Lucy M. This French Yule log cake is a festive delight that combines rich flavors and a beautiful presentation.
When I first made a Bûche de Noël, I was amazed at how such a simple combination of ingredients could create something so delicious and elegant. This traditional Christmas dessert, often referred to as a Yule log, has a delicious chocolate roulade filled with chestnut cream and topped with whipped cream. It’s perfect for celebrating the holiday season with loved ones. Let me share how I made my own Bûche de Noël.
What Is a Bûche de Noël?
A Bûche de Noël, also known as a Yule log cake, is a traditional dessert served during the Christmas season. It’s a rolled-up cake made to look like a log, symbolizing the logs that were burned in fireplaces during the holidays in old times. The cake is usually made of chocolate sponge, filled with cream or chestnut filling, and decorated to resemble the bark of a tree. It’s often topped with whipped cream and dusted with cocoa powder to make it look even more festive. A Bûche de Noël is a delicious and beautiful dessert, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of brandy
- 1¼ cups (300ml) whipped heavy cream for topping
- 8 ounces (225g) unsweetened chestnut purée
- 1 tablespoon of instant coffee granules
- ⅔ cup (150ml) whipped heavy cream for the filling
- ¼ cup (55g) sugar
- 2 tablespoons of hot milk
- 1 unfilled chocolate roulade (make your own or buy it)
- Cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
- Start by brewing a simple coffee mixture. Combine the instant coffee granules with hot milk, stirring until the coffee dissolves completely. Set this aside to cool.
- For the filling, in a bowl, whisk the heavy cream until it forms soft peaks. Then, mix in the chestnut purée, sugar, and brandy. Pour the coffee mixture in and blend everything together until smooth and creamy.
- Unroll your chocolate roulade carefully. Spread a generous amount of the chestnut filling over the entire surface, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
- Gently roll the chocolate roulade back up. Don’t worry if it cracks a little—it adds to the rustic look.
- Whip the remaining heavy cream (1¼ cups) and use it to coat the outside of the rolled-up cake. Make it look like tree bark, swirling the whipped cream to create texture.
- Once covered, dust the top with cocoa powder to give it that classic Yule log appearance.
- Let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving so the flavors have time to meld together.
Bûche de Noël
Ingredients
Method
- Start by brewing a simple coffee mixture. Combine the instant coffee granules with hot milk, stirring until the coffee dissolves completely. Set this aside to cool.
- For the filling, in a bowl, whisk the heavy cream until it forms soft peaks. Then, mix in the chestnut purée, sugar, and brandy. Pour the coffee mixture in and blend everything together until smooth and creamy.
- Unroll your chocolate roulade carefully. Spread a generous amount of the chestnut filling over the entire surface, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
- Gently roll the chocolate roulade back up. Don’t worry if it cracks a little—it adds to the rustic look.
- Whip the remaining heavy cream (1¼ cups) and use it to coat the outside of the rolled-up cake. Make it look like tree bark, swirling the whipped cream to create texture.
- Once covered, dust the top with cocoa powder to give it that classic Yule log appearance.
- Let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving so the flavors have time to meld together.
Notes
How to Store Bûche de Noël?
To store your Bûche de Noël, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge. This will help maintain its freshness for up to 3 days. Be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.Can You Freeze Bûche de Noël?
Yes, you can freeze Bûche de Noël. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. It can stay frozen for up to a month. When ready to serve, let it thaw in the fridge for several hours or overnight.Can I Make Bûche de Noël Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Bûche de Noël can be made a day or two before serving. Just store it in the fridge, and it will stay fresh. Making it ahead of time can also give the flavors a chance to meld together, making it even more delicious.Nutritional Value (per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 28g
If you’re a fan of simple yet delicious cakes, you’ll love Mary Berry’s fairy cakes. These small, light treats are perfect for any occasion and are incredibly easy to make.
FAQs
How to Store Bûche de Noël?
To store your Bûche de Noël, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge. This will help maintain its freshness for up to 3 days. Be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
Can You Freeze Bûche de Noël?
Yes, you can freeze Bûche de Noël. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. It can stay frozen for up to a month. When ready to serve, let it thaw in the fridge for several hours or overnight.
Can I Make Bûche de Noël Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Bûche de Noël can be made a day or two before serving. Just store it in the fridge, and it will stay fresh. Making it ahead of time can also give the flavors a chance to meld together, making it even more delicious.
Conclusion
Bûche de Noël has become one of my favorite holiday treats. It’s a showstopper dessert that impresses with its rich flavors and festive charm. I hope you give it a try and enjoy this holiday classic with your family and friends!
