Description
The Chocolate Yule Log, or Bûche de Noël, is a festive holiday dessert made with a light chocolate sponge cake, creamy filling, and rich chocolate ganache, decorated to resemble a rustic log.
Ingredients
- 4 eggs (separated)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (for filling)
- 2–3 tbsp powdered sugar (for filling)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (or peppermint/hazelnut, for filling)
- 1/4 cup mascarpone or cream cheese (optional)
- 6 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped (for ganache)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for ganache)
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for ganache)
- Powdered sugar, sugared cranberries, chocolate curls, meringue mushrooms, fresh rosemary (optional for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat egg yolks with sugar and vanilla until thick and pale. Sift in flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold to combine.
- In a separate bowl, whip egg whites to stiff peaks. Fold into the batter in batches without deflating.
- Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 10–12 minutes, until set and springy.
- While still warm, invert the cake onto a powdered sugar-dusted towel. Peel off parchment and roll up with the towel. Let cool completely.
- Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff. Fold in mascarpone or cream cheese if using.
- Unroll cooled cake, spread filling evenly, and re-roll tightly. Chill while preparing ganache.
- Heat cream until just simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate and butter, let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Spread ganache over cake log. Use a fork to create bark-like texture. Decorate as desired.
- Chill until ready to serve. Let sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Roll the sponge while warm to prevent cracking.
- Add instant espresso for a mocha twist.
- Swirl in jam for fruity flavor.
- Use coconut cream and dairy-free chocolate for a dairy-free version.
- Freeze (undecorated) for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in fridge before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
