Description
Create a festive masterpiece with this Classic Yule Log (Bûche de Noël)! A soft chocolate sponge cake rolled with creamy filling, coated in rich chocolate ganache, and decorated with berries and holiday-inspired toppings. Perfect for Christmas celebrations and sure to impress!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Chocolate Sponge Cake:
- 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
For the Filling:
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream, chilled
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup (175g) dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
For Decoration:
- Fresh berries (raspberries, blackberries, cranberries)
- Chocolate shavings
- Dried orange slices
- Whipped cream or meringue
- Edible decorations (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- Make the Sponge Cake:
- Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks and 1/2 cup sugar until pale and creamy. Mix in the vanilla extract and milk.
- In another bowl, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg yolk mixture. Fold in the egg whites carefully to maintain volume.
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched.
- Roll the Cake:
- While the cake is still warm, invert it onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment paper and roll the cake tightly with the towel. Let it cool completely.
- Prepare the Filling:
- Whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Fill and Roll the Cake:
- Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread the whipped cream filling evenly over it. Roll it back up tightly and place it seam-side down on a serving platter.
- Make the Ganache:
- Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until steaming (do not boil). Pour it over the chopped chocolate and let sit for 1–2 minutes. Stir until smooth.
- Decorate the Yule Log:
- Spread the ganache over the rolled cake, creating a bark-like texture with a spatula or fork.
- Decorate with berries, chocolate shavings, dried oranges, whipped cream, or your favorite festive toppings.
- Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- To make the ganache shinier, add 1 teaspoon of butter while stirring.
- For a coffee twist, add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to the ganache.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.