Description
Traditional Chocolate Yule Log (Bûche de Noël) is a stunning Christmas centerpiece combining a soft chocolate sponge, creamy whipped filling, and glossy ganache that resembles a rustic log. This festive dessert is surprisingly easy to make and tastes as magical as it looks — a nostalgic holiday classic perfect for Christmas dinners or cozy family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Cake:
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (30 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- For the Filling:
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (for chocolate filling)
- For the Ganache Frosting:
- 1 cup (170 g) dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
- For Decoration:
- Powdered sugar, fresh berries, and rosemary sprigs (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- Make the Batter: Whisk eggs and sugar until pale and thick. Add vanilla extract. Sift in flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, folding gently until just combined.
- Bake: Pour batter evenly into the pan and bake for 10–12 minutes until springy to the touch.
- Roll the Cake: Turn out onto a clean towel dusted with cocoa powder. Peel off parchment, roll the cake with the towel inside, and cool completely.
- Prepare the Filling: Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Spread evenly on the unrolled cake.
- Assemble: Re-roll the cake tightly, seam-side down. Chill for 30 minutes before frosting.
- Make the Ganache: Heat cream until steaming, pour over chocolate chips, add butter, and whisk until smooth. Let cool slightly before spreading over the log.
- Decorate: Use a fork to create bark-like lines, dust with powdered sugar, and garnish with berries or rosemary sprigs.
Notes
- Roll the cake while warm to prevent cracking.
- Chill before slicing for clean, beautiful layers.
- Add cocoa powder to the filling for a chocolate twist.
- Decorate with sugared cranberries or mint leaves for a festive touch.
- Can be made a day in advance and refrigerated until serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Christmas Recipes, Holiday Cakes
- Method: Baked, Rolled
- Cuisine: French, European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Chocolate Yule Log, Bûche de Noël, Yule Roll Cake, Christmas Cake Recipe, Traditional Yule Log, Holiday Desserts, Festive Chocolate Roll, Christmas Baking