Christmas Yule Log Cake Recipe

What Is Bûche De Noël?

Bûche de noël, also known as Yule Log Cake, is a spectacular French Christmas cake that’s famous all over the world. The sweet treat features a light sponge rolled and decorated to resemble a log. It originates from the traditional way medieval European people celebrated the festive period. Families would burn an entire tree in their fireplace. Then the tree would slowly transform into a log and warm the home. 

 

Ingredients

Sponge Cake: 

• 3/4 cup flour  

• 1/3 cup Venchi cocoa powder  

• 1 teaspoon baking powder 

• pinch of salt  

• 4 large fresh eggs, at room temperature   

• 3/4 cup sugar  

• 5 tablespoons sour cream   

• 1/4 melted butter  

• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence  

Filling:  

• 1 ¼ cup of whipping cream  

• 3/4 cup of powdered sugar  

• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence  

• pinch of salt  

• 8 oz softened mascarpone  

Chocolate Ganache: 

• 8 oz Venchi 75% dark chocolate  

• 1 cup whipping cream  

 

Yields:0 to 12 servings  

Preparation Time: 1 hour 30 mins  

Cooking Time: 12 mins 

 

How To Make A Yule Log Cake 

Imagine how impressed family and friends will be with a chocolate Yule log cake on the Christmas table. While it may look like an overwhelming dessert to make at home, in reality, it'll be a success if you take it slowly. 

 

Step by Step Directions   

Sponge Cake: 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F 

2. Line a 12x17-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Grease the paper to ensure the cake doesn't stick.  

3. Combine the dry ingredients. The flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Then set aside.  

4. Now for the eggs. Make sure they're fresh for a fluffy sponge. Then separate them into whites and yolks. 

5. In a new bowl, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, sour cream, melted butter, and vanilla extract on medium speed. Mix until it's light in color.  

6. Add the flour mixture to the egg yolks. Whisk together until all ingredients are combined.  

7. In a new bowl, whisk the egg whites. Stop when stiff peaks appear. Try to avoid over-whisking for maximum fluffiness.  

8. With a spatula, gently fold roughly half the whipped egg whites into the flour mixture.  

9. Fold in the final half of the egg whites and combine well.  

10. Pour the cake batter into the baking pan. Make sure the batter's evenly spread.  

11. Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the sponge. If it comes out clean, then the cake's ready.  

12. Take the cake out of the oven. With a butter knife, loosen the edges.  

13. Place a thin tea towel on the counter. Immediately flip the pan onto the towel to remove the cake.  

14. Peel off the parchment paper on the cake.  

15. Roll the cake into a log shape while it's still hot. Start at the narrow end, and with the help of the tea towel, start to tightly roll the cake. Let it rest until it's cooled down. You can place it in the refrigerator to speed up the process. 

 

Whipped Cream Filling:  

1. When the cake has almost cooled, start making the filling.  

2. Whisk the whipping cream, powdered sugar, vanilla essence, and salt in a bowl on high speed. Stop when soft peaks form.  

3. Add the mascarpone and whisk until peaks are created.  

4. Next, it's time to unroll the cooled cake. With a spatula, spread the filling on top. Leave about half an inch on every edge empty.  

5. Without the tea towel, carefully roll the cake back up. If the cake is too sticky, dust it with some cocoa powder.  

6. Protect the cake by covering it with plastic wrap. Then refrigerate it for at least 30 mins or until firm. 

 

Chocolate ganache: 

1. Chop the chocolate and place it in a bowl.  

2. In a saucepan, slowly simmer the cream until it's about to boil.  

3. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate. Then let the mixture sit for 3-4 minutes to soften the chocolate.  

4. Next, whisk until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.  

5. It will be too thin to use immediately. Give time for the ganache to cool to room temperature and thicken.  

6. Use an electric mixer to whisk the ganache at high speed. Stop when it's lighter in color and sufficiently thick. 

 

How To Decorate A Yule Log Cake

Discover the steps for creating a perfect decoration for your bûche de noël: 

1. Pour the chocolate ganache over the cake. With a spatula, spread the ganache evenly around.  

2. To enhance the magic, carefully drag a fork through the chocolate ganache and create a bark-like texture. 

3. Refrigerate your Christmas Yule log cake until it's ready to be served. 

 

Play around and be creative when you're decorating a Yule log cake. After the chocolate ganache topping sets, it's time to unleash the imagination. Powdered sugar can be used to resemble snow. Or try topping the cake with sugared cranberries and rosemary. Make it fun and get the whole family involved.