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No-Bake Chocolate Yule Log

How to make a 4 ingredient, no-bake chocolate yule log which is also vegan!! A chocolaty biscuit ‘truffle’ with filled with vegan ‘Nutella’ rolled into a log then coated in melted chocolate. It’s fudgy heaven, perfect last minute treat for the Holidays. Vegan, No-Egg, No-Bake, 4 ingredient and easily made gluten-free!

Chocolate yule log on a wooden board with festive decorations.

No-Bake Chocolate Yule Log

Looking for a simple, yet show-stopping dessert to celebrate the holiday season? This 4-ingredient, no-bake vegan Yule log is the perfect combination of convenience and decadence. With minimal prep time and no oven required, you can create this beautifully festive dessert that’s completely plant-based, delicious and easily made gluten-free. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or looking for a sweet treat to enjoy with loved ones, this Yule log is sure to bring joy to your celebration.

Looking for more festive desserts? Check out my:

Vegan Santa Hat Cake

Best Ever Vegan Christmas Pudding

Vegan Gingerbread Cream Cookies

Vegan Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

Gluten-free Vegan Yule Log

Close up of a bite taken out of a no-bake chocolate yule log.

Why you’ll love this no-bake chocolate yule log:

  • Super easy: Only 4 ingredients and no baking, perfect for the busy holiday season.
  • Vegan: Made with 4 simple plant-based / vegan ingredients to suit a variety of dietary needs.
  • Easily made gluten-free: This recipe can be made gluten / wheat-free by using a gluten-free biscuit!
  • Rich & decadent: A smooth, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate fudge texture that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
  • No oven required: Skip the hassle of turning on the oven this yule log is made in one tray, chilled and decorated.. thats it!!
  • Quick prep time: Ready to serve in no time, ideal for last-minute Christmas parties / gatherings or when you’re short on time.
  • Impressively festive: The Yule log shape and glossy chocolate finish make it a showstopper on any holiday table. NO-ONE will be able to tell its only 4 ingredient!
  • Customisable: Feel free to add your own twists with toppings like crushed nuts, festive sprinkles cookie butter drizzles or even some dried fruit.
  • Great for preference: Switch up the cookies to create your dream dessert. Opt for Biscoff cookies and a Biscoff spread filling for cookie butter lovers!
Close up of a no-bake chocolate fudge yule log with christmas decorations.

How to make a no-bake yule log

This recipe couldn’t be easier, its a great last minute treat for your festive celebrations! Find the full recipe in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

  1. Prepare the yule log

    Blitz the cookies until fine, then combine with the cream cheese. Press this mixture onto a lined baking tray getting right into the corners, chill. Spread the chocolate spread over the entire base.

  2. Roll the log

    Using the grease proof paper underneath, use this to roll the yule log. Place on a tray and chill for at least 30 minutes.

  3. Cover in chocolate

    Melt the chocolate, pour over the yule log, spread out to cover. Decorate with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Close up of a slice of chocolate yule log on a festive plate with a gold fork.

Optional decorations

Here are some optional decorations that can elevate your yule log both visually and delightful to eat!

  • Powdered sugar snow: A light dusting of some powdered sugar on top of the Yule log for a “snowy” effect, perfect for a winter wonderland / woodland theme.
  • Edible silver or gold glitter: Add a touch of sparkle with edible glitter for a glamorous holiday look.
  • Cocoa powder bark: Use a stencil to create a “bark” effect on the log by sifting cocoa powder lightly over it.
  • Coconut flakes / desiccated coconut: Shredded coconut can mimic snow or frost, adding a soft, snowy effect to the log.
  • Red Berries: Decorate with fresh berries (like cranberries, frosted cranberries or raspberries) for a pop of colour and a fresh, tangy contrast.
  • Crushed nuts: Sprinkle chopped pistachios, almonds, or hazelnuts for a crunchy texture and elegant appearance.
  • Chocolate shavings: Create chocolate curls or shavings using a vegetable peeler on a block of chocolate and scatter them over the top.
  • Holiday sprigs: Decorate with small sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme to resemble miniature pine branches, bringing a touch of greenery.
Over the top view of a yule log dusted with icing sugar.

Tips for making a no-bake yule log

  • Use grease proof paper: Line a baking tray with grease proof paper and use this to help roll up the yule log. Prevents it sticking and keep it tightly compact.
  • Ensure the yule log is firm before cutting: Be sure the yule log is chilled and firm to the touch before cutting, to prevent it squishing. Use a serrated nice to cut neat slices of yule log.
  • Apply the chocolate coating fast: As the yule log is chilled, spread the chocolate over the yule log fast as the cold from the log could set the chocolate making it hard to spread out nearly.
  • Don’t overfill: When adding the chocolate spread filling, don’t spread it all the way to the edges. Leave a small border to prevent the filling from spilling out when you roll.
  • Creating the ‘bark’ texture: Use a fork or knife to gently create texture on the frosting to mimic the look of tree bark. This gives the Yule log a more realistic and festive appearance. Looks gorgeous with the dusting of ‘snow’ (icing sugar) on top.
  • Garnish with edible gold leaf, small sprigs of rosemary (for a “pine” effect), or dried/frosted cranberries for a pop of colour.
Tall Pinterest pin of a no-bake vegan chocolate yule log.

If you make, and love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below. Thank you & happy baking! Make sure to tag me in your photos on Instagram , TikTok and Facebook! And if you want to pin this recipe for later, you can use the button on the recipe card, above or below this post, or on any of the photos. Happy baking all!

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no-bake chocolate yule log with festive decorations

No-Bake Chocolate Yule Log


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Description

How to make an incredibly moist, decadent and rich yule log, which is vegan, no-bake and easily made gluten-free! Perfect last minute Christmas treat! 


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 600g of chocolate biscuits (I use vegan friendly bourbon biscuits)
  • 280g of dairy-free cream cheese (I use Violife)
  • 1 jar of vegan ‘Nutella / a chocolate spread
  • 200g of dairy-free dark chocolate (you could also use dairy-free milk / white chocolate)
  • Optional: Powdered sugar / icing sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. In a food processor / blender, add in the biscuits and blitz until a fine crumb. You can also do this by hand with the biscuits in a food grade bag wrapped in a tea towel, and bash them with a rolling pin until fine.
  2. Pour the crumbs in a medium size mixing bowl, and add in the cream cheese. Use a spatula to combine until a ‘truffle like’ texture. If it feels too stiff, you can use a metal spoon or your clean hands. If the mixture feels dry or crumbly, add in some more cream cheese until it’s slightly sticky and holds its shape.
  3. Line a baking tray with grease proof paper. Pour the mixture onto the paper and use clean hands to press the mixture all across the baking tray making sure it’s even as possible getting right into the corners. Smooth the top with an of-set spatula.
  4. Spread the vegan chocolate spread over the top, using an offset spatula to make it even.
  5. Use the grease proof paper to help roll the yule log. Make sure to roll it tight to prevent any cracks or crumbles. You only want to use the paper to help roll, do not actually roll the paper inside the yule log! Watch my video for example
  6. Once tightly rolled place on a tray and chill in the freezer to set firm, just while you melt the chocolate.
  7. Melt the chocolate either on the hob using a bain-marie method or in the microwave in 30 second intervals. The chocolate wants to be smooth.
  8. Once the log has set firm remove from the freezer. You want to pour the chocolate over the yule log and spread it out using the back of a metal spoon or off set spatula. Depending how how cold your yule log is, work quick with this step as the cold from the log will set the chocolate very quickly. 
  9. Use a fork to create a ‘bark’ effect over the entire yule log.
  10. Optional decoration: Dust the yule log with some icing sugar.
  11. Use a serrated knife to cut the yule log into servings, tuck in and enjoy! 

Notes

To store: Store in an air tight / sealed container in the fridge and allow to come to room temperature for 5 minutes before enjoying! 

Best enjoyed within 4 days of making.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Cakes
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American
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