Christmas Log Cake (Tree Stump Cake Tutorial)

A festive, chocolatey centerpiece that’s easier than it looks. Nothing feels more ‘Christmassy’ than bringing a log cake to the table, especially one made from scratch with a soft chocolate Swiss roll and rich chocolate cream filling. In this blog, we’ll show you exactly how to make a Tree Stump Cake that looks rustic, cute, and festive with the help of Merry Little Christmas sprinkle mix and a final touch of Gold Glitter Spray. 

What You’ll Need:
For the Chocolate Swiss Roll:
-4 large eggs (room temperature)
-80g sugar
-40ml milk
-40ml vegetable oil
-65g cake flour
-15g cocoa powder
-1 tsp Vanilla flavoring extract

For the Chocolate Cream Filling
-200ml whipping cream (cold)
-20g cocoa powder
-30-40g icing sugar (adjust sweetness)
-1 tsp Vanilla flavoring extract

For Decoration
-Chocolate ganache or chocolate buttercream (for the bark texture)
-Offset spatula
-Fork (to create tree bark lines)
-Merry Little Christmas sprinkle mix
-Edible Gold Glitter Spray




How to Make the Chocolate Swiss Roll

1. Prepare Your Pan
Line a 28x28cm baking tray with parchment paper. Preheat your oven to 170C.

2. Make the Batter
Separate the egg whites and yolks. Whisk yolks with sugar until pale and creamy. Add milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix well. Sift in cake flour and cocoa powder. Fold gently. Whip egg whites until medium peaks, fold into the yolk batter in 3 additions.

3. Bake 
Pour the batter into the tray, spread evenly, and bake for 18-20 minutes.

 4. Roll While Warm
Turn the cake onto parchment peel off the bottom paper, and roll it up (without filling) while warm. This helps prevent cracks.

Make the Chocolate Cream
Whip all ingredients together until medium-stiff peaks. Don’t overwhip.

Assemble Your Yule Log
1. Unroll your cake.
2. Spread the chocolate cream evenly.
3. Roll it back tightly into a Swiss roll.
4. Chill for 15-20 minutes for stability.

Turn It Into a Tree Stump cake
1. Frost the Outside
Use chocolate ganache or chocolate buttercream to cover the roll. A thin layer works, we’re creating a bark, not a smooth finish.

2. Create Tree Bark Texture
Take a fork and gently drag it along the sides of the roll to create natural wood lines. On the top, swirl the fork in a spiral to create the “tree rings”.

3. Add Festive Decorations
Put Merry Little Christmas sprinkle mix on the top and sides. 

4. Finish With Gold Glitter
Lightly spray your cake with Edible Gold Glitter Spray for a magical, festive shine. A few sprays are enough to make it sparkle beautifully.

FAQ
1. Why did my Swiss roll crack?
Usually because the cake was rolled after it cooled. Always roll while warm.

2. Can I use whipped cream for the outside?
You can, but buttercream or ganache holds texture better, especially when creating bark lines.

3. Can I make it ahead?
Yes! Assemble the full stump and chill. Add sprinkles and gold glitter right before serving to keep the colors bright.

4. Can I change the flavor?
Absolutely! Coffee cream, hazelnut cream, or vanilla cream all pair beautifully with chocolate sponge.