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Christmas Yule Log Cake Recipe (Bûche De Noël)
5 from 54 votes

Christmas Yule Log Cake Recipe (Bûche De Noël)

The Christmas Yule Log Cake, or Bûche de Noël, is a rolled cocoa sponge cake filled with a mascarpone and whipped cream mixture and decorated with chocolate ganache and festive toppings. The cake's light cocoa batter bakes into a thin sheet that is carefully rolled with creamy filling, then chilled to hold its shape. Toppings like sugared cranberries, nuts, and meringue mushrooms add a seasonal touch. This dessert has a soft, creamy texture combined with rich chocolate notes, making it a traditional centerpiece for holiday celebrations.

Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
1 hr
Additional Time
2 hrs 30 mins
Servings: 12
Calories: 286 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: French

Ingredients

For the Cake:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder ¼ cup
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 6 egg large
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • For the Filling and Toppings
For the Filling and Toppings:
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream cold
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baileys
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
  • ¼ cup macadamia nuts chopped
  • ganache
  • cranberries sugared
  • rosemary sugared
  • Meringue Mushrooms

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a large bowl sift together the flour, 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder, and baking powder.
  2. Next, add in the sugar, vanilla, eggs, and oil and vigorously whisk together until smooth and combined.
  3. Transfer the mixture to a 13x18 cookie sheet tray that has been lined with parchment paper and spread the batter out evenly using an offset spatula.
  4. Bake at 350° for 15-17 minutes and the invert the cake onto a large clean kitchen towel that’s been dusted with ¼ cup of cocoa powder. Be sure to remove the parchment paper.
  5. Roll the cake up in the towel and let it completely cool to room temperature, which takes about 2 to 2 ½ hours.
  6. In the meantime, make the filling by whisking together the whipped cream, sugar, vanilla, and cocoa powder until medium-stiff peaks have formed.
  7. Next, add in the mascarpone cheese and whisk until stiff peaks have formed. Set in the refrigerator to keep cool until ready to use it.
  8. Now, prepare the ganache, and optional sugared cranberries and rosemary, as well as meringue mushrooms.
  9. Once the cake is completely cooled, gently unroll it, and then evenly spread the mascarpone whipped cream all over the enter from edge to edge.
  10. Roll the cake up tightly and make sure the filling is not coming out of the edges.
  11. Roll the cake up tightly in plastic wrap and chill it for about 30 minutes in the refrigerator to help restabilize the shape and filling.
  12. Slice the cake towards the top at an angle and then attach is to the side of the cake using some ganache or leftover whipped cream filling.
  13. Spread the ganache all over the top of the and sides of the yule log leaving the cut ends opened.
  14. Take a fork and run streaks down the sides and top of the cake.

Notes

  • This cake can be made up to one day ahead and refrigerated, then brought to room temperature before serving.
  • Store covered in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for up to three months; slice directly from the freezer or thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
  • Minor cracks in the cake roll are normal and hidden by the ganache coating.
  • When texturing the ganache to look like bark, avoid pressing too deeply to keep the effect subtle.
  • The rolled cake can be chilled in the freezer for 15–20 minutes before adding ganache to help it set firmly.
  • Macadamia nuts can be substituted with hazelnuts or pecans based on preference.

Nutrition Information

Calories 286kcal (14%) Carbohydrates 32g (11%) Protein 5g (10%) Fat 16g (25%) Saturated Fat 8g (40%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g (6%) Monounsaturated Fat 6g (30%) Trans Fat 1g (50%) Cholesterol 123mg (41%) Sodium 141mg (6%) Potassium 135mg (3%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 22g (44%) Vitamin A 556IU (11%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 53mg (5%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 286

% Daily Value*

Calories 286kcal 14%
Carbohydrates 32g 11%
Protein 5g 10%
Fat 16g 25%
Saturated Fat 8g 40%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 6g 30%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 123mg 41%
Sodium 141mg 6%
Potassium 135mg 3%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 22g 44%
Vitamin A 556IU 11%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 53mg 5%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.