Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Chocolate Yule Log Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 107 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 1 (8-inch) Yule Log Cake, serves 12
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Description

This classic Bûche de Noël, or Yule Log Cake, is a festive and elegant dessert perfect for holiday celebrations. It features a light and airy cocoa sponge cake rolled with a creamy bittersweet chocolate and cream cheese filling, finished with a glossy chocolate ganache. Optional enhancements include sugared cranberries and rosemary for decoration and pistachio soil for added texture and flavor, creating a beautiful and delicious centerpiece for any festive table.


Ingredients

Scale

Sugared Cranberries and Rosemary (optional)

  • 1/2 cup plus 1/3 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 25 fresh cranberries
  • 10 fresh rosemary sprigs (varying lengths)

Pistachio Soil and Finishing (optional)

  • 1/4 cup raw, shelled pistachios
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Cake

  • Cooking spray
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3 tablespoons neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup plus 3 tablespoons Dutch-process cocoa powder, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Filling

  • 3 ounces bittersweet chocolate
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 2/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon instant espresso powder (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 1/4 cups cold heavy cream

Ganache

  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 5 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
  • 1 pinch kosher salt


Instructions

  1. Make the sugared cranberries and rosemary (optional):

    Line two plates or rimmed baking sheets—one with parchment paper and one with 1/3 cup granulated sugar. Boil 1/2 cup sugar with 1/2 cup water in a saucepan, then remove from heat. Add cranberries and rosemary sprigs, coating them with syrup; let sit for 10 minutes. Strain and roll cranberries and rosemary in sugar to coat, then let dry uncovered at room temperature for 30 minutes to 3 days.

  2. Make the pistachio soil (optional):

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread pistachios on baking sheet, toast for 7 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden but still green. Cool, then pulse in food processor until finely ground.

  3. Make the cake:

    Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare an 18×13 inch rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray and parchment paper. Combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt. Beat eggs using a stand mixer starting medium speed to foamy then gradually add sugar mixture; beat progressively until thick, pale, and ribbon stage. Mix in oil and vanilla. Sift dry ingredients (flour, cocoa, espresso powder if using, baking powder, baking soda) into egg mixture and fold until just combined. Spread batter evenly and tap to remove air bubbles. Bake 10-12 minutes until puffed and a tester is clean. Immediately loosen edges, dust with cocoa powder, cover with towel and baking sheet, then invert. Peel off parchment, dust second side with cocoa, and roll cake in towel starting from short edge. Cool rolled cake on rack about 50 minutes.

  4. Make the filling:

    Melt bittersweet chocolate and cool slightly. Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, espresso powder (optional), and salt in mixer until smooth. Gradually add cold heavy cream while beating to medium-stiff peaks. Stir some cream mixture into chocolate then fold chocolate into cream mixture gently. Refrigerate until ready to use.

  5. Assemble the cake:

    Unroll cooled cake carefully; spread filling evenly over surface. Re-roll without towel in same direction and refrigerate while making ganache.

  6. Make the ganache:

    Heat heavy cream in microwave until bubbling hot; add chopped bittersweet chocolate and salt, let sit one minute, then stir until smooth. Chill in refrigerator, stirring every 10 minutes until thick and spreadable (20-25 minutes).

  7. Finish the cake:

    Trim ends of cake to reveal spiral; cut a small angled piece from one end to act as a branch. Place longer cake seam-side down on platter; position smaller piece angled against long cake. Spread ganache over cake, leaving spiral ends visible. Use spatula or fork to create bark texture. Optionally, sprinkle pistachio soil around cake and decorate with sugared cranberries and rosemary. Dust lightly with powdered sugar. For clean slices, use a hot dry knife and wipe between cuts.


Notes

  • Espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor but is optional.
  • Roll the cake while warm to prevent cracking.
  • Sugared cranberries and rosemary sprigs provide festive decoration and a subtle herbal note.
  • Can refrigerate assembled cake up to 1 day before serving for best texture.
  • Use high-quality bittersweet chocolate for rich flavor.
  • Warm the knife each time you slice to get clean pieces.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg