tips

• If you do not have a Swiss roll pan, you can bake the cake on a half sheet pan or shallow baking dish using parchment paper to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
• Dust a kitchen towel generously in powdered sugar before pulling the cake from the oven. When the cake comes out, immediately flip it onto the dusted towel. Peel the parchment paper off and dust with powdered sugar. While the cake is still hot, roll the cake and towel starting from the short end, and allow to cool completely while rolled in the towel. This is important because it will help prevent cracking after filling the cake.
• Drag the prongs of a fork through your frosted cake to create the “bark-like” appearance.
• Use fondant or marzipan (found at most grocery stores) to create small mushrooms to add to your yule log. Create the mushroom cap by making a small ball and using your thumb to indent the bottom. Create the base by rolling a small amount into a cylinder shape and attach the bottom by pushing it directly into the underside of the top.
• Dust the finished cake with a bit of powdered sugar to create a snowy feel.

directions

1. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter on medium-high until it appears smooth, fluffy and all lumps are removed. Add Vanilla and salt and combine.
2. Slowly add sifted sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, until you have added 3 cups. From there, begin adding additional sugar to taste.
   Helpful Tip: cover your mixer with a kitchen towel while adding in sugar to prevent a sugar-dusting in your kitchen!
3. Continue beating on medium until frosting is smooth and fluffy.