Christmas Log in 5 Minutes is a delightful dessert that brings joy and festive flavors to your holiday table. This no-bake treat captures the essence of Christmas with its rich chocolate and nutty goodness. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring only five minutes of your time, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or sweet surprises during the holiday season. Let’s dive into the ingredients and see just how simple it is to whip up this festive delight!
Gather Your Christmas Log Ingredients
To recreate the magic of a Christmas Log in 5 Minutes, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 280 g pandoro (or about 9.8 oz)
- 120 g dark chocolate or milk chocolate (or about 4.2 oz)
- 140 g butter (or about 5 oz)
- 15 g unsweetened cocoa powder (or about 0.5 oz)
- 70 g hazelnuts (or about 2.5 oz)
- 20 g pine nuts (or about 0.7 oz)
- 20-30 g candied fruit (optional) (or about 0.7–1 oz)
- 20 ml coffee liqueur or espresso (or about 0.7 fl oz)
- Nutella (about 3 tablespoons)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder for coating
- Powdered sugar and decorations as desired
How to Make a Christmas Log
Creating your own Christmas Log is as easy as 1-2-3! Follow these simple steps for a beautiful dessert that everyone will love:
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Melt the Chocolate: Begin by melting the chocolate and butter together. You can use a double boiler or a microwave for this task, ensuring everything is smooth and well combined.
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Prepare the Pandoro: While the chocolate mixture is melting, break the pandoro into pieces and place it in a large bowl. Sift the cocoa powder directly over the broken pandoro for an even distribution.
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Mix Everything Together: Add the melted chocolate and butter to the bowl, along with the coffee liqueur or espresso. Toss in the hazelnuts, pine nuts, and any optional candied fruit. Mix everything until you get a compact and fragrant dough.
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Shape the Log: Transfer the dough onto a sheet of parchment paper. Use a rolling pin to flatten it into a rectangle. Spread about three generous tablespoons of Nutella in the center.
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Roll It Up: Using the parchment paper, carefully roll the dough to shape it into a log. Make sure to seal the seam well and place it seam-side down.
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Chill: Refrigerate the log for at least two hours to let it firm up. This is the perfect time to enjoy a festive drink or prepare your holiday decorations!
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Coat and Decorate: Once chilled, take the log out of the refrigerator. Coat it with unsweetened cocoa powder and add any desired decorations. Lightly dust with powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
Serve & Enjoy Your Christmas Log
When it’s time to serve your Christmas Log, slice it into generous pieces and place them on a pretty platter. This dessert pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate. You can also garnish each serving with fresh berries or a sprig of mint for that extra festive touch.
Helpful Tricks for Christmas Log
Here are some tips and variations to help you make the perfect Christmas Log:
- Nutty Alternatives: If you don’t have hazelnuts or pine nuts, feel free to use walnuts or almonds instead for a different flavor profile.
- Chocolate Variety: Experiment with using white chocolate or flavored chocolates for a unique twist.
- Make It Festive: Adding festive sprinkles or crushed candy canes on top can really elevate the holiday spirit.
Christmas Log FAQs
Can I make the Christmas Log ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the log a day or two in advance. Just keep it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
How do I store leftover Christmas Log?
If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Can I customize the nuts or fruits in the recipe?
Yes! Feel free to get creative with other nuts or dried fruits like cranberries or apricots. It’s a great way to make it your own!
This Christmas Log in 5 Minutes is not only delicious but also makes for a delightful centerpiece at any holiday gathering. With its rich flavors and beautiful presentation, it’s bound to impress your guests. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this festive delight!