While a Yule log once was an actual log that was burned in the hearth throughout the 12 days of Christmas, in modern times, a Yule log refers to log-shaped Christmas dessert. Instead of making a cake roll and decorating it to look like a log, this vintage Yule log recipe is an easy, no-bake confection akin to a homemade candy.
Back in 1967, this recipe appeared in an ad for Nestle butterscotch morsels. The morsels were melted over a double boiler and combined with sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract and chopped pecans. Then, after chilling, it was formed into a log and brushed with a beaten egg white and decorated with whole pecans.
I made the recipe almost exactly the same, but with a few modern updates. Instead of using a double boiler, I melted the butterscotch in a microwave-safe bowl until smooth. And instead of using raw egg whites to adhere the pecan decoration, I brushed the Yule log with an equally sticky but safer alternative: pure maple syrup. Finally, instead of decorating with whole pecans (they are cumbersome when it comes time to slice), I finished off this vintage Yule log with more chopped pecans pressed into the surface.
How to Make a Butterscotch Yule Log
Ingredients
For the log:
- 1 cup butterscotch-flavored morsels
- 1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
For rolling:
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
This recipe makes about 2 dozen slices.
Tools You’ll Need
Directions
Step 1: Melt the morsels
In a medium-size microwave-safe bowl, melt the butterscotch-flavored morsels in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval. The morsels should be smooth after about 90 seconds. Add the sweetened condensed milk and the vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and combined.
Step 2: Mix and chill
Add the 1/3 cup chopped pecans and stir to combine. Chill for 30 minutes until the mixture is firm enough to handle.
Step 3: Roll and coat
Form into a 12-inch roll on waxed paper. Roll tightly in the waxed paper to shape evenly. Unroll and brush the entire surface of the Yule log with maple syrup. Sprinkle with the 1/2 cup chopped pecans and press into the surface to cover.
Step 4: Chill and Slice
Wrap tightly in waxed paper and chill for at least 1 hour, or until firm enough to slice. When ready to serve, cut into 1/2-inch slices using a sharp knife.
Here’s What I Thought
After tasting one of these butterscotch pecan slices, I knew this recipe would be a wonderful addition to a Christmas dessert spread! The vintage Yule log is easy to make and would even be a great activity for baking with kids. It looks beautiful on a holiday table and is a unique way to offer variety among all the other Christmas cookies.
Each slice of the butterscotch Yule log is quite rich, so it’s the perfect two-bite treat when you want a little something sweet to end a hearty holiday meal. It tastes great with a cup of espresso or your favorite after-dinner drink.
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Kristina Vänni