🎄 Classic Yule Log Cake (Bûche de Noël)
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Few desserts capture the magic of Christmas quite like a Bûche de Noël. This traditional French holiday cake, designed to resemble a cozy log, is rich with history, chocolatey goodness, and festive charm. Soft sponge cake rolled with creamy filling and finished with chocolate buttercream, it’s a true holiday showstopper — yet surprisingly approachable to make at home.
Perfect for Christmas gatherings, dinner parties, or simply celebrating the season, the Yule Log Cake brings warmth, nostalgia, and a little bit of theatrical flair to your dessert table.
🍰 What Makes a Yule Log So Special
✔️ A classic Christmas tradition
✔️ Light sponge with rich chocolate flavor
✔️ Elegant yet fun presentation
✔️ Customizable with fillings and decorations
✔️ A centerpiece-worthy dessert
With a few simple techniques, you can create a bakery-worthy cake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
🍫 Classic Yule Log Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Chocolate Sponge Cake
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Whipped Cream Filling
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 2–3 tbsp milk or cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Decorations
- Powdered sugar (snow effect)
- Fresh berries or cranberries
- Rosemary sprigs
- Chocolate shavings
🧁 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- Beat eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy (about 5 minutes).
- Gently fold in vanilla, flour, cocoa powder, and salt until just combined.
- Spread batter evenly in prepared pan and bake for 10–12 minutes.
- Turn cake onto a clean towel dusted with powdered sugar. Roll gently while warm and let cool completely.
- Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Unroll cake, spread whipped cream evenly, and re-roll carefully.
- Frost the outside with chocolate buttercream, creating bark-like texture with a fork.
- Decorate with powdered sugar, berries, and rosemary.
🎅 Tips for the Perfect Yule Log
- Roll the cake while warm to prevent cracking
- Use light pressure when re-rolling
- Chill before serving for cleaner slices
- Get creative with decorations — each log is unique
🎄 Why This Cake Belongs on Your Holiday Table
The Classic Yule Log Cake is more than just dessert — it’s a celebration. With its rich flavors, festive look, and timeless appeal, it’s the kind of sweet that becomes a holiday tradition. Whether you’re hosting a grand dinner or enjoying a quiet Christmas at home, this cake brings a little magic to every slice.