How to Make the Perfect Buche de Noel

Buche de Noel is a traditional French Yule log cake that is often served on Christmas Eve. It is a rich, chocolate cake that is rolled up and decorated to resemble a log. Buche de Noel is a popular dessert because it is both delicious and festive.

What is a Buche de Noel?

Buche de Noel is a French term that literally means “Yule log.” It is a traditional Christmas cake that is made from a rich, chocolate sponge cake that is rolled up and decorated to resemble a log. Buche de Noel is often served with a dusting of powdered sugar or chocolate ganache.

Why is Buche de Noel so Popular?

There are a few reasons why Buche de Noel is so popular. First, it is a delicious cake that is made with rich, chocolatey ingredients. Second, it is a festive dessert that is perfect for Christmas. Third, Buche de Noel is relatively easy to make, even for novice bakers.

How to Make Buche de Noel

Buche de Noel is a relatively easy cake to make, but there are a few things you need to know in order to make it successfully.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the brown sugar until well combined.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients alternately with the heavy cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir in the chocolate chips.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting.

How to Frost Buche de Noel


There are a few different ways to frost Buche de Noel. You can use a simple buttercream frosting, a chocolate ganache, or a whipped cream frosting.

Buttercream Frosting


To make buttercream frosting, beat together 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, with 3 cups powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/2 cup heavy cream.

Chocolate Ganache


To make chocolate ganache, heat 1 cup heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until just simmering. Remove from heat and add 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips. Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir until chocolate is melted and smooth.

Whipped Cream Frosting


To make whipped cream frosting, beat 1 cup heavy cream with 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

How to Decorate Buche de Noel


Once the cake is frosted, you can decorate it to resemble a log. You can use chocolate shavings, marzipan mushrooms, and candy canes to create a festive look.</