The Christmas Yule Log, or Buche de Noel, is a festive dessert that resembles a log traditionally burned during the holiday season. This delightful treat combines light sponge cake, velvety cream, and rich chocolate to create a centrepiece that’s as delicious as it is visually appealing.

Christmas Yule Log Cake Traditions:

This log-shaped cake pays homage to the ancient tradition of burning a Yule log to welcome the winter solstice. The cake itself is a culinary masterpiece, typically made of a light sponge cake rolled with velvety whipped cream or buttercream. The exterior is adorned with rich chocolate ganache, meticulously textured to resemble the bark of a tree. The Yule Log is often further embellished with festive decorations, such as meringue mushrooms, powdered sugar “snow,” and sprigs of holly, creating a visually stunning representation of a winter woodland scene.

Equipment for Cooking Christmas Yule Log Cake:

Crafting the perfect Christmas Yule Log requires some essential equipment, including a BAKING SHEET, PARCHMENT PAPER and a SERRATED KNIFE for precise rolling. The artful assembly of the cake involves a delicate dance of baking, rolling, filling, and decorating. The result is not only a delicious treat but also a stunning edible centrepiece that graces holiday tables with a touch of festive magic.

Modern Days:

Modern variations of the Yule Log cake have emerged, incorporating diverse flavors such as coffee, chestnut, or fruit-infused fillings. This classic dessert continues to evolve while maintaining its essence as a symbol of warmth, joy, and the timeless beauty of winter festivities. Whether enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa by the fireside or presented as the crowning glory of a holiday feast, the Christmas Yule Log cake is a culinary tradition that adds a sweet and visually enchanting touch to the season’s celebrations.

Christmas Yule Log Delight

The Christmas Yule Log, or Buche de Noel, is a festive dessert that resembles a log traditionally burned during the holiday season.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Chilling Time 2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs

Course cake, Dessert

Cuisine European

Servings 8

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Kitchen towel
• Serrated knife
• Spatula

Ingredients

  

• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• Pinch of salt
• Confectioners' sugar for dusting
• FOR FILLING:
• 2 cups whipped cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• FOR CHOCOLATE GANACHE:
• 8 ounces dark chocolate chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Instructions

 

• Sponge Cake:
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a mixing bowl, beat eggs, sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy.
• Sift in flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt. Gently fold until just combined.
• Pour the batter onto the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cake springs back when touched.
• Rolling the Cake:
• While the cake is still warm, invert it onto a kitchen towel dusted with confectioners’ sugar.
• Roll the cake from the short end along with the towel.
• Allow it to cool completely.
• Whipped Cream Filling:
• Whip the cream until soft peaks form.
• Fold in powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
• Assembly:
• Carefully unroll the cooled cake.
• Spread the whipped cream evenly over the cake.
• Roll the cake back up without the towel.
• Chocolate Ganache:
• Heat the heavy cream until just simmering.
• Pour over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for a minute.
• Stir in the butter until smooth.
• Final Touch:
• Coat the Yule Log with chocolate ganache.
• Use a fork or spatula to create a bark-like texture.
• Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

• Be gentle when rolling the cake to avoid cracking.
• Use a serrated knife to create a more realistic log texture.
• Customize with festive decorations like powdered sugar snow or fondant mushrooms.

Keyword cake recipe, easy recipe, italian dessert recipe

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While I have you here, may I suggest few you try next:

• Hachee-Dutch Stew
• No-Knead Bread