Classic Chocolate Yule Log (Bûche de Noël)

Looking for the perfect Yule Log recipe? My Classic Chocolate Yule Log (Bûche de Noël) is a showstopper! Easy enough for home bakers, and utterly delicious. Get the recipe!

June 7, 2025
By Sally Thompson.

Jump to Recipe print

0 Out of 5 Based on: 0 Ratings.

Alright, let's dive into the magical world of yule log recipes ! ever wondered what it's like to bake a cake that looks like it came straight out of a christmas fairytale? i'm gonna share with you my take on the classic chocolate yule log , or as the french beautifully call it, bûche de noël.

Honestly, it’s easier than it looks.

Get Ready for Your Best Yule Log Ever

This traditional yule log cake recipe isn't just any dessert. the yule log christmas cake is rich in history, dating back to ancient winter solstice celebrations.

It evolved from burning an actual log to a symbolic, edible treat. it's a medium difficulty bake, taking around 2.

5 hours including chilling, and serves 8-10 people.

Classic Chocolate Yule Log (Bûche de Noël) Recipe Card

0.0 / 5 (0 Review)

Preparation time:45 Mins

Cooking time:20 Mins

Servings:8-10 servings

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs, separated, room temperature
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• ⅓ cup (40g) all-purpose flour, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1 ½ cups (360ml) heavy cream
• 6 ounces (170g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 6 ounces (170g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped (for ganache)
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream (for ganache)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
• Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)
• Cranberries (optional)
• Meringue mushrooms (store-bought or homemade) (optional)

Instructions:

• Prepare the Pan: Line the jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
• Make the Sponge Cake Batter: Whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick. In a separate bowl, whisk cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Gradually add to the egg yolk mixture. Beat egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Gently fold egg whites into the batter.
• Bake the Cake: Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This will ensure a delicious yule log recipe.
• Cool and Roll the Cake: Immediately invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Gently peel off the parchment paper. Starting from one short end, roll the cake up tightly in the towel and let it cool completely.
• Make the Chocolate Cream Filling: Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate; let sit for a minute, then whisk until smooth. Stir in softened butter and powdered sugar. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until thick enough to spread.
• Assemble the Yule Log: Unroll the cooled cake. Spread the chocolate cream filling evenly over the cake. Re-roll the cake tightly.
• Make the Chocolate Ganache: Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate; let sit for a minute, then whisk until smooth. Let cool slightly.
• Decorate the Yule Log: Cut off a slanted piece from each end of the log to create branches. Place the log on a serving platter. Spread the chocolate ganache over the log to resemble bark. Use a fork to create bark-like texture. Attach the cut-off pieces to the sides of the log with ganache. Decorate with powdered sugar, rosemary, cranberries, and meringue mushrooms (if using).
• Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the Yule Log for at least 30 minutes before serving. Slice and serve chilled.

The Allure of a Yuletide Cake

Beyond its deliciousness, this dark chocolate yule log brings joy and tradition to your holiday table. think of it as your centerpiece! this recipe is special because it balances rich chocolate flavour with a light, airy sponge.

Key Health Benefits and Serving Ideas

Did you know dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants? yep, a little indulgence can be good for you! this yule log easy recipe is a perfect showstopper for christmas dinner.

Imagine serving this yule roll cake and watching everyone's eyes light up.

Alright, let's get this show on the road and talk ingredients and gear! my classic chocolate yule log , or as some call it the yule roll cake , is simpler than it looks, promise! it's the kind of yule log christmas cake that makes everyone say, "oh my gosh!".

This traditional yule log cake recipe is a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients & Equipment

Let's break it down, yeah?

Main Ingredients

Okay, for the chocolate sponge cake , we need the basics:

• 4 large eggs. Separate them, yeah? Room temp is key, trust me.
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar.
• 1/3 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder. Good quality is a must! It's the flavour.
• 1/3 cup (40g) all-purpose flour. Sift it!
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
• A pinch of salt, innit.

For the chocolate cream filling (oooh, this is the good stuff):

• 1 1/2 cups (360ml) heavy cream. Needs to be properly cold, so you can whip it.
• 6 ounces (170g) semi-sweet chocolate. Chop it finely!
• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter. Softened, yeah?
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar.

And the chocolate ganache (the bark of our Yuletide Cake ):

• 6 ounces (170g) semi-sweet chocolate. Again, finely chopped.
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream.

Seasoning Notes

Honestly, it's mostly about the chocolate, yeah? for the ganache, try adding a tiny pinch of sea salt. it enhances the dark chocolate yule log flavour like you wouldn't believe.

Vanilla extract is key for that yummy background flavour.

Spice-wise, a tiny pinch of cinnamon or a drop of coffee extract in the cream filling. I like to add a bit of coffee, it makes it even tastier!

Equipment Needed

Right, you don't need fancy stuff. This Yule Log Easy Recipe is not fancy!

• 10x15 inch jelly roll pan.
• Parchment paper. This is a must, honestly.
• Electric mixer. Stand or hand, doesn't matter.
• Rubber spatula. For folding, yeah?
• Small saucepan. For the ganache.
• Offset spatula.
• Serrated knife.

Right then, let's get down to brass tacks and talk yule log recipe , shall we? honestly, making a christmas chocolate yule log isn't as scary as it looks.

I always thought it was some fancy pants, chef-level kinda thing. but trust me, if i can do it, you definitely can.

And hey, who doesn't love a traditional yule log cake recipe for christmas?

Time to Get Your Ducks in a Row

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic

Okay, so "mise en place" – sounds fancy, right? nah, it just means get all your ingredients measured and ready to go before you start.

Like, chop your chocolate, sift your flour, separate your eggs. seriously, it makes life so much easier. honestly, it's like having a personal sous chef.

And make sure your eggs are at room temperature! it really helps them whip up nicely.

Organisation is Key: Saving Time Like a Boss

Grab all the equipment you need too! jelly roll pan, parchment paper, mixers. having everything at your fingertips is a total game-changer.

It stops that mid-bake panic when you can't find the baking parchment. you know the drill.

Let's Get Baking: The Step-by-Step

1. Prep the Pan: Line that jelly roll pan with parchment paper, leaving some hanging over the edges. This is super important for getting the cake out later.

2. Make the cake batter: whisk 4 egg yolks with ½ cup sugar until pale and thick. mix ⅓ cup cocoa, ⅓ cup flour, and a pinch of salt.

   Gently fold into the egg yolks. whisk 4 egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form, then gently fold into the batter.

3. Bake: Spread the batter in the pan. Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 15- 20 minutes . A toothpick inserted should come out clean.

4. Cool and Roll: Invert onto a kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment. Roll the cake up tightly in the towel. Cool completely.

5. Make Filling: Heat 1 ½ cups heavy cream. Pour over 6 ounces chopped chocolate. Whisk until smooth. Stir in 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons powdered sugar. Chill.

6. Assemble: Unroll the cake. Spread with chocolate cream. Re-roll tightly.

7. Make Ganache: Heat ½ cup cream. Pour over 6 ounces chopped chocolate. Whisk. Cool slightly.

8. Decorate: cut angled pieces off the ends. place on a platter. spread ganache. use a fork to make "bark" texture.

   Attach "branches". dust with powdered sugar and add rosemary sprigs if you like.

9. Chill Out: Refrigerate for 30 minutes before slicing.

Cracking Tips for a Cracking Yule Log

• Don’t overbake! Seriously, a dry cake is a nightmare to roll.
• Rolling it tightly the first time is crucial to avoid cracks.
• If the ganache is too hot, it'll melt the filling, too cold, and you'll never spread it.

So, there you have it! my take on a classic yule log christmas cake . it's more of a yule roll cake , and you can even call it a yuletide cake .

With a little patience and maybe a cheeky glass of sherry, you can have a delicious dark chocolate yule log that will wow everyone at your christmas do.

Don't be afraid to try this yule log easy recipe . honestly, you'll feel like a baking rockstar! enjoy this traditional yule log cake and have a very merry christmas!

Alright, let's chat Recipe Notes for this stonking Yule Log recipe ! Honestly, this is where we take it from 'good' to 'utterly brilliant', innit?

Serving Suggestions: Ace Presentation, Mate!

So, you’ve baked this gorgeous traditional yule log cake recipe . but now what? presentation! think rustic charm. instead of just slapping it on a plate, dust it with loads of powdered sugar.

Make it look like a proper snowy scene. grab some rosemary sprigs - they look like little christmas trees! scatter a few cranberries around.

Fancy a posh touch? a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream never hurt anyone. for drinks, mulled wine.

Bang on, if you ask me.

Storage Tips: Keep That Yule Roll Cake Fresh

Right, you’ve got leftovers (unlikely, but possible!). how do you keep your dark chocolate yule log tasting tip-top? simple. bung it in the fridge, well-covered, for up to 3 days.

Freezing? yeah, you can. wrap it super tight in cling film and foil. it'll last for about a month. thaw it in the fridge overnight.

Make sure it's fully thawed before serving. reheating? nah, best served cold.

Variations: Get Your Bake On, Your Way

Not a fan of dark chocolate yule log ? no worries! swap out the chocolate cream for nutella. boom, nutella yule log ! need a dairy-free option? use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

Honestly, it works a treat. swapping in seasonal ingredients can add an additional layer of festive cheer to your yule log christmas cake .

Nutrition Basics: A Little Bit Naughty (But Worth It!)

Okay, let's be real. this yuletide cake isn’t exactly a salad. but hey, it's christmas! a slice (about 1/10th of the log) will set you back about 450 calories.

It’s got some protein, plenty of fat (sorry!), and carbs for days. the cocoa powder does offer some antioxidants, so it's not all bad, is it? did you know that "christmas is the season for kindling the fire for hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart"? let this dessert be the thing!

So, go on, give this yule log easy recipe a whirl. don't be scared to muck about with it! the best yule log is one you’ve made with love (and a bit of chocolate!).

You know you wanna.