Step 1

Start by making the salted caramel center. Combine all the ingredients together in a small bowl and whisk until smooth. Line a small plate with parchment paper and place a 4-inch square tart ring on top. Pour the caramel into the square ring, and place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or in the freezer for 1 hour. If you don't have a square ring tart, you can use a small baking dish or container.

Step 2

In the meantime, prepare the filling. Drain the soaked cashews and add them to a blender. Add the full-fat coconut milk, maple syrup, melted cocoa butter, and salt. Blend on high speed for 20-30 seconds, or until smooth. Transfer 2/3 of the cashew cream to a mixing bowl and set aside, leaving 1/3 in the blender.

Step 3

Add the cocoa powder to the blender and blend on high speed for 5-10 seconds, or until well combined. Line a 12-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, and pour the chocolate cream into the pan. Place in the freezer for at least 30 minutes.

Step 4

Remove the caramel from the fridge/freezer and cut it into 3 large sticks (about 4x1.3-inch). This will be our caramel center. Keep in the refrigerator until needed.

Step 5

Once the chocolate cream layer is firmer, remove from the freezer. Place the caramel sticks centered on top of the chocolate layer (see photo).

Step 6

Add the vanilla extract to the bowl with the 2/3 of the reserved cashew cream. Whisk well. Pour the vanilla cream on top of the chocolate and caramel. Place in the freezer for at least 45 minutes.

Step 7

In the meantime, prepare the raw brownie base. Add the pitted dates, raw almonds, cocoa powder, and coconut oil to the bowl of a food processor. Process until you get a fine meal. Test the mixture by pressing a tablespoon of it between your hands, it should stick together. If it's too crumbly, add more dates, and/or a teaspoon of water. Stir in the chocolate chips.

Step 8

Remove the yule log from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Add the brownie mixture on top of the vanilla layer and press down firmly to flatten. I recommend placing a sheet of parchment paper and using the bottom of a glass to pack it tightly. Place in the freezer for another 30 minutes.

Step 9

Finally, make the chocolate glaze. Place the chocolate chips in a bowl, set aside. Heat the almond milk over medium heat. As soon as it reaches a boil, remove from heat and pour over the chocolate chips. Let sit 1-2 minutes and whisk well until the chocolate is fully melted and well combined with the almond milk.

Step 10

Place a grid on top of the loaf pan and flip it. Remove the loaf pan and the parchment paper. Your yule log should now be the right way up. For easier cleaning, place a silpat or serving tray under the yule log. Now, pour the chocolate glaze on top of the log and use a spatula to make sure all faces are coated. Be aware the chocolate glaze will firm up very quickly since the yule log is cold.

Step 11

Keep the yule log in the freezer and thaw on the counter about 60 minutes before serving. Alternatively, you can transfer the yule log from the freezer to the refrigerator 3-4 hours before serving, this way it will slowly soften and your guests won't see it before dessert time!