Yule Log (Bûche de Noël) The Yule Log, or Bûche de Noël, is a Christmas dessert that evokes the magical atmosphere of the holidays. Its shape, resembling a wooden log, is a tribute to the tradition of the Christmas log, once burned in fireplaces as a good luck symbol. Let’s discover together the history of this dessert and how to prepare it at home.
The Origins of the Yule Log
The origins of the Yule Log trace back to 19th century France. It is said that a pastry chef, inspired by the tradition of the Christmas log, decided to reproduce the log’s shape in a dessert. The idea was an immediate success and soon the Yule Log became a holiday classic, spreading throughout the world.
Symbolism and Tradition
The Yule Log has a strong symbolic value. The log represents life reborn, while the icing covering it symbolizes snow. In some regions, a small surprise such as a coin or a small jewel was hidden inside the dessert to bring luck to the one who found it.
The Yule Log Recipe
The recipe for the Yule Log can vary depending on the region and family traditions. However, the basic ingredients are always the same: a light and fluffy sponge cake, a creamy filling based on whipped cream or custard, and a chocolate icing to decorate the outside.
Below are other magical Christmas dessert recipes:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Cheap
- Preparation time: 2 Hours
- Portions: 8People
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: French
- Seasonality: New Year, Christmas
- Energy 597.39 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 71.53 (g) of which sugars 53.80 (g)
- Proteins 5.71 (g)
- Fat 32.92 (g) of which saturated 10.86 (g)of which unsaturated 6.53 (g)
- Fibers 4.36 (g)
- Sodium 31.49 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 157 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Yule Log Ingredients
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 egg whites
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 16 oz 50% dark chocolate
- 5 oz raspberry jam
- 1 sprig red currant
- 2 sprigs rosemary (fresh)
- to taste powdered sugar
Tools
- Electric Whisk Moulinex HM3101 Electric Whisk Quick Mix, Whisk, Egg Whites, Dough for Cakes, Pizza, Bread, and Cream Preparation, 300 W
- Double Boiler Pot 600 ml Stainless Steel Double Boiler Pot – Can Be Used for Melting Cheese, Butter, Chocolate, Candies, and Candles
Steps
Let’s start by preparing the log, bake and roll the base following the step-by-step process in the recipe SPONGE CAKE. Once prepared, let it rest until cool, about 1 hour
Let’s prepare the ganache cream. Bring the cream to a boil, turn off the heat, and add the chopped chocolate. Mix with a hand whisk, in a few minutes it’s ready. For all the steps, check the recipe CHOCOLATE GANACHE. Let the ganache cool for about 20 minutes, it should become thick, spreadable, not liquid.
Start by unrolling the log gently, add a light layer of jam, leaving 1/2 inch border on the sides. Spread the ganache on top with a spatula, always leaving a bit of margin. Roll tightly, but not too hard. Close and seal each side of the dessert with plastic wrap, let it rest at room temperature for 2/3 hours
Assemble the log.
Warm the remaining ganache over low heat in a saucepan to achieve a glossy, spreadable cream again. Unroll the log from the plastic wrap and make 2 diagonal cuts, one smaller about 2 inches and one bigger, around 3 1/2 inches. Trim the ends of the 2 pieces slightly to have a visible interior. Attach the larger piece, from the diagonal side, to the main trunk.
Spread a first layer of ganache cream on the freshly made base. Then add the smaller piece on top of the base of the main log, attaching it from the diagonal side. Press so that it adheres well to the cream. With a rounded-tip knife, make stripes to simulate the wood grain, cover the entire Yule Log with chocolate.
Now you can add the currants at the corner of the log, and rosemary sprigs scattered as desired, dust with powdered sugar. The Yule Log (Bûche de Noël) is ready
Storage, Yule Log Tips
The log is decorated a couple of hours before serving, so it is soft and fragrant. Once ready, it can be kept at room temperature for a maximum of one day.
The choice of filling depends on your personal taste. You can use chocolate cream, mascarpone cream, or fruit jam.
