Description
This Classic Yule Log, or Bûche de Noël, is a festive holiday dessert featuring a light chocolate sponge cake rolled with whipped cream and covered in a rich chocolate frosting. Beautifully garnished with sugared cranberries and rosemary, it’s as stunning as it is delicious—a perfect showstopper for your holiday table.
Ingredients
Cake:
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4 large eggs, separated
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2/3 cup sugar, divided
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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2 tablespoons baking cocoa
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling:
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1 cup heavy whipping cream
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2 tablespoons sugar
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1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Frosting:
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1/2 cup butter, softened
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2 cups confectioners’ sugar
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2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted
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2 tablespoons 2% milk
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Optional Garnish:
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Sugared cranberries
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Sugared rosemary sprigs
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper; grease the paper.
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In a large bowl, beat egg yolks and 1/3 cup sugar until thick and lemon-colored.
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In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining 1/3 cup sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
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Gently fold yolk mixture into the whites. Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt; fold into the egg mixture until just blended.
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Spread batter evenly into prepared pan. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched.
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Immediately turn cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with confectioners’ sugar. Peel off parchment paper. Roll the cake up in the towel jelly-roll style and cool completely.
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For the filling, beat cream, sugar, and almond extract until stiff peaks form. Unroll the cooled cake and spread the filling evenly. Roll up again without the towel.
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For the frosting, beat butter until creamy. Add confectioners’ sugar, melted chocolate, milk, and vanilla; beat until smooth.
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Frost the cake roll, using a fork to create a bark-like texture. Garnish with sugared cranberries and rosemary if desired.
- Chill before serving to set the frosting.
Notes
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Cake must be rolled while still warm to prevent cracking.
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Garnishes are optional but add a festive, wintry touch.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French, American