The holidays are upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious Buche Yule Log Cake? This classic French dessert is a showstopper, with its rich chocolate cake, creamy filling, and festive decorations. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just want to treat yourself, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 4 eggs
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- For the Filling:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For Decoration:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 3-4 meringue mushrooms
- 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined.
- Pour the batter onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out evenly. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and immediately roll it up (with the parchment paper) into a tight spiral. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form.
- Unroll the cooled cake and spread the whipped cream filling evenly over the surface. Roll the cake back up and place it seam-side down on a serving platter.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until smooth. Sift in the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, then add the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Spread the frosting over the surface of the cake, using a spatula to create a bark-like texture. Dust with powdered sugar and decorate with meringue mushrooms and a sprig of rosemary.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Slice and serve chilled.
Nutritional Information:
Each serving of Buche Yule Log Cake (1 slice) contains approximately:
- Calories: 420
- Total Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
- Sodium: 125mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 49g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 40g
- Protein: 5g
Cooking Time:
The total cooking time for this recipe is approximately 45 minutes.
Equipment:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Mixer
- Spatula
- Serving platter
Serving Suggestions:
This cake is best served chilled, straight from the refrigerator. Pair it with a warm cup of cocoa or a glass of red wine for a cozy holiday treat.
Variations:
You can experiment with different flavors and fillings for this cake. Try swapping out the cocoa powder for matcha powder for a green tea variation, or fill the cake with a fruit-flavored whipped cream for a lighter option.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use whipped coconut cream instead. You can also substitute the powdered sugar in the filling and frosting with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey.
Storage:
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips:
- Be sure to roll the cake tightly to prevent cracking.
- Use a serrated knife to slice the cake cleanly.
- Make the meringue mushrooms ahead of time for easy decorating.
Notes:
This recipe makes 8-10 servings.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the cake and filling up to a day ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Frost and decorate the cake before serving.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake (unfrosted) for up to a month. Let it thaw in the refrigerator before frosting and decorating.
What is a Buche Yule Log Cake?
A Buche Yule Log Cake is a traditional French dessert typically served during the holidays. It’s made with a rolled chocolate cake filled with whipped cream and frosted to look like a log.
Where can I find meringue mushrooms?
You can usually find meringue mushrooms at specialty baking stores or online. Alternatively, you can make your own by piping meringue into mushroom shapes and baking them until crisp.
Final Thoughts:
Buche Yule Log Cake is a decadent and festive dessert that’s perfect for the holidays. With its rich chocolate cake, creamy filling, and whimsical decorations, it’s sure to impress your guests (or make for a special treat for yourself). Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think!