How to Make a Buche de Noel

Buche de Noel is a traditional French Christmas cake that is made in the shape of a Yule log. It is usually made with a light sponge cake that is filled with chocolate ganache and then rolled up and covered in chocolate frosting. Buche de Noel is a beautiful and festive dessert that is perfect for the holiday season.

Why Make a Buche de Noel?

There are many reasons why you might want to make a Buche de Noel for your holiday celebrations. Here are a few of the benefits:

* It’s a beautiful and festive dessert. Buche de Noel is a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table. The spiraled cake is reminiscent of a Yule log, and the chocolate frosting and ganache add a touch of elegance.
* It’s delicious. Buche de Noel is a rich and decadent cake that is sure to please everyone at your party. The sponge cake is light and fluffy, the chocolate ganache is smooth and creamy, and the chocolate frosting is rich and decadent.
* It’s easy to make. Buche de Noel is actually a very easy cake to make. The sponge cake is a simple one-bowl recipe, and the chocolate ganache and frosting can be made ahead of time.
* It’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients. If you have any leftover chocolate, cream, or eggs, you can use them to make a Buche de Noel. This is a great way to avoid waste and save money.

How to Make a Buche de Noel

To make a Buche de Noel, you will need the following ingredients:

* For the sponge cake:
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 cup milk
* 1/4 cup vegetable oil
* 2 eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* For the chocolate ganache:
* 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
* 1 cup heavy cream
* For the chocolate frosting:
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup powdered sugar
* 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Let the cake cool completely in the pan.
7. To make the chocolate ganache, place the chocolate in a medium bowl. In a saucepan over medium heat, bring the cream to a simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let sit for 5 minutes. Stir until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
8. Pour the ganache over the cooled cake and let it set for at least 30 minutes, or overnight.
9. To make the chocolate frosting, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract together until smooth.
10. Frost the cake with the chocolate frosting and decorate with additional chocolate shavings, if desired.

When to Make a Buche de Noel

The best time to make a Buche de Noel is in the weeks leading up to Christmas. This will give you plenty of time to make the cake and allow it to set properly. If you are making the cake ahead of time, be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Where to Find the Best Buche de Noel Recipes

There are many great Buche de Noel recipes available online and in cookbooks. Here are a few of our favorites:

* [Buche de Noel from Sally’s Baking Addiction](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/buche-de-noel/)
* [Buche de Noel from The Spruce Eats](https://www.thespruceeats.com/buche-de-noel-recipe-591532)
* [Buche de Noel from Epicurious](https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/buche-de-noel-3635