Woodland Chocolate Yule Log

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Woodland Chocolate Yule Log (Bûche de Noël)

This Woodland Chocolate Yule Log is a stunning holiday centerpiece — a classic chocolate sponge cake rolled with fluffy vanilla cream and decorated to look like a snowy forest scene. With its rich flavor, soft texture, and festive rustic look, it’s the perfect showstopper for Christmas baking, holiday dessert tables, and winter celebration recipes. The swirl of chocolate and cream gives every slice that bakery-quality charm people love.

Yield: 10–12 slices
Temp: 350°F (175°C)
Time: 25–30 minutes + cooling

Key Ingredients First:

  • Eggs
  • Granulated sugar
  • Flour
  • Cocoa powder

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Sponge:

  • 4 large eggs
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

For the Vanilla Cream Filling:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Frosting (Tree Bark):

  • 1 cup chocolate frosting or chocolate buttercream
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Decorations (Optional but beautiful):

  • Fresh rosemary sprigs (tiny “trees”)
  • Cranberries
  • Chocolate shavings
  • Meringue mushrooms

Instructions

  1. Make the Sponge Cake
    Beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until pale, thick, and doubled in volume. Fold in flour, cocoa powder, salt, and vanilla. Spread onto a lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
    This light sponge is the signature texture found in classic holiday cake rolls.
  2. Roll While Warm
    While still warm, turn the cake onto a clean towel dusted with powdered sugar. Roll the cake gently with the towel inside and let it cool completely.
  3. Prepare the Filling
    Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. This fluffy vanilla cream balances the rich chocolate and is a favorite in Christmas dessert recipes.
  4. Assemble the Yule Log
    Unroll the cooled cake, spread the vanilla cream over it, and roll it back up tightly. Place seam-side down.
  5. Frost the Log
    Cover the outside with chocolate frosting. Drag a fork gently along the frosting to create a bark-like texture.
  6. Decorate the Woodland Scene
    Dust with powdered sugar like fresh snow. Add rosemary sprigs, cranberries, chocolate curls, or meringue mushrooms for a woodland winter look.

Serving Ideas

  • Serve chilled or at room temperature.
  • Pair with hot chocolate, mulled wine, or coffee.
  • Garnish with extra chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for more drama.

This dessert is perfect for readers searching for bûche de Noël recipes, holiday showstopper cakes, and easy Christmas yule log ideas with bakery-quality presentation.

Tips

  • Don’t overbake — a soft, flexible sponge rolls without cracking.
  • Dust the towel well to prevent sticking.
  • Add cocoa powder to the cream for a chocolate-on-chocolate version.
  • Chill the finished log for 1 hour before slicing for the cleanest swirl.

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