The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in some delicious treats, and what better way to do so than with a Yule Log Cake Buche De Noel? This traditional French dessert is not only visually stunning, but it’s also incredibly tasty. With its chocolate sponge cake, light and fluffy frosting, and festive decorations, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends. In this article, we’ll take you through the ingredient list, step-by-step instructions, and everything else you need to know in order to make the perfect Yule Log Cake Buche De Noel.
Ingredients
- For the cake:
- 6 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the frosting:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the decorations:
- 2-3 candy canes, crushed
- Sprigs of fresh mint
- Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan with non-stick cooking spray and line with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until thick and pale in color, about 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out with a spatula.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
- Remove from the oven and immediately loosen the edges with a knife. Turn the cake out onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with confectioners’ sugar.
- Roll up the cake, starting at the short end, with the towel inside. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Unroll the cooled cake and spread the frosting over the top, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges. Roll up the cake again, this time without the towel.
- Place the cake on a serving platter and spread any remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
- Decorate with crushed candy canes, fresh mint, and a dusting of confectioners’ sugar.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 310
- Total Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
- Sodium: 135mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 31g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 23g
- Protein: 5g
Cooking Time
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Equipment
- 10×15 inch jelly roll pan
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- Clean kitchen towel
- Serving platter
Serving Suggestions
This Yule Log Cake Buche De Noel is the perfect dessert for any holiday gathering. Serve it alongside a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or tea for a cozy winter treat. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Variations and Substitutions
If you’re looking to switch things up a bit, there are a few variations and substitutions you can try:
- Instead of crushed candy canes and fresh mint, you can decorate the cake with chocolate shavings, raspberries, or other festive toppings.
- If you don’t have a jelly roll pan, you can use a regular baking sheet instead. Just make sure to line it with parchment paper and adjust the baking time accordingly.
- If you’re looking to make a gluten-free version of this cake, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour.
Storage
This Yule Log Cake Buche De Noel can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving.
Tips and Notes
- Make sure to sift the dry ingredients before folding them into the egg mixture. This will ensure that the cake bakes evenly and has a light, fluffy texture.
- When rolling up the cake, make sure to do it gently to avoid cracking the cake.
- If you want to make the cake ahead of time, you can bake the cake and make the frosting the day before. Just store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and decorate the cake.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Yule Log Cake Buche De Noel?
A Yule Log Cake Buche De Noel is a traditional French dessert that is typically served during the holiday season. It’s made with a chocolate sponge cake that is rolled up with a light and fluffy frosting, and decorated to look like a yule log.
What is the origin of the Yule Log Cake Buche De Noel?
The Yule Log Cake Buche De Noel has its roots in pagan winter solstice celebrations, where a log was burned to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck for the coming year. The tradition was later adapted by Christians, who would burn a log in the hearth on Christmas Eve. The cake version of the yule log is said to have originated in the 19th century, when bakers began creating cakes that resembled the burning log.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake and make the frosting the day before and store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and decorate the cake.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze this cake for up to 1 month. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
The Yule Log Cake Buche De Noel is a beautiful and delicious dessert that is sure to impress your holiday guests. With its light and fluffy frosting, moist chocolate cake, and festive decorations, this cake is the perfect way to celebrate the season. So why not give it a try for yourself? You won’t be disappointed!