What’s Christmas without cake? Let’s be honest—most of us are just looking for an excuse to indulge in something sweet. And what better way than with the Yule Log Cake (also known as Bûche de Noël)?
It may look fancy, but surprisingly, it’s easier to make than you’d think! At its core, it’s a simple chiffon cake roll filled with creamy chocolate goodness and coated in a rich chocolate shell. The intricate bark-like design? Just a fork and a sheet of parchment paper can do the trick!
The Story Behind the Yule Log Cake
Long before ovens existed, families would burn a Yule log (Wikipedia) in their fireplaces during Christmas week. The log was supposed to bring warmth, luck, and blessings to the household. 
Today, we may not need to light a fire, but we can certainly keep the tradition alive with a chocolatey version of the Yule log. Picture this: twinkling lights, a table full of holiday treats, and your own homemade Bûche de Noël as the centerpiece.
Let’s bring the magic home with this simple yet impressive Yule Log Cake recipe!
Step 1: Making the Chiffon Cake Base
This recipe makes two sponge cake layers—one for the main log and an extra one just in case.
Ingredients:
- 3 eggs (separated)
- 15g vegetable oil
- 30g milk
- 30g cake flour
- 15g cocoa powder
- 35g sugar
- A few drops of lemon juice
Instructions:
1、Separate the eggs: Crack 3 eggs and separate the yolks and whites into two clean, dry, and oil-free bowls. Add 15g of vegetable oil and 30g of milk to the yolks, then whisk until fully combined.
Tip: Be careful not to break the yolks while separating, and ensure no yolk gets into the egg whites, as this will affect the whipping process.
2、Mix the dry ingredients: Sift 30g of cake flour and 15g of cocoa powder into the yolk mixture. Whisk in a “Z” motion until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
3、Whip the egg whites: Add a few drops of lemon juice to the egg whites. Gradually add 35g of sugar in three parts while beating, until medium peaks form (when you lift the whisk, a soft peak with a slight curl remains).
4、Combine the mixtures: Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the yolk batter in two batches. Stir carefully in one direction to avoid deflating the batter.
Important: This step is crucial. Do not mix too forcefully or for too long, as this may cause the meringue to deflate, affecting the cake’s texture.
5、Prepare the baking tray: Line a 28×28cm square baking tray with parchment paper. Pour in the batter, smooth the surface with a spatula, and tap the tray lightly to release air bubbles.
6、Bake the cake: Preheat the oven to 175°C (top heat) / 165°C (bottom heat) and bake for 12 minutes. Once baked, cover the cake with a sheet of parchment paper and flip it upside down to cool completely.
Step 2: Creating the Chocolate Bark
Ingredients:
- 250g dark chocolate (chopped)
Instructions:
1、Melt the chocolate using a double boiler.
2、Spread it thinly on parchment paper and let it cool slightly.
3、Drag a fork through it to create realistic wood-like patterns.
4、Let it set for 3–5 minutes, then break into rustic bark pieces.
Step 3: Whipping the Chocolate Cream
Ingredients:
- 350g heavy cream
- 25g cocoa powder
- 40g sugar
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients together until combined.
- Whip to stiff peaks (be careful not to overwhip!).
Step 4: Assembling the Cake
Instructions:
1、Slice the cooled sponge cake into four equal rectangles.
2、Trim the edges of each piece diagonally to help form a smooth roll.
3、Spread a thin layer of chocolate cream over three of the rectangles.
4、Roll up the first layer, then place it at the edge of the second layer and continue rolling.
5、Once rolled, trim the ends to create a clean look.
6、Frost the outside with chocolate cream and attach the chocolate bark pieces.
Step 5: Adding the Final Touches
For that magical holiday feel, decorate your Yule Log Cake with:
Fresh rosemary sprigs (for a pine-tree effect)
Red currants or cherries (to add a pop of color)
Hazelnuts (for an earthy touch)
A light dusting of powdered sugar (for a snowy finish)
Final Thoughts: A Christmas Tradition Worth Keeping
You might not be celebrating Christmas in a snowy village with reindeer, but you can still bring a little holiday magic into your home. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a beautiful, festive Yule Log Cake that tastes as good as it looks.
So, what are you waiting for? Get baking and start your own Christmas tradition!
