If you’re looking to wow everyone this holiday season, the Gingerbread Yule Log with Cranberries and White Chocolate Recipe is an absolute showstopper. This festive dessert combines the warm, spicy flavors of classic gingerbread with the tart brightness of fresh cranberries, all wrapped up in a luscious white chocolate coating. It’s a delightful centerpiece that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate, perfectly capturing the spirit of cozy celebrations with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a rectangular white plate with a dessert made of multiple thin white layers stacked unevenly, resembling small peaks with a rough texture. Around the edges of the plate, there are small purple frozen berries scattered. To the left of the plate, a clear glass bowl is filled with more purple frozen berries. The setting is on a wooden surface with green leaves and sprigs placed around the plate, and a jar with warm yellow fairy lights is visible on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe uses simple but essential ingredients that work harmoniously to create a moist, flavorful cake and a creamy, festive frosting. Each element adds something special, from the spice blend that sings holiday cheer to the tangy cranberries that cut through the sweetness beautifully.

Cranberries and sugar: The fresh cranberries with granulated sugar create a vibrant, tart compote that adds a fresh pop of flavor and color.
Eggs: Provide the structure and richness needed for a tender, springy cake.
Dark brown sugar: Brings deep caramel notes that enhance the gingerbread’s warmth.
Molasses or treacle: The heart of gingerbread flavor, imparting that iconic bittersweet depth.
Mascarpone, sour cream, or applesauce: Adds moisture and a subtle tang to keep the cake perfectly soft.
Baking soda and spices: Baking soda works with the molasses for a tender crumb, while cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg deliver holiday spice magic.
All-purpose flour: The structure base that keeps the cake light without heaviness.
Powdered sugar: Used for rolling the cake and in the frosting for sweetness and smoothness.
White chocolate chips or chopped chocolate: Essential for that creamy, sweet bark on the finished log.
Heavy cream and vanilla bean paste/extract: For the luscious whipped cream frosting that’s both soft and flavorful.
Additional mascarpone or sour cream: Adds richness and a slight tang to the filling and frosting blend.

How to Make Gingerbread Yule Log with Cranberries and White Chocolate Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Compote

Start by combining one cup of water with one cup (200 grams) of granulated sugar in a saucepan and bring it to a simmer. Toss in the fresh cranberries and cook until they begin to burst and the mixture thickens slightly. This compote is the bright, tart contrast that will elevate the rich gingerbread flavor, so don’t rush this step.

Step 2: Make the Gingerbread Cake Batter

In a mixing bowl, beat together the eggs and dark brown sugar until the mixture turns lighter and fluffy. Stir in the molasses and your choice of mascarpone, sour cream, or applesauce — this combo ensures a moist texture. Sift the flour with the baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt, then gently fold into the wet ingredients. The spices will infuse the batter with warm notes reminiscent of a classic holiday kitchen.

Step 3: Bake and Roll the Cake

Pour the batter evenly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake until springy to the touch. While still warm, dust generously with powdered sugar and carefully roll the cake up with the parchment paper inside. This rolling step shapes your Yule log and prevents cracking later on.

Step 4: Prepare the White Chocolate Bark

Melt the white chocolate chips slowly over a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring often for a silky consistency. Spread the white chocolate either over wax paper or your work surface to form a delicate bark, which will decorate the outside of the log for an elegant finish with a sweet touch.

Step 5: Make the Filling and Frosting

Whip the heavy cream with vanilla and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Gently fold in mascarpone or sour cream for a slightly tangy richness that complements the berries and spices in the cake. This luscious whipped cream becomes both your filling and outer frosting, lending a light yet creamy texture.

Step 6: Assemble the Gingerbread Yule Log

Unroll the cake gently, spread a layer of the whipped filling inside, and spread some of the cranberry compote over it. Carefully re-roll the cake without the parchment this time. Spread the remaining whipped cream frosting over the entire log and press shards of white chocolate bark onto the surface, mimicking a snowy, festive tree trunk.

How to Serve Gingerbread Yule Log with Cranberries and White Chocolate Recipe

A close-up view of a rolled chocolate cake placed on white parchment paper on a wooden board. The cake roll is dark brown with a slightly rough texture on the outside, showing a rich chocolate color. Inside, a light cream layer swirls throughout the roll, creating a spiral effect with smooth and soft cream filling. The background is a simple light blue wall, and a white marbled surface is partially visible at the bottom edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh cranberries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar make for a classic snowy effect, while a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or mint add a striking green contrast and a lovely festive aroma. Candied ginger bits can also be scattered for an extra zesty zing.

Side Dishes

This Gingerbread Yule Log with Cranberries and White Chocolate Recipe shines brightly on its own but pairs beautifully with a warm spiced mulled wine or a cup of creamy eggnog. For a lighter touch, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a handful of spiced nuts.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic yet refined look, place the log on a wooden board dusted lightly with icing sugar. Surround it with glittering cranberries and small white flowers or pine cones for an authentic winter woodland vibe. You can also slice it into thick rounds and stack for a whimsical Yule log tower if you’re serving a crowd.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, cover the Yule log tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to three days, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully overnight.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead, you can freeze the unfilled cake rolled in parchment paper. Wrap it well in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before adding the filling and assembling the final dessert.

Reheating

Because this is a cold-set dessert, reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, just serve it chilled or at room temperature to fully enjoy the creamy frosting and bright cranberry flavors.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Fresh cranberries provide the best tartness and texture for the compote, but if you only have dried, rehydrate them in warm water with a little sugar before using to soften and sweeten.

Is there a substitute for molasses in this recipe?

You can use dark corn syrup or honey, though these changes may slightly adjust the flavor and color. Molasses offers that classic robust gingerbread taste that’s hard to beat.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, swap the mascarpone and heavy cream for coconut cream or another plant-based alternative. Just be mindful the texture might vary slightly but the delicious flavor remains.

How do I prevent the cake from cracking when rolling?

Rolling the cake while it’s still warm and dusted with powdered sugar helps it bend without cracking. Be gentle and roll with the parchment paper initially for that perfect shape.

What’s the best way to melt white chocolate without burning it?

Use a double boiler on low heat or microwave in short 20-second intervals, stirring often. White chocolate is delicate and can scorch easily, so patience is key for smooth melting.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the Gingerbread Yule Log with Cranberries and White Chocolate Recipe that brings warmth and cheer to any holiday table. It’s a dessert that invites everyone to gather around, share stories, and savor the season. I can’t wait for you to try it—you’ll soon discover why this recipe becomes a treasured tradition year after year.