Ingredients

• 50g plain flour
• 50g cornflour
• 4 large eggs
• 125g caster sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 25g unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 300ml double cream
• 100g dark chocolate chips
• For the praline:
• 100g caster sugar
• 100g chopped hazelnuts
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C and line a 24 x 36 cm baking tray with parchment paper.
2. To make the sponge, sift together the flour and cornflour in a bowl and set aside.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar and vanilla on high speed until it becomes thick and creamy.
4. Gradually fold in the sifted flour mixture using a metal spoon, being careful to not overmix.
5. Pour the melted butter down the side of the bowl and fold it in gently.
6. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking tray and bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes or until the sponge is golden brown and springs back when pressed lightly with your finger.
7. Take the sponge out of the oven and allow to cool completely.
8. Meanwhile, prepare the praline by heating the caster sugar in a dry frying pan over medium heat.
9. Once the sugar has dissolved and turned golden-brown in colour, add in the chopped hazelnuts and 1 tbsp of butter. Mix well.
10. Pour the praline mixture onto a piece of parchment paper and flatten it out with a spatula to approximately 1cm thickness. Allow to cool and set for 10-15 minutes before breaking it into small pieces.
11. To assemble the Christmas log, whip the double cream until soft peaks form.
12. Spoon the whipped cream onto the cooled sponge and spread it out evenly.
13. Sprinkle the praline pieces and chocolate chips over the top of the whipped cream.
14. Roll the sponge up tightly, starting at the shorter end, using the parchment paper to help you.
15. Transfer the rolled up Christmas log onto a serving dish and dust with icing sugar.
16. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Verdict and Serving Suggestions

This Christmas log with praline is the perfect dessert for any festive occasion. The light, fluffy sponge is balanced perfectly with the rich, creamy whipped cream and crunchy praline pieces. The chocolate chips add a luxurious touch and the dusting of icing sugar gives it a festive finish. Serve with a hot cup of cocoa or your favourite Christmas tipple and enjoy with friends and family!