Buche De Noel -- Christmas Yule Log
A festive chocolate Yule log with silky mocha cream and optional pistachio crunch, perfect for holiday celebrations and impressing guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Set oven to 400°F (200°C), gas mark 6. Grease a shallow 11 x 16 inch pan and line with waxed paper.
- Grease and lightly flour the paper. Sift together the flour, cocoa, and cornstarch.
- Beat the egg whites with salt until they hold soft peaks.
- Beat in the sugar a tablespoon at a time, continuing until the egg whites are very firm.
- Break up the yolks with a fork, add vanilla, and fold 1/4 of the egg white mixture into the yolks.
- Pour the remaining egg whites over the yolk mixture.
- Sprinkle the cocoa mixture on top and fold gently together, being careful not to overmix.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake until the cake is set and lightly browned. Let cool before rolling.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense chocolate flavor, consider using high-quality dark cocoa powder instead of Dutch cocoa. If you're short on eggs, you can substitute two egg whites for one whole egg in the batter. Be sure not to overmix when folding the egg whites and cocoa mixture, as this can lead to a dense cake. If you're looking for a festive touch, try adding crushed pistachios as a garnish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Buche De Noel with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of mocha cream for added richness. It pairs beautifully with Granny'S 60 Minute Rolls as part of a festive dessert table. For an elegant presentation, dust with powdered sugar or cocoa powder and garnish with fresh mint leaves or additional crushed nuts.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store any leftover Buche De Noel in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice the cake and place it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes, just until warmed through, but avoid drying it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Buche De Noel -- Christmas Yule Log contains roughly 210 calories, with 3g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 513mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance. Once baked and cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Just remember to add the cream filling before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
What can I use instead of cornstarch?
If you don't have cornstarch, you can substitute it with an equal amount of all-purpose flour, though it may slightly alter the texture. Alternatively, try using potato starch for a similar effect.
How do I prevent the cake from cracking when rolling?
To minimize cracking, ensure the cake is cooled just enough to handle but still pliable. Use a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar to help roll the cake gently without sticking or tearing.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).