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Delicious Yule Log Cake elegantly decorated for the Christmas season

Yule Log Cake: A Festive French Delight!

This festive Yule Log Cake, also known as Bûche de Noël, is a classic French dessert traditionally enjoyed during the holiday season. It features a delicate sponge cake rolled with a rich filling and decorated to resemble a tree log, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Frosting
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • salt pinch
Simple Syrup (Optional)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rum or brandy optional

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Electric mixer
  • Spatula
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Piping bag

Method
 

Prepare Cake
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, extending beyond the edges.
Make Batter
  1. In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy, then gently fold in flour, cocoa powder, salt, and vanilla until just combined.
Bake Cake
  1. Pour batter onto the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly, baking for 10-12 minutes until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
Roll Cake
  1. Immediately invert the warm cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar, carefully peel off the parchment, then roll the cake with the towel and let it cool completely.
Prepare Frosting
  1. While the cake cools, prepare the chocolate frosting by beating softened butter until creamy, then gradually adding powdered sugar, cocoa powder, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt until smooth and fluffy.
Unroll and Fill
  1. Gently unroll the cooled cake and spread a generous, even layer of the prepared frosting over it.
Re-roll Cake
  1. Carefully re-roll the cake tightly without the towel, then trim the ends for a neat appearance.
Decorate
  1. Frost the entire log with the remaining frosting, creating a bark-like texture with a fork, and decorate with desired toppings like meringue mushrooms or powdered sugar.
Chill
  1. Refrigerate the Yule Log Cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and frosting to set.

Notes

For best results, make sure all your ingredients, especially eggs, are at room temperature. Chilling the cake thoroughly before serving will make it easier to slice and enhance the flavors.