line of cake in the log- and more curved over) - Using more plastic wrap, I wrapped the Log securely and placed it in the fridge for about 2 hours
Ingredients
FOR CAKE
- 5 Eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup ground Quaker Oats Rolled Oats I ground mine in my blender
- 1/2 cup cocoa
- 2-3 tablespoons brewed strong coffee
FOR CASHEW CREAM
- 2 cups cashews soaked overnight at room temperature
- 1/2 cup almond milk room temperature
- 2/3 coconut oil melted
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- sugared Raspberries raspberries rolled in powered sugar
FOR FROSTING:
- 1 stick butter
- 1/4 cup melted dark chocolate
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
FOR THE CAKE
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees
- Beat eggs (yolks and whites) and sugar and vanilla for about 10 minutes till the mixture had almost doubled in quantity with an electric mixture.
- I folded in the salt, oats, and cocoa and mix well.
- Pour the mix into a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Bake for 9 minutes.
- Take out of the oven and cover with aluminum foil immediately and let cool covered till completely cool
- Then, using plastic wrap, flip cake, and brush both sides with hot brewed coffee
- Spread cashew cream around thickly (about 1/4 inch thick)
- Roll up the Yule Log gently using plastic wrap
- Then, using more plastic wrap, secure the Log and place it in the fridge for about 2 hours
- Remove plastic wrap
- Frost and serve with sugared raspberries or your choice of topping/accompaniment
FOR THE CASHEW CREAM
- Add the soaked cashews, almond milk, coconut oil, brown sugar, cocoa, salt, and vanilla in a blender till well incorporated
- Stick cashew cream for about an hour till it firms up some
- Then spread on the coffee brushed cake base
FOR THE FROSTING
- Using an electric hand mixture, beat the butter, powdered sugar, and melted chocolate till well incorporated
- Spread over Yule Log and Run a fork over for desired "log" effect
Nutrition
wow – this is such incredible introduction, excellent details and photos!
Thank you so much!
You have outdone yourself, Shashi. Your yule log looks terrific.
i agree! it’s too pretty to eat! i just want to drool
Haha – you are too kind my friend!
Thanks so much Angie – you are so sweet – thank you!
Shashi are you in my brain? With Christmas coming up, chocolate yule log has been on my mind for the past week. It’s undoubtedly one of my favourite desserts, Christmas or not and I love your use of oats—> I never would have thought to put the 2 together….and what’s even more genius is that you guys enjoyed it for brekkie! What better way to get in some fibre ;)!
Haha – an extra dose of fiber smothered in chocolate is how I roll! No pun intended there! 🙂
Thanks so much Khushboo!
Haha nice!! I always appreciate a good pun :)!
…y’all finished the whole log??? And I was going to say to freeze a slice for me for this weekend 🙁
I will make you another one – and Geri and I are making pie!
Something told me to go to your blog today, and I am SO glad I did! Although this breaks my heart. This was always what my mum and I used to make together just before christmas…..and this is the first year I am not going home 🙁 Thank you for showing me a piece of christmas in england. Love it! 🙂 I wish more americans knew about this!
I am so sorry to hear you won’t be going home for Christmas this year, Tina! I know from my own personal experience – it’s hard being away from those you love – sending you a big virtual hug!
Thank you so much btw.
This looks delicious, Shashi, and I’m going to make it over the holidays. I love your blog and photography! I am all about healthy eating as well. New follower 🙂
Hi Robyn – I am so honored – thanks so much for following and thank you so very much for your incredibly sweet words!
Looking forward to “seeing” you around here 🙂
What a creative “creation!” Love the mother daughter conversations you guys share ;). I’m especially drawn to that cashew cream!! Yum
Thank you so much Min! That chocolate cashew cream can be eaten by itself – my daughter and I have had it as a pudding before – just don’t add any melted coconut oil to it.
Oh my gosh, this yule log is AMAZING! I have never attempted one myself, but I am always so in awe of those who do!
Aww- shucks – you are way too kind – thanks so much Joanne!
This looks soooo delish. I love oats by themselves and in baking…Oh, and my father is big on telling the “when I was your age stories” of how he had to walk to school up hill both ways.. I just give him the eye roll haha
Haha – I used to do the infamous eye roll when my parents told me those stories too – now my daughter does it to me! GAH! That’s okay – I just cut me a bigger slice of this than the one I give to her and alls well 🙂
Looks like you nailed the Yule Log this time. Great recipe and photos, Shashi!
Thanks so much Diane!
Wow. I am drooling again! I’ve never even attempted to make a yule log but I am on the lookout for a Christmas day recipe to bake!
Thanks Tara – there are quite a few steps involved – but the end result was so so worth it – at least for a chocoholic like me 😉
This yule log looks absolutely amazing, Shashi!! I loved that you used ground oats and the cashew cream sounds wonderful! I have always wanted to make a yule log and love your fantastic step-by-step photos and tips! Love this, gorgeous job!
Aww -thanks so much Kelly – you are so kind! xxs
You made a YULE LOG with OATMEAL? What are you, super woman?
Yes, yes you are. Because this is MEGA amazing lady! I am seriously in AWE.
Now, ship it to me and no one gets hurt. Pinned!
If I am super woman – then, YOU are SUPER DUPER QUEEN BEE!!!
As for that last bit – lady – say that to my face!!!
Just kidding – come visit me and we will eat chocolate yule log and your decadent brown sugary cinnamony cookies ALL day – deal?
Woah! This is nothing short of awesome, Shashi! I made a yule log a couple of years ago, and I’ve been debating making another one this year just for fun. I love the addition of the oats…so creative!! #client
Thanks so much David – I just found out that I gotta make another for when my sis comes into town this weekend – I could send you and Laura a piece! Wait – who am I kidding – there’s no way am parting with chocolate and oats in any combination 😉
This turned out awesome Shashi! You know you had me at chocolate! Totally my kind of dessert.
I know and share your chocolate infatuation, Melanie 🙂
Btw – thanks so much!
This looks amazing, Shashi! And I love how you included all the step-by-step visuals because I’ve always wanted to try a roll cake, but had no idea how to go about doing it. And that cream and frosting… Oooooomigosh I just want to bathe in a tub of it. Pinned 😀
Thanks so much Amanda! Though when you try your version – you might not wanna do what I did and put too much cashew cream so that first roll stays almost straight!
Whatttt who knew a yule log could be made with healthy ingredients?? Totally just pinned this, yum!
I know right!!! 🙂 Thanks so much Cassandra!
Looks delicious! Glad you finally nailed it!!
Thanks so much Elizabeth! 🙂
That cashew cream looks so dreamy. Love that you used oats in this recipe. Totally justifies eating this for breakfast 😉
Haha – yes – now I have your expert recommendation to further justify eating this for breakfast 😉 Thanks Alanna! 🙂
what a lovely accomplishment!! wish i had a slice. 🙂
Thanks so much Gretchen! 🙂
Your Yule Log turned out beautifully, Shashi! And what a wonderful tutorial for those of us who’d like to try it – thank you!
You are so welcome – Marissa, and thank YOU for your support!
This looks so good Shashi! Thanks for the step by step pictures, really helpful! Pinned.
Thanks so much Manali – and thanks for the pin 🙂
This looks amazing!! My boys would think that I was a baking queen if I made this – maybe next week when they are out of school they will help me.
Thanks Kim – you made my day by saying you might attempt this – yes – YOU can do it!!! btw – would love to know how it turns out if y’all do!
That cashew cream 😀
It was YUM! 😉
Truly impressive Shashi! I haven’t made a rolled cake in years – this is absolutely stunning! Love how you made it with oats for a healthier version.
Thanks so much Jeanette – you are too kind!
Any cake that can be eaten for breakfast is a winner with me. That cashew cream is dreamy!
Haha – I like how you think Maureen! Thanks so much btw.
That cashew cream looks amazing, seriously awesmazing. I need to try it asap!
Thanks My friend!
A Yule Log with Oats! very healthy!
Thank you Peachy! 🙂
Love chocolate!
Me too, Jennifer! Thanks so much for stopping by 🙂
Shashi, this looks perfect! I’d love a slice for breakfast 🙂
Thanks so much Bianca!
Hi Shashi, such a festive dessert, absolutely love your cashew cream!
wow….amazing,stunning yule log Shashi….we just want to have a big slice of it now…beautiful post as always,thanks 🙂
I do love a Yule Log and I try to make one every Christmas. We normally enjoy this every Christmas Eve with carols in the background. I love how you decorated your log with the ‘bark’ markings – it looks fantastic xx
This yule log is stunning Shashi! They always intimidate me… I feel like I would mess them up! But yours… it’s expert level baking right there! And that cashew cream sounds delish!
This yule log looks absolutely delicious! Can’t believe it’s made with oatmeal!
Oh my, Shashi! This chocolate yule log would annihilate my chocolate cravings. Nice job!
Wow this log is just gorgeous! I’ve never attempted a roll / log before … they kind of intimidate me! And that cashew cream with those raspberries … I’ll take a big slice!
Shashi: Thanks for a great yule log recipe. My daughter, Hannah, is a chocoholic… She’d be thrilled to devour this — especially under the table where she could hide from me. 🙂
Absolutely beautiful! What a perfect treat for the holiday!
Dang girl, that yule log could not be more attractive and delicious looking. Thanks for sharing, I might give it a shot soon.
Btw, I do the same thing, ‘when I was your age’…..it’s so sweet that they do listen well.
Oats in a Yule Log? Totally love the idea! Very creative, and an extremely well written recipe. Thanks, and I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
TOTES reminds me of when I was younger. This is a french dessert that my dad would always buy (he said he made it, BS daddio) and serve on XMAS. I was going to try my hand at making one for a video but yeahhhh NO TIME FOR THAT. So I am glad I left it to you! 😉
Great job with the yule log! My dad would also buy a beautiful yule log from one of the bakeries in London. It was my favourite cake, I have yet to do a yule log, I’ve done rolled cakes, but never an actual yule log. I love them, next year maybe. Yours is a thing of beauty though, and with oats too, just gorgeous. Happy Holidays!!
I love those holiday desserts! They look so festive! This one seems to be gluten free too! What a creation!
This looks amazing!! I love Christmas baking, this is such a great idea!
A yule log or roll cake is something that I have always wanted to try out… but I’m a bit afraid. Baking and I don’t always get along. 🙂 But you make me want to drop my fears and just do it. 🙂 Gorgeous cake!
That looks delicious! Pinning!! #SITSBlogging
I’ve always wanted to make a yule log!!!! I need to and this one looks fabulous!!!! roll anything in chocolate frosting and I’m weak in the knees!! 😛 love this, Shashi!!!
when I was your age, “I had to walk 15 miles up hill both ways to school…” I know I would have walked 15 miles, heck ran 15 miles if this delicious yule log was at the finish line.