Description
A classic French-inspired Christmas dessert, the Yule Log Cake (Bûche de Noël) is a rolled chocolate sponge cake filled with whipped cream and frosted with chocolate buttercream to resemble a log. Perfect for holiday celebrations, it’s as delicious as it is beautiful!
Ingredients
Cake:
- 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (25g) cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 3/4 cup (150g) sugar, divided
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
Filling:
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate Frosting:
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup (25g) cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp (30ml) milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In a bowl, beat egg yolks and 1/2 cup sugar until thick and pale. Mix in vanilla and milk.
- In another bowl, whisk egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into the yolk mixture.
- Fold in dry ingredients gently. Spread the batter evenly in the pan.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched.
- Roll the Cake
- Turn the hot cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment paper and roll the cake (with the towel). Let it cool completely.
- Make the Filling
- Whip the cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Unroll the cooled cake, spread the filling, and re-roll tightly.
- Prepare the Frosting
- Beat butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Frost the outside of the cake, using a fork to create a bark-like texture.
- Decorate
- Dust with powdered sugar, and decorate with berries or chocolate shavings. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Prevent Cracks: Roll the cake while warm to avoid cracking.
- Make Ahead: The cake can be made a day in advance and frosted before serving.
- Variations: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter for a mocha flavor, or swap the filling with flavored buttercream.
- Storage: Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of the cake)
- Calories: ~320 per serving