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Finished Classic Yule Log with chocolate ganache and festive decorations.

Classic Yule Log Recipe

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The Classic Yule Log, or ‘Bûche de Noël,’ is a beloved holiday dessert featuring a light chocolate sponge cake rolled with rich cream filling and decorated to resemble a wooden log. This traditional French dessert is perfect for Christmas celebrations with its moist chocolate sponge, velvety filling, and realistic bark-like decoration. Follow our step-by-step guide to create this stunning centerpiece that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.

  • Total Time: 42 minutes

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large eggs, separated
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
  • 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper
  2. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a medium bowl
  3. Beat egg yolks with ½ cup sugar until pale and thick, then beat in vanilla
  4. In separate bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form, then gradually add remaining sugar
  5. Gently fold dry ingredients into yolk mixture, then carefully fold in beaten egg whites
  6. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan and bake for 10-12 minutes
  7. Immediately invert hot cake onto cocoa-dusted kitchen towel and roll up to cool
  8. Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla for filling, then spread on unrolled cake
  9. Roll cake back up and prepare chocolate ganache by pouring hot cream over chopped chocolate
  10. Spread ganache over log and create bark texture with a fork before chilling

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs for best volume
  • Roll the cake while still warm for easier shaping
  • Chill assembled log before decorating for cleaner cuts
  • Try variations like coffee, peppermint, or mocha flavors
  • Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze undecorated log for 1 month
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes