Is Christmas even Christmas without tucking into a yule log at some point over the festive season?
The chocolate dessert is heaven for those who aren't keen on all those winter spiced treats like Christmas cake, Christmas pudding or mince pies. Made with chocolate sponge, slathered in chocolate buttercream, topped with yet more chocolate and all carefully created to look like a pretty Christmas log, the decadent desserts are the ultimate festive treat.
But they're not the easiest to make and you can pick them up from most supermarkets, so this week we put a selection of own brand yule logs to the test, to see which scored the best. We've rated each one on taste, appearance and overall value for money. Here's our verdict:
READ MORE: We compared supermarket mince pies and there was a clear winner
Tesco Finest Belgian Chocolate Yule Log
Tesco’s Finest yule log is decorated with "soft chocolate sponge" that is rolled with buttercream and covered in rich milk chocolate. The cake is then hand finished with a creamy Belgian chocolate ganache.
While a bit smaller than I expected, the yule log did exactly what it said on the tin. From the first bite Tesco’s yule log was creamy, soft and rich. The cake was moist and had a decent balance of sponge and buttercream.
It was the mixture of milk chocolate and Belgian chocolate ganache that sealed the deal, though. Giving the cake a creamy, soft texture that wasn’t too sweet, it really was the icing on the cake. It would make the perfect post-Christmas dinner dessert. Tesco’s yule log serves eight.
Price: £5
Where to buy: In store at Tesco or online here
Rating: 5/5
Sainsbury's Milk Chocolate Yule Log
This 'Taste the Difference' yule log is filled with chocolate buttercream and dusted with sugar. It comes in a posh festive looking box and when you take it out it's sat on top of a sparkly silver board, which you can use to serve it on.
The chocolate cake is a dark rich colour, so the sugar looks really pretty on top like a dusting of fine snow. I was really impressed with the thick swirl on the end as well - it will definitely have families fighting over who gets that slice.
So onto the taste - let's just say you don't need a big slice of this, no matter how much of a sweet tooth you have. It really is rich and borderline sickly if you overdo the portion size. The sponge is soft and moist, but it's the chocolate buttercream that really sets it apart.
It's so deliciously creamy and light and it contrasts beautifully with the harder milk chocolate on the outer shell. The whole thing is a chocolate lover's dream. Just stick to a thin slice, or you'll feel sick. You have been warned.
Price: £4.50
Where to buy: Sainsbury's stores (not currently online)
Rating: 4/5
Asda Extra Special Luxury Yule Log
The decadent yule log is, in my humble opinion, the top tier Christmas dessert. Keep your Christmas puddings and your mince pies, they pale in comparison to the mighty yule log.
I was excited to try Asda's Extra Special Luxury Yule Log and, at £4.50 from a supermarket well known for its low and competitive prices, my hopes were relatively high. The yule log comes with a thick layer of rich chocolate buttercream and is adorned with gold dusted chocolate curls.
Inside, there's chocolate sponge and a swirl of chocolate cream. I bought this yule log last year and it was decadent and delicious - and definitely cheaper and, if I remember correctly, a little bigger.
This sponge cake looks completely gorgeous and I was expecting that same sumptuous taste from last year but sadly, it was quite the let down. The frosting on the exterior was relatively tasty, though incredibly sweet, and the chocolate curls were pretty but a little bland but it was the sponge that really did the damage.
It was impossibly dry and tasted of... nothing? It was as nondescript and banal as fog. It's such a shame because last year, Asda's yule log was top tier but this time around, it's a complete disappointment.
I'll be shopping elsewhere for my Christmas Day yule log this year. It looks incredible but the flavour lets it down entirely. I wouldn't recommend this at all.
Price: £4.50
Where to buy: Your local Asda store or online here
Rating: 2/5
Morrisons Chocolate Yule Log
Yule log is one of my favourite festive treats - in my opinion the indulgent chocolate flavour is hard to beat. I picked up a chocolate yule log from my local Morrisons store. Priced at £2, the chocolate sponge cake is filled with chocolate buttercream, covered in delicious milk chocolate and finished with a dusting of icing sugar.
I was impressed with the size of the yule log, which is said to serve eight people. You definitely get a generous portion size for your money, making it a great value option. I took a bite and was instantly impressed. The sponge is nice and light and was complimented by the addition of the smooth, rich chocolate buttercream.
The chocolate surrounding the cake was thick too, further enhancing the flavour. The light dusting of icing sugar added a lovely festive touch to the cake too. Sometimes chocolate cakes can be too rich and heavy, but this one is just right. In my opinion it makes for the ideal Christmas treat and I will definitely be enjoying it again.
Price: £2
Where to buy: Your local Morrisons store
Rating: 5/5
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