Holiday Tiramisu Celebration Log: Easy Holiday Treat!

Are you ready to sprinkle some extra magic on your holiday table this year? Forget the predictable fruitcake and tired pies – it’s time to unveil a showstopper that combines elegance with irresistible flavor. Get ready to dive into the world of our magnificent Holiday Tiramisu Celebration Log, a dessert that promises to be the star of any festive gathering!

Imagine a light, airy espresso-infused cake rolled with a cloud of creamy mascarpone filling, kissed with coffee liqueur, and dusted with rich cocoa. It’s the classic Italian dessert you adore, transformed into a dazzling, festive log that’s as fun to make as it is to devour. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration in every slice, perfect for Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or any special occasion that calls for a touch of edible grandeur. Let’s make some holiday memories, one delicious slice at a time!

Why You’ll Love This Holiday Tiramisu Celebration Log

This isn’t just another dessert recipe; it’s your secret weapon for holiday entertaining! Here are four fantastic reasons why our Holiday Tiramisu Celebration Log will become your new festive favorite:

• Festive & Fun Presentation: Move over, traditional cakes! This log shape is inherently celebratory and unique, making a stunning centerpiece that guests will “ooh” and “ahh” over. It’s an edible work of art!
• Irresistibly Delicious Flavor: It’s the best of both worlds – the beloved coffee and mascarpone richness of tiramisu meets the delightful texture of a light, rolled sponge cake. Every bite is a harmonious blend of sweet, creamy, and coffee-infused perfection.
• Easier Than It Looks: Don’t be intimidated by its fancy appearance! Our step-by-step instructions make rolling a cake log a breeze, even for novice bakers. You’ll impress everyone with minimal stress.
• Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert: Planning your holiday feast can be hectic. Good news! This tiramisu log tastes even better the next day, allowing you to prep it in advance and free up valuable time on the big day.

Holiday Tiramisu Celebration Log: Ingredients

🎄 For the Cake:

• 3 large egg yolks
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg whites
• 5 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons instant espresso powder
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)

🥛 For the Creamy Filling:

• ⅞ cup cold heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
• ¾ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup room temperature mascarpone cheese
• 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur

Detailed Step-by-Step Directions: How to Make Your Holiday Tiramisu Celebration Log

1. Prep Your Baking Station: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a jellyroll pan with parchment paper, then lightly mist it with baking spray to ensure a smooth release. In a small bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and instant espresso powder to get rid of any lumps, and set this aside.
2. Whip the Eggs: Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until they get nice and foamy. Gradually add 5 tablespoons of sugar, continuing to beat until you achieve soft, medium peaks. Set this fluffy meringue aside. In a separate bowl, combine the egg yolks, whole eggs, and the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar. Beat this mixture until it becomes pale and thick, reaching what’s called the “ribbon stage” (this might take 5-10 minutes).
3. Gently Combine & Bake: Carefully fold the egg white meringue into the egg yolk mixture in three gentle additions, preserving that lovely airiness. Next, fold in your sifted flour and espresso powder until just combined – don’t overmix! Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly into all corners. Lightly tap the pan to settle the batter and release any air bubbles. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
4. Roll and Cool with Care: As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, lightly dust its top with cocoa powder. Invert the warm cake onto a fresh piece of parchment paper, remove the pan, and gently peel off the original parchment from the cake. Starting from a short end, carefully roll the cake (along with the fresh parchment paper) into a log. Let it cool rolled up for about 20 minutes. Once slightly cooled, unroll it gently and allow it to cool completely before filling.
5. Craft the Silky Filling: While your cake cools, it’s time to make the delicious filling! In a bowl, combine the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, pure vanilla extract, and coffee liqueur. Beat with your electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the room temperature mascarpone cheese until everything is smooth and creamy.
6. Assemble and Garnish: Once the cake is completely cool, carefully unroll it. Spread half of your luxurious filling evenly over the top, leaving a small ¼ inch border around the edges. Starting again from the same short end, roll the cake tightly back into a log. Use the remaining filling to beautifully frost the outside of your cake roll. For that classic tiramisu look and extra flavor, dust generously with cocoa powder. Trim the ends just before serving for a perfectly neat presentation. Enjoy your delightful Holiday Tiramisu Celebration Log!

Presenting and Serving Your Holiday Tiramisu Celebration Log

Your beautiful Holiday Tiramisu Celebration Log deserves a presentation as festive as its flavors! Here are some creative ways to serve up this holiday showstopper:

• Classic Elegance: Place your frosted and cocoa-dusted log on a long, rectangular platter. For a touch of holiday cheer, arrange fresh cranberries and a few sprigs of rosemary or holly around the base.
• Chocolate Shavings Galore: Before serving, use a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife to create delicate chocolate shavings from a bar of dark chocolate. Sprinkle these generously over the top of the log for an extra decadent look and crunch.
• Powdered Sugar Stencil: Want to get fancy? Place a decorative stencil (like a snowflake, star, or even a small Christmas tree) on top of the log before its final dusting of cocoa. Carefully lift the stencil to reveal a beautiful design.
• Berry Bright: A scattering of fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries provides a lovely color contrast against the dark cocoa and adds a fresh, tart counterpoint to the rich flavors.
• Individual Slices: When serving, use a sharp, warm knife (wiped clean between cuts) to create neat, even slices. Place each slice artfully on a dessert plate, perhaps with a dollop of extra whipped cream or a dusting of cocoa.
• Coffee & Liqueur Pairing: Serve slices alongside small cups of freshly brewed espresso or a shot of a complementary liqueur like Amaretto or Kahlúa for a complete adult dessert experience.

Storing Your Holiday Tiramisu Celebration Log

One of the best things about the Holiday Tiramisu Celebration Log is that it’s fantastic when made ahead, and stores beautifully!

To store your dessert, place the entire log (or individual slices) in an airtight container. This is crucial to prevent it from drying out and absorbing any unwanted odors from your refrigerator. Alternatively, you can loosely cover it with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil if an airtight container isn’t available.

Keep the log refrigerated. It will taste best and maintain its texture for up to 3-4 days. In fact, many people find that the flavors of tiramisu meld and deepen overnight, making it even more delicious on the second day!

While you could technically freeze components (like the plain cake roll before filling), the assembled, cream-filled log is best enjoyed fresh from the refrigerator within the recommended timeframe for optimal taste and texture. Freezing can sometimes alter the consistency of the mascarpone cream.

FAQs About Your Holiday Tiramisu Celebration Log

1. Can I make this Holiday Tiramisu Celebration Log ahead of time?
   Yes, absolutely! This dessert is actually best made a day in advance as it allows the flavors to meld and the cake to fully absorb the espresso notes. Store it in the refrigerator.
2. What if I don’t have coffee liqueur? Can I substitute it?
   You can substitute coffee liqueur with an equal amount of strong brewed espresso or coffee, or a dash of rum or brandy for an alcoholic kick without the coffee flavor.
3. My cake cracked when I rolled it. What went wrong?
   Cakes can crack if they cool too much before the initial roll, or if they are overbaked, making them dry and less pliable. Ensure you roll it while still warm, and don’t overbake. The good news is, frosting hides most imperfections!
4. Can I make this recipe without espresso powder?
   While espresso powder enhances the coffee flavor significantly, you can omit it from the cake if preferred. The tiramisu notes will still come through from the coffee liqueur in the filling.
5. What is the “ribbon stage” for eggs?
   The ribbon stage is when beaten eggs and sugar become pale yellow, thick, and fall from the whisk in a ribbon-like stream that sits on top of the mixture for a few seconds before dissolving.
6. Is mascarpone cheese essential, or can I substitute it?
   Mascarpone cheese provides the signature rich, creamy, and slightly tangy flavor of tiramisu. While you could technically substitute with cream cheese, it would alter the authentic taste and texture significantly.
7. How do I get clean slices?
   For clean slices, use a very sharp knife. Warm the knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and then make your cut. Clean the knife between each slice for the neatest presentation.
8. Can I make this Holiday Tiramisu Celebration Log gluten-free?
   You would need to substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend specifically designed for baking (often containing xanthan gum). Results may vary slightly in texture.
9. What kind of jellyroll pan should I use?
   A standard jellyroll pan measures approximately 10×15 inches. This size is ideal for creating a thin, even cake layer perfect for rolling.
10. How much cocoa powder should I use for dusting?
    Dust generously! The cocoa powder adds a beautiful finish and a lovely bitter counterpoint to the sweet cream. There’s no strict amount, but aim for a noticeable, even layer.