The holiday season is upon us and what better way to celebrate than with a traditional French dessert, Buche de Noel! This classic cake, also known as Yule Log, is a beautiful and delicious centerpiece for any holiday table. With a recipe from You Tube, it’s easy to make this festive treat in your own kitchen.
Ingredient List:
- 6 large eggs
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream (as needed)
- Sprigs of fresh rosemary, cranberries, and powdered sugar for decoration
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 10×15 inch jelly-roll pan with parchment paper and grease lightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy. This will take about 5 minutes on high speed.
- Sift flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt over the egg mixture. Gently fold until combined.
- Add vanilla extract and continue to fold until no streaks remain.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cake springs back when touched.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the chocolate frosting. In a medium saucepan, heat the cream until it starts to steam.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and add chopped chocolate. Stir until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
- Add butter, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and stir until smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add milk or cream until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
- When the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Carefully flip the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment paper.
- Roll up the cake in the towel, starting from the short end. Let it cool completely.
- Unroll the cake and spread the chocolate frosting over the surface, leaving about 1 inch border around the edges.
- Roll up the cake again and place it seam-side down on a platter.
- Spread additional frosting over the surface of the cake to create a log shape. Use a fork or knife to make bark-like texture on the frosting.
- Decorate the Buche de Noel with fresh rosemary sprigs, cranberries and a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutritional Information:
- Serving size: 1 slice
- Calories per serving: 310
- Total fat: 17g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 32g
- Protein: 4g
Cooking Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Equipment:
- 10×15 inch jelly-roll pan
- Parchment paper
- Kitchen mixer
- Spatula
- Medium saucepan
- Clean kitchen towel
- Platter
Serving Suggestions:
Buche de Noel is a classic holiday dessert that pairs well with a variety of beverages. Serve with hot cocoa, coffee, or tea for a cozy winter treat. For an extra festive touch, pair with a glass of champagne or sparkling wine.
Variations:
For a twist on the classic Buche de Noel, try adding different flavors to the cake batter or frosting. Add orange zest, espresso powder, or peppermint extract for a unique flavor profile. For a lighter version, substitute whipped cream for the chocolate frosting.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, there are some substitutions you can make. Use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour for a lighter texture. Substitute dark chocolate for semisweet chocolate for a richer flavor. If you don’t have heavy cream, use half-and-half or whole milk instead.
Storage:
Store leftover Buche de Noel in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
Tips:
- Make sure to beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy for a light and airy cake.
- Use a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar to prevent the cake from sticking when rolling.
- Refrigerate the cake before slicing for easier cutting.
- Decorate with fresh rosemary sprigs and cranberries for a festive touch.
Notes:
Buche de Noel is a traditional French dessert that is typically served during the holiday season. The cake is shaped like a Yule log and decorated with frosting and festive decorations. This recipe from You Tube is easy to follow and yields a delicious and impressive dessert that is sure to impress your guests.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I make the cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the cake up to a day in advance. Wrap in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until ready to frost and serve.
Q: Can I freeze the cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
Q: Can I use a different frosting?
A: Yes, you can use any frosting of your choice. Cream cheese frosting, buttercream, or whipped cream are all great options.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, Buche de Noel is a festive and delicious holiday treat that is sure to impress your guests. This recipe from You Tube is easy to follow and yields a beautiful and tasty cake. Don’t be intimidated by the rolling process, with a little practice it’s easy to master. Give it a try and enjoy!