Christmas Tree Surprise ‘Log’ Cake

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 4 large eggs
• 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
• 100g (3/4 cup) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Filling (Surprise):

• 150g cream cheese, softened
• 100g powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped mixed nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds)
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or dried cranberries

For the Frosting:

• 200g dark chocolate, melted
• 100ml heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter

For Decoration:

• Green colored buttercream or green-tinted frosting
• Red and white sprinkles or edible stars
• Small candy decorations (like candy canes, mini marshmallows, or edible glitter)

Instructions:

1. Make the Sponge Cake:
   • Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray (about 9×13 inches) with parchment paper.
   • Beat eggs and sugar until fluffy and pale (about 5-7 minutes).
   • Gently fold in sifted flour, baking powder, and salt.
   • Add vanilla extract and mix lightly.
   • Pour batter into prepared tray and bake for 12-15 minutes until springy.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   • Beat cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth.
   • Fold in chopped nuts and chocolate chips or cranberries.
3. Roll the Cake:
   • While the cake is still warm, roll it carefully with the parchment paper inside to form a log shape and let it cool.
   • Unroll the cooled cake, spread the filling evenly, then reroll tightly (the “surprise” is the nutty, chocolatey center).
4. Make the Frosting:
   • Heat cream and butter until warm, pour over melted chocolate and mix until smooth and glossy.
5. Decorate the Cake:
   • Cover the rolled log cake with chocolate frosting to look like a Yule log.
   • Pipe green buttercream on top in the shape of a Christmas tree.
   • Decorate with red and white sprinkles and candy decorations to mimic ornaments.
   • You can even dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect