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    Home » Recipes » Christmas Recipes

    Published: Dec 14, 2021 · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Gluten Free Yule Log with Medjool Dates, Mascarpone Cream, Maraschino Cherries and Pistachios

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    slice of gluten free yule log

    A gluten free date yule log filled with date paste, and chopped red and green maraschino cherries. With a coating of mascarpone cream and a topping of diced cherries, dates and pistachios, this is a perfect gluten free Christmas dessert!

    This post is a partnership with Natural Delights. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible; I am proud to only work with companies that I truly believe in.

    Jump to:
    • A gluten free date yule log filled with date paste, and chopped red and green maraschino cherries. With a coating of mascarpone cream and a topping of diced cherries, dates and pistachios, this is a perfect gluten free Christmas dessert!
    • A fusion of international Christmas cake traditions
    • What’s a Christmas Yule Log?
    • ingredient spotlight: Medjool Dates
    • Ingredients
    • Equipment
    • Instructions
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Storage and Making in Advance
    • Top Tips
    • Accompanying Dishes
    • Recipe
    close up on date yule log

    A fusion of international Christmas cake traditions

    This gluten-free yule log (gluten-free Bûche de Noël) is a variation on a French Christmas cake with delicious Medjool dates, maraschino cherries and coated in a mascarpone cream. 

    Our yule log is then topped with more chopped Medjools, cherries and pistachios to bring it to that next-level yumminess. 

    This Medjool date yule log recipe is a delicious and decadent way to celebrate the Christmas season with family and friends without the gluten.

    3 slices of gluten free yule log

    What’s a Christmas Yule Log?

    There is nothing more satisfying to serve on Christmas than a Christmas Yule log. 

    In Quebec, Canada’s French speaking province, we refer to it as a “Bûche de Noël” which literally translates into Yule Log. It was a tradition that was brought in from the French colonies. 

    In our household, not unlike many other households in Quebec, we rarely celebrate Christmas without a gluten-free Bûche de Noël. 

    Traditionally, a gluten-free bûche de Noël is composed of a rolled-up sponge cake that is stuffed with buttercream then covered in a chocolate icing so it resembles a bark of sorts (hence the log reference in the name). 

    A Gluten-free Christmas Cake Variation

    This flourless Yule Log is my version of a gluten-free Christmas Cake. 

    It is a variation on the traditional French-Canadian recipe since it uses more traditional Christmas cake ingredients. Medjool dates and maraschino cherries are key ingredients in a date Christmas cake. 

    However, it is a welcome change from the traditional Christmas Cake recipe, which can be stodgy and heavy.

    What makes this a Gluten-free Yule Log

    This flourless cake relies on a mix of gluten-free flours. You can use any gluten-free flour mix you like and have experience with before! 

    However, to make this date yule log truly pliable,  I also add cornstarch to my cake mix. In this, I follow my grandmother’s winning recipe for the easiest gluten-free roulade cake I ever tried.

    Natural delights Medjool dates

    ingredient spotlight: Medjool Dates

    Natural Delights Medjool dates are one of my favourite fruits to use in Christmas baking. They have a sugar concentration similar to dried fruit.

    However, unlike their dried fruit counterparts, Medjool dates are fresh, moist and can add a lot of flavor and texture into your gluten-free baking.

    Medjool dates are known as nature’s candy, due to their natural sweetness. They add a unique flavourful aroma to anything you’re making and are often used to replace sugar. I like them for many of my Christmas recipes like this Christmas date cookies recipe, as Medjool dates pair really well with Christmas spices.

    What’s more, Medjool dates have a high concentration of essential vitamins and minerals that are essential for our bodies (this is also why they are used to break fast during the Muslim celebration of Ramadan!).

    They are also versatile enough to use in many savory dishes, like this Ottolenghi Chicken Marbella variation with dates. Traditionally, Middle Eastern savory dishes are often sweetened with dates, which will add a beautiful aroma to your dish.  

    Medjool dates

    For more recipes using Medjool dates: 

    • Easy no-bake Christmas date cookies, or how to make the perfect gluten-free snowballs
    • How to Make the Ultimate Middle Eastern appetizer platter with our best mezze recipes {V, GF, Paleo}
    • Orange and Date Gluten Free Hamantaschen
    • Chicken Marbella Ottolenghi with dates and olives for Passover
    ingredients

    Ingredients

    These are the ingredients that you will need to make this Date Yule Log recipe:

    For Gluten-free Yule Log:

    • Eggs
    • Sugar
    • GF flour mix
    • Cornstarch
    • Vanilla extract

    For Medjool date paste:

    • Natural Delights Medjool dates
    • water

    For mascarpone cream:

    • Mascarpone
    • Heavy whipping cream
    • Sugar

    For toppings and filling:

    • Green maraschino cherries
    • Red maraschino cherries
    • Natural Delights Medjool Dates
    • Pistachios

    See recipe card for quantities.

    Equipment

    • Whisk, hand-held mixer or a stand mixer
    • Mixing bowls
    • 9x13 baking sheet

    Instructions

    Natural Delights medjool date paste

    Make Paste

    The first step in making this French-Canadian version of a date Christmas Cake is to make the date paste. To do that, simply combine Natural Delights Medjool dates and water into a food processor and process until smooth (3-5 minutes).

    whipping gluten free sponge for yule

    Make the Sponge Cake

    The two most important things that my grand-mother taught me when making her a sponge cake was to build up those egg white peaks and to not overmix your batter! 

    You’ll notice that this cake has no baking powder or baking soda in it. So how do you get a fluffy log then? In this recipe, all the air gets built up from creating those peaks with the egg whites. So, the key is really in building up those peaks and so you don’t lose your rise, fold in the remaining ingredients. 

    whipping sponge for yule log

    Separate the eggs

    Start by separating the egg whites from your yolks by using the shell. Keep your yolks close by because you will be using them shortly. 

    Start whipping up the egg whites in medium-sized bowl with either a stand mixer, egg beater or whisk until you have light fluffy peaks. 

    Then, gradually fold in the sugar a ¼ cup at a time. I would caution to not add everything too quickly or over mix the batter, you could cause it to collapse and end up with a flat sponge cake. 

    whipping gluten free sponge for yule

    Mix dry ingredients

    In a separate bowl, mix in the dry ingredients. Again, ¼ cup at a time, fold in the dry ingredients into the batter until the flour is well incorporated. Then do the same for the remaining ingredients including the yolks until they are well combined.

    Bake flourless sponge cake

    Preheat the oven to 400˚F (200˚C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper and oil then dust with some flour. Pour in the batter and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the sponge cake is cooked all the way through (use a toothpick to see if it comes out clean). 

    yule log rolled on baking sheetup

    Preparing the Log

    Once the cake is cooked all the way through, immediately remove it from the baking sheet and onto a cutting board. Roll it up using the parchment paper and a towel to avoid burning your fingers. 

    This process is important to do straight out of the oven so that the sponge cake doesn’t crack or break when rolling it.

    Keep the cake in a roll, and let it cool for about an hour. 

    whipping mascarpone cream

    Mascarpone Cheese Filling

    While your log roll is cooling, prepare the mascarpone cheese filling. To do this, take out your egg beater or stand mixer and whip all of your mascarpone cheese filling ingredients until you get stiff peaks.

     

    spreading cherries
    • spreading medjool date paste
    • spreading medjool date paste
    • maraschino cherries
    • yule log rolled up
    • yule log rolled up with one slice
    • yule log with mascarpone cream
    • yule log with mascarpone cream

    Yule Log Assembly

    Carefully unroll the log and remove the parchment paper. Spread the date paste on the inside. Top with the diced maraschino cherries for the filling, and roll it up once more into a tight roll. 

    It is quite possible that there might be tears in the sponge cake at this point, but don’t worry - this is normal and the date paste will act as a binding agent to keep everything together. 

    gluten free yule log with toppings

    Decorate Medjool Date Yule Log

    Carefully transfer the log onto your desired serving plate then cover the log with the mascarpone cheese frosting. 

    Garnish with alternating red and green maraschino cherries, chopped Natural Delights Medjool Dates and pistachios. 

    Refrigerate for a few hours before serving.

    • gluten free yule log with toppings

    Substitutions

    This recipe is for gluten-free Christmas Yule Log. If you're not concerned about gluten, you can also use all-purpose flour in the recipe. Do not skip the starch, however! It’s important in an all-purpose flour yule log as well.

    You can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch in place of the cornstarch.

    Nut-free

    If you're looking to make nut-free Medjool date Yule Log, skip the pistachios.

    Vegan

    To make this into a Vegan Yule Log, use coconut cream in the coating. You can also try this cashew buttercream.

    close up on cherry yule log

    Variations

    • All-Purpose Medjool date Yule Log - substitute gluten-free flour for all purpose flour for a great tasting, non-gluten free date roll.
    • Date Yule Log with Walnuts - substitute the pistachios for walnuts or another nut of your choice.

    For other Christmas desserts, check out this Russian honey cake and this gluten-free honey cake.

    close up on slice of yule log

    Storage and Making in Advance

    The Medjool date paste and mascarpone cream for this Medjool date cake can be made in advance and stored in airtight containers. 

    I recommend making the gluten free dough the day you’re going to assemble the cake. Do not forget to roll the crust the moment it comes out of the oven, and keep it in a spiral. 

    slice of gluten free yule log

    Top Tips

    • This cake can be made over a couple of days; there is no sense in exhausting yourself trying to do it all in one day!
    • Use a kitchen towel to roll the cake once it comes out of the oven. This will help protect your fingers from burning.
    • Use green and red maraschino cherries for true Christmas colors. However, if you can’t find green maraschino cherries, red ones will do just fine.
    • Use fresh Natural Delights Medjool Dates for best results with this date yule cake. They will have the nicest texture, flavor and natural sweetness that will make this cake stand apart.

    Accompanying Dishes

    For more Christmas recipes, check out these delectable dishes:

    • Chicken Colombian tamales recipe is the hallmark of Christmas Colombian food
    • Gluten free cranberry pistachio cookies {Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free and Vegan friendly}
    • Baked Feta Dip Appetizer Recipe with Dates, Hazelnuts and Honey {Gluten Free}
    • Gluten free white chocolate chip cookies with macadamia nuts

    Recipe

    close up on yule log with one slice removed

    Gluten Free Yule Log with Medjool Dates, Mascarpone Cream, Maraschino Cherries and Pistachios

    Ksenia Prints
    A gluten free date yule log filled with date paste, and chopped red and green maraschino cherries. With a coating of mascarpone cream and a topping of diced cherries, dates and pistachios, this is a perfect gluten free Christmas dessert!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved Recipe!
    Prep Time 30 mins
    Cook Time 10 mins
    Resting time 1 hr
    Total Time 1 hr 40 mins
    Course baking, cake, Dessert
    Cuisine North American, Russian
    Servings 12
    Calories 422 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    For Gluten-free Yule Log:

    • 4 eggs separated
    • 1 cup sugar
    • ¾ cup GF flour mix
    • ¼ cup cornstarch sub with arrowroot or tapioca if desired
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    For date paste:

    • 2 cups Natural Delights Medjool Dates pitted
    • 2 teaspoons of water

    For mascarpone cream:

    • 1 ½ cups mascarpone
    • ½ cup heavy whipping cream
    • 2 tablespoons sugar

    For toppings and filling:

    • ½ cup green maraschino cherries
    • ½ cup red maraschino cherries
    • ½ cup Natural Delights Medjool Dates pitted and chopped
    • ¼ cup Pistachios

    Instructions
     

    • To make date paste, combine 2 cups Natural Delights Medjool Dates and water in a food processor. Process until a smooth paste is achieved, about 3-5 minutes.
    • Make gluten-free Yule Log: Using a whisk or an electric mixer, beat 4 egg whites, gradually adding the sugar. In a separate bowl, combine flour and cornstarch. Gradually add dry ingredients to the egg white mixture. Add vanilla extract and the remaining 4 egg yolks, and fold gently with a wooden spoon.
    • Preheat the oven to 400F. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper, oil and dust with flour. Pour the cake mixture into the pan. Bake for about 8-10 minutes.
    • Remove from the oven and, using the parchment paper and a kitchen towel to help yourself, quickly roll the dough into a tight roll. Let rest in a roll for about an hour, until cool enough to handle. Remove parchment paper.
    • Combine all the ingredients for mascarpone cream. Whip together with a hand-held mixer, whisk or stand mixture until the mascarpone cream holds stiff peaks.
    • Unroll the cake gluten free log again - do not worry if it breaks or cracks, that's normal. Spread with Medjool date paste. Top with diced maraschino cherries.
    • Roll cake into a tight roll once again, smoothing over any cracks or tears. Cover with mascarpone cream. Top cake with alternating red and green maraschino cherries, chopped Medjool dates and pistachios. Transfer cake to fridge to rest for a few hours. Leftover cake will keep in an airtight container for 4-5 days, though its white color will yellow a bit from air exposure.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 422kcalCarbohydrates: 59gProtein: 6gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 96mgSodium: 42mgPotassium: 272mgFiber: 4gSugar: 47gVitamin A: 684IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 92mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword cherries, christmas, dates, gluten-free, mascarpone, Medjool dates, nuts, pistachios
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    More Festive Christmas Recipes from All Over the World

    • Cranberry, Pistachio and Raspberry White Chocolate Bark Recipe {Gluten Free}
    • The Best Allergy-Free Vegan Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie {Oil-Free, Soy-Free, Dairy-Free}
    • French Chocolate orange tart {gluten free, paleo}
    • No-bake chocolate pistachio cake {gluten free, vegan option}

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    1. Denise says

      December 28, 2021 at 7:38 am

      5 stars
      This is just beautiful! I wish I would have seen it early because I had to take dessert to my family Christmas dinner. I have pinned it though and I'm going to try it for New Year's Eve! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    2. veenaazmanov says

      December 28, 2021 at 8:05 pm

      5 stars
      Thanks for so much detailing to this recipe. Perfect festive timing and the time to give it a try. Sounds so yum.

      Reply
    3. Colleen says

      December 29, 2021 at 5:02 pm

      5 stars
      I love that this dessert is gluten free! It was so festive and delicious for dessert on Christmas eve!

      Reply
    4. Gwynn Galvin says

      December 29, 2021 at 6:33 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe was a big hit with my family during the holidays. Thank you for a delicious and impressive recipe!

      Reply
    5. Liz says

      December 30, 2021 at 8:44 am

      5 stars
      This recipe sounds so fancy! Also sounds perfect for the holidays! Thanks for the share!

      Reply
    6. Amanda Dixon says

      December 30, 2021 at 8:54 am

      5 stars
      This made for such a beautiful Christmas dessert! The presentation is just stunning, and I loved that decadent mascarpone cream.

      Reply
    7. Healing Tomato says

      December 30, 2021 at 7:41 pm

      5 stars
      Is it wrong that I want to make this yule log all year round? It was so easy to make and tasted beyond delicious! I think I am going to make it anytime I am feeling like I need a good dessert.

      Reply
    8. Mikayla says

      December 30, 2021 at 11:31 pm

      5 stars
      Rich creamy flavor with sweet fruits to add color and flavor. Such a holiday treat!

      Reply
    9. Aya says

      January 02, 2022 at 10:52 am

      5 stars
      I was always intimidated by log cakes, but I had to try it after seeing how beautiful your recipe is. The instructions you provided were easy to follow, and I loved that you included photos along the way. It made all the difference. The cake turned out amazing, and everyone loved it ( even my husband, who doesn't eat dates)! Thank you for the recipe!

      Reply
    10. Katie Crenshaw says

      January 02, 2022 at 5:27 pm

      5 stars
      I was nervous about making this. It looked like it would be hard to make. But it came out beautifully. The fillings are incredible.

      Reply
    11. Moop Brown says

      January 02, 2022 at 7:28 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe looks super festive and I appreciate that it's gluten free as well. Thanks!

      Reply
    12. Ramona says

      January 03, 2022 at 7:05 am

      5 stars
      This is such a pretty and festive recipe that I cant wait to try out! This is perfect for Christmas. Thank you for sharing this recipe!

      Reply
    13. Beth Anderson says

      September 05, 2022 at 7:24 pm

      What size baking pan should I use?

      Reply
      • kseniaprints says

        September 05, 2022 at 7:52 pm

        A regular sized baking sheet - they’re usually 16 x 12 inches or so. I will also make the specification in the recipe.

        Reply
    14. Colleen says

      December 14, 2022 at 3:49 pm

      5 stars
      I had to come back to find this recipe so I can make it again this Christmas. It's much easier than it looks and it tastes amazing. Thanks for this recipe.

      Reply
    15. Kathryn says

      December 14, 2022 at 4:37 pm

      5 stars
      I am so excited to make this festive and adorable dessert for Christmas! I love the date paste in the middle and I know it will be a hit!

      Reply
    16. Mikayla says

      December 14, 2022 at 10:37 pm

      5 stars
      Such a festive and pretty addition to your holiday table. Texture and flavors are great, you would not know it is gluten free.

      Reply
    17. megane says

      December 15, 2022 at 7:49 am

      5 stars
      I have bookmarked this for baking this Christmas. Fingers crossed mine turns out just like yours x

      Reply
    18. Amy Liu Dong says

      December 16, 2022 at 11:36 am

      5 stars
      I love how you make this recipe so easy for us to do.
      It's pretty and such a perfect dessert to make for Christmas.
      Yum!

      Reply
    19. Katie Crenshaw says

      December 17, 2022 at 3:11 pm

      5 stars
      This turns out so pretty and delicious. It is the perfect special dessert at Christmas time!

      Reply
    20. Natalia says

      December 17, 2022 at 3:40 pm

      Great recipe!! I made this for a friends gathering and everyone loved it. Delicious and easy to eat after a big heavy meal.

      Reply
    21. Jamie says

      December 18, 2022 at 5:01 am

      5 stars
      This recipe looks absolutely delicious and yummy! The color combination makes it so enticing and tempting! A perfect treat for this Holiday season!

      Reply
    22. Ann says

      December 18, 2022 at 9:36 am

      5 stars
      This yule log is so pretty! I wish mine would turn out this good every time! This is a great dessert for the holidays!

      Reply
    23. Tristin says

      December 18, 2022 at 11:20 am

      5 stars
      I make a yule log every year for Christmas. I am trying this recipe this year because it's gorgeous. Can't wait!!

      Reply
    24. Gwynn says

      December 18, 2022 at 4:16 pm

      5 stars
      Such a beautiful recipe for the holidays and I'm loving the flavor combination!

      Reply
    25. Zhen says

      December 19, 2022 at 10:23 am

      5 stars
      I'm still looking for a yule log recipe and this is perfect for me as I have a ton of dates to use up. (So much healthier than sugar or maple syrup!) It looks so good!

      Reply

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    Privet, I am Ksenia Prints! A food and travel blogger, photographer and storyteller. I help adventurous home cooks explore the world through healthy, beautiful immigrant recipes.

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