This Buche de Noel Recipe is a beautiful holiday recipe. It's made from a rich cholate sponge cake, filled with a light and fluffy chocolate hazelnut pastry cream, and decorated with the most charming homemade forest-themed confections. Learn how to make this show-stopper across 3 days to help manage the prep!
What is a Buche de Noel Cake?
A Buche de Noel is a French Christmas cake formed in the shape of a log. It's essentially what we would call in the States, a yule log cake.
They are made from rolling a sponge cake, filled with pastry cream, and then decorated with meringue mushrooms.
What is the meaning of Buche de Noel?
The literal translation in French is "Christmas Log", but the sentimental significance of this cake, as told by my French sister-in-law is even more charming. She explains that the tradition began as a way to signify that even the poorest among France should have a log in their fire at Christmastime.
In France, you'll see Buche de Noel cakes everywhere in the month of December, in just about every flavor. But for me, my favorite is a Chocolate Buche de Noel Cake with Hazelnut Pastry Cream. How can that be bad, right?!
For the ultimate step-by-step instruction, you can watch my Buche de Noel Video demonstration which will show you how to spread the prep out across 3 days.
What are the traditional Buche de Noel Cake Decorations?
Well, if you ask me, at a strict minimum you must have a few meringue mushrooms to decorate your yule log. Those are classic and make it distinctly French.
How to Keep Meringue Mushrooms Crisp?
I find the best way to preserve the crispy and light texture of meringue mushrooms is to store them uncovered in the freezer. They oddly do not freeze solid and the texture remains light and crispy.
But extra credit goes to those who take the time to also add the fondant pinecones and the chocolate bark. Did I happen to mention this is a cake for "show-offs" so if you are going to "go for it" you might as well go BIG! Ha!
I find the store-bought chocolate fondant is the way to go for the pinecones. It makes the process way easier! See the recipe card below for a recommendation on which brand I use.
The chocolate bark is also just SO easy and gratifying. It's worth doing even if it's the only buche de noel cake decoration you have time for. It's also an easy decoration that kids can help with too!
Sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top before serving and you have a snowy log. The good news is these decorations are pretty simple to do and can also be made ahead, which really helps with the prep. The video will walk you through which decorations to do on which days leading up to Christmas.
Dutch-Process vs. Natural Cocoa Powder
There's a lot more than meets the eye between these two and using the wrong one can sometimes yield dicy results. For this cake, you'll want to use Natural Cocoa Powder, like Hershey's brand.
But to dive deeper into this topic and get the ultimate explanation on the differences and why you should care, check out Joy the Baker's awesome breakdown on the subject.
Why Did My Yule Log Cake Crack?
There are a few reasons why this can happen, and there's nothing more disheartening! I've been there too. Over the years I have found it usually comes down to these issues:
- The cake was overbaked and dried out. As the cake becomes too dry it loses its springiness and flexibility.
- The dishtowel was too wet. It shouldn't be soaking just damp. If it's too wet it will make the cake soggy and that will also force it to crack
- Not using the natural Cocoa Powder. I have had the most problems with this. I find other cocoa powders are too drying. I now only use Hershey's Natural Cocoa Powder and I have the best success rate with it.
- Not allowing the eggs to reach their full volume in the beating of the eggs and sugar. This will result in a denser cake that also will not be as springy
Watch My Buche de Noel Video Below!
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More Holiday Dessert Recipes!
- Ile Flottant
- Chocolate Hazelnut Linzer Cookie
- Pecan Bars with Shortbread Crust
- Marigoons: The Easiest Christmas Cookie EVER!
PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE
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Buche de Noel Recipe
A beautiful Christmas yule log that always makes a big impression. You can tackle the prep across 3 days to make the process more manageable!
Ingredients
FOR MERIGNUE MUSHROOMS:
- 4 egg whites
- ½ tsp (2.5ml) cream of tartar
- ¼ tsp (1.25ml) salt
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml) vanilla
- 1 cup (200g) of sugar
- 2 tbsp (13 g) of cocoa powder
- 4 oz bittersweet chocolate
FOR THE PINECONES:
- 1 cup (240 ml) Chocolate Fondant
- 2 cups raw (480 ml) sliced almonds, skins on (you need more nuts that necessary so you can be choosy with picking out the perfect ones)
FOR THE CHOCOLATE CAKE:
- ½ cup (60g) of flour
- ½ cup (50g) unsweetened Hershey's cocoa powder, plus more for dusting
- ½ tsp (2.5ml) salt
- ¼ tsp (1.25ml) baking soda
- 6 eggs
- ½ cup (100g) sugar
- 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla
- 5 tablespoons (75 ml) unsalted butter, melted
FOR PASTRY CREAM:
- 2 cups (475 ml) milk
- 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped of paste
- 4 egg yolks
- ¼ cup (50) sugar
- ¼ cup (30 g) cornstarch
- ¼ cup (60ml) of chocolate hazelnut spread (Nutella or similar brand)
HOMEMADE WHIPPED CREAM:
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ tsp vanilla
- 2 tsp powdered sugar
FOR CHOCOLATE BARK:
- 4 oz of dark bittersweet chocolate
- 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar
- 2 sheets of parchment paper
Instructions
FOR THE MUSHROOMS:
- Preheat oven to 225F (107C) Line 2 sheet pans with parchment paper.
- Whip egg whites, tartar, salt, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Then add sugar slowly until combined.
- Transfer to a pastry bag fitted with a ½” (13 mm) round tip. Pipe 1-2 in mounds (for the mushroom tops) and 1” (2.5mm) lines for the stems.
- Dip a spoon in water and flatten down any peaks that are created in meringues. You want a smooth top and stem.
- Dust with powder cocoa either with a shaker or a fine-mesh sieve. Bake for 1 hour.
- Allow to sit until meringues are hard and no gummy-ness remains.
- Place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, microwave on high in 30-sec increments until chocolate has melted.
- Core out a small hole under the meringue tops (the flat side) top, smooth on a layer of chocolate on the surface and in the hole. Insert stem and allow to dry. Keep uncovered in the freezer until ready to use.
FOR THE PINECONES:
- Break off a small piece of fondant, about the size of a ping pong ball, form a ball, then place it on a work surface, flatten the bottom, and “cone the top”. You’re trying to create a slight pyramid shape.
- Start at the bottom, inserting the almonds (point size up) into the cone, slightly elevating the almonds upwards.
- For the next row, begin ⅛ inch (3mm) up from the first to allow for separation, placing the second row of almonds. Work all the way up the cone, until the top, assuring that almonds are tilting upwards and creating a pinecone shape.
- Transfer pinecone with a metal spatula on to a sheet pan.
- Create a variety of pinecone sizes, to make it look more natural, 4 large, 2 medium, 2 small.
- Use pinecones to decorate the corners of the buche.
- Pinecones can be kept, uncovered at room temperature or in the refrigerator. They will dry out and set and become less fragile and easier to handle.
TO MAKE THE CAKE:
- Preheat oven to 325F (162).
- In a medium sized bowl sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt and baking soda. Set aside.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer beat eggs with sugar on high speed until tripled in volume, at least 5-7 minutes. Then add vanilla, beat until mixed.
- Beating on low, add dry ingredients in thirds, alternating with melted butter until just combined.
- Pour out onto a sheet pan (Pan exterior dimensions 17.88 x 12.88 x 1.06 inches and interior dimensions 16.5 x 11.38 x 1 inches) that has been sprayed with baking spay and lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray the parchment paper (on top) too and distribute well with a pastry brush.
- Pour batter into pan and gently smooth out with an offset spatula. Bake for 8-10 mins until cake is set and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool completely. Then take a damp dishtowel and stretch it out to full size, dust with cocoa powder to create a non-stick surface. Flip cake bake upside down out of the pan onto the towel. It will now be parchment paper side up. Gently remove the parchment paper.
- Then starting at one end of the towel starting rolling it into a log, carefully rolling the cake as well, until the cake is completely rolled into the towel. Refrigerate overnight. This will help the cake form it’s log shape.
TO MAKE THE PASTRY CREAM.
- In a heat-safe bowl add the egg yolks and cornstarch, whisk until a smooth paste forms. Set aside.
- Then in a large saucepan heat milk, sugar, vanilla seed paste and bean until simmering. Remove the bean pod. Add the warm milk slowly to the egg mixture whisking all the while until combined. Wash out the saucepan.
- Strain the egg mixture into the washed-out saucepan. Heat custard on medium-high until slightly boiling, whisking all the while, lower heat to medium, continue to whisk until thickened. Remove from heat. Add the chocolate hazelnut spread, whisk until smooth.
- Transfer pastry cream to a shallow container, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use.
FOR THE WHIPPED CREAM:
- Add cream, vanilla, powdered sugar to a bowl and whip on high until stiff peaks form.
- In a large bowl add the chilled pastry cream, gently fold the whipped cream to the pastry cream, in thirds, to lighten the mixture.
FOR THE CHOCOLATE BARK:
- Melt chocolate in the microwave in:30 increments until melted.
- Pour chocolate onto parchment paper, smooth out with an offset spatula to roughly a 12 x 6 rectangle.
- Place another sheet of parchment paper on top, and press down to smooth.
- Place parchment “sandwich” on a sheet pan, and place in the freezer for 10 mins until hard.
- Working from the short end of the parchment paper, roll paper into a loose log, to create large round shards of “chocolate bark”.
WHILE BARK IS IN THE FREEZER…
STEP 1: Remove cake from the fridge, gently unroll the cake. Spread the pastry cream over the surface of the cake. Then gently roll the cake back up. Position it so that the seam of the cake is on the bottom. Then dust the top of the cake with more cocoa powder to create a finished, dusted look.
STEP#2: Transfer cake to a large rectangular platter (one that will fit in your fridge)
STEP#3: Place pinecones at the 4 corners of the cake, assuring each corner has 1-2 sizes
STEP#4: place mushrooms in front of the cake, in little groupings
STEP#5: Place chocolate bark on top of log in haphazard pattern, covering the middle section and placing some bark on top of each other
STEP#6: lightly dust some powdered sugar on top of bark (to look like snow) and ever so slightly on top of the pine cones.
STEP#7: stand back and admire your masterpiece!!!
STEP#8: Place in the fridge, uncovered until ready to serve. Then slice into thick 1 inch slices, on the bias for a pretty decorate touch. Add a few decorations to each plate.
Place extra meringue mushrooms on a cake stand to serve with the buche.
Take a bow!! You did it!
Notes
This cake is best made across 3 days of prep.
DAY: 1 Make the pinecones and mushrooms. Keep the pinecones refrigerated and place the mushrooms in the freezer. They will stay light and crispy that way, and oddly do not freeze solid.
DAY 2: Make the cake and roll it up in a kitchen towel in the fridge. This will help keep the cake moist, but more importantly, form it into a log and keep it that way. You can also make the filling and keep it in the fridge.
DAY 3: Fill your log and decorate it. You can then keep everything in the fridge until ready to serve. Place your pinecones and mushrooms on top right before serving. Et voila!
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 14 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 341Total Fat: 27gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 158mgSodium: 185mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 4gSugar: 6gProtein: 11g
Shinta says
Hi Beth, how do I keep the meringue mushrooms dry and crunchy? Mine turned soggy and sticky after half a day.
Beth Le Manach says
Ah OK I've found a great trick is to pop them in the freezer! I've discovered it this year since I filled the cake with ice cream and popped the mushrooms on top to save on the scramble of last-minute decorating and weirdly they don't freeze solid?! Instead, they just stay really nice and crisp! So I would definitely try that next time!
Alex says
Hi Beth,
I'm a 15 yr old cook trying to impress my family with my baking skills at our christmas party this year with the help of this rad recipe. I was wondering if...
1. Substituting the homemade whip cream 'cool whip' was okay?
2. What can I substitute the cornstarch with?
3. Can I use margarine instead of butter with the cake?
P.S.~it would be an honour to get a reply from you. You're just a great cook and I've seen so many of your videos I kind of see you as a celebrity ._.
Beth Le Manach says
Hi Alex! So impressed you are embarking on this recipe! And I'm so glad you have enjoyed the videos! OK for your questions: 1.) The homemade whipped cream is SO easy to make I would stick with that. Cool Whip is a processed ingredient that may not have the same stability and could end up melting in your cake, it's also a lot sweeter and could affect the overall flavor of the pastry cream 🙂 2.) The cornstarch is really the secret to getting a thick stable pastry cream. But some folks do use flour so you could sub for that instead, but I find cornstarch activates the thickening process a lot better and will give you the best results. 3.) I would stick with butter for the cake. I'm not sure if margarine would give you the same elasticity in the cake which could affect your ability to roll it up? This cake is a bit of work so I just want to make sure you get the best results and not end up having something flop because one of the ingredients is off. Do keep me posted on your results! I want to know how it turns out 🙂 Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Sue says
Hiya! I'm excited to try this recipe, starting sunday, to have with family on Christmas Eve.
I was wondering... if I missed a step, or whether I'm just skipping over it while reading, or if I've just looked at too many recipes over the past few days. Under the "while the bark is in the freezer" section, it goes from unrolling the cake to positioning it seam side down. Do I put the pastry cream on in between those directions? And do I mix the pastry cream and whipped cream together?
Thanks in advance for any help! I'm off to watch the video, which I bet contains the answers, but I have limited WiFi so I have to ration my video watching carefully. ?
Beth Le Manach says
Yes so sorry that step#1 should read like this! I just updated it! So sorry! STEP 1: Remove cake from the fridge, gently unroll the cake. Spread the pastry cream over the surface of the cake. Then gently roll the cake back up. Position it so that the seam of the cake is on the bottom. Then dust the top of the cake with more cocoa powder to create a finished, dusted look.
Tonya says
In the ingredient list for the meringue mushrooms there is no chocolate listed. Although it is referred to in the method - melt chocolate in the microwave. What is the type and quantity of chocolate for this part?
Beth Le Manach says
So sorry! It should be 4 oz of bittersweet chocolate. I just updated the recipe thanks for catching that! 🙂 I hope you enjoy this fun dessert!
Karen M Abney says
Hi Beth,
What exactly is a jelly roll pan?
Thanks, Karen
Beth Le Manach says
Oh sure it's basically something like this:
Ginger says
I made this last year (forgot to write and tell you Thank you!) and my family loved it! I too had a problem with the roll and it cracked each time. I hid the cracks: it tasting amazing regardless ?. I will try your suggestions regarding the roll when I make it again this year.
Beth Le Manach says
YAY! So glad it was a hit! 🙂
Willam MacHardy says
How many days can the rolled log be kept in the frig, and maintain it’s spongy quality, before adding filling and icing?
Beth Le Manach says
Oh sure I wouldn't go longer than 2 days 🙂 I hope that helps! 🙂
Mackenzie says
Thank you for this recipe and video, I am excited to give this a try! I am wondering if it would be okay to substitute vanilla extract for the vanilla bean? And if so, about how much to use... thank you!
entertainingwithbeth says
Oh sure. You could use 1 tsp vanilla extract in place of the bean. Just add after the custard is made to keep the best flavor 🙂 Hope you enjoy!
Tom says
Beth,
I am having troubles with the cake. It is not as fluffy as yours. Rather it’s so dense and cracks all over. I have tried twice and same problem.
entertainingwithbeth says
Hmm OK it sounds like something is going wrong in the egg white stage. It's the folding of the whites that makes the cake fluffy. And the cream of tartar in the whites that keep the whites stiff while folding and allows the cake to stay light. Are you using the cream of Tartar? If you can't find it where you live you could also swap for 1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice or plain white vinegar. That will also provide the acid you need for the egg whites to stabilize 🙂
Chell says
Have you changed the recipe since writing this comment? The recipe doesn't say to separate the eggs or fold in the whites.
Beth Le Manach says
This cake recipe actually doesn't separate the yolks from the whites. You can see in the video demo (embedded in the post) that I use whole eggs. You just need to make sure they are whipped high to create a nice volume before folding in the dry ingredients.
Laura says
the most exquisite looking Christmas Log I have ever seen. I’m making it this year but we don’t like hazelnut spread. Can I leave it out or should I add something else for the texture?
entertainingwithbeth says
Oh sure you could definitely swap the hazelnut spread for either plain vanilla custard inside or melt 1/4 cup of chocolate chips in the microwave (:30 secs) and then fold that into the custard for plain chocolate 🙂 Hope you enjoy!
Flor Soto says
I made this last Christmas and it was perfecto! I am making it again this year 😉 thanks for the recipe ;))))
entertainingwithbeth says
YAY! Good for you! It's work 🙂 but well worth it in the end! Ha! 🙂 Merry Christmas!!
aicha Eya Ayachi says
Hi! i love this recipe!! but I was wondering how can I replace the cream of tartar ?
entertainingwithbeth says
Oh sure just swap for 1/2 tsp of fresh lemon juice or plain white vinegar 🙂
Artemis says
Hello Beth, the meringue mushrooms are baked with air? I saw two pans of meringue in your video, which is the correct way to bake them? Thank you a lot!
entertainingwithbeth says
Do you mean convection bake? I actually just use the regular bake setting and switch the trays mid way 🙂
mary says
Hello Beth,
I love your videos and recipes. I was wondering if we should add the CHOCOLATE HAZELNUT PASTRY CREAM onto the cake when we first role them.
Thank you
entertainingwithbeth says
Ahh good question! I actually wouldn't recommend putting the pastry cream in with the first rolling, since the cake really needs to be rolled tightly into a damp towel to keep its shape, it would be difficult to add the pastry cream at this stage and I would feel it would al squish out 🙁 This cake can be a tricky one ha! So glad you enjoy the recipes and the videos! 🙂
Ruth says
This is truly one of the most elegant and whimsical cakes I have ever seen! Your creativity and skill are inspiring.
I was wondering, do the dimensions on the jelly roll pan have to be exact? I can only find one that is 18" x 13" x 1.38" (exterior); 17.5" x 12.5" x 1" (interior). Would these dimensions still work with your recipe? Thank you~
entertainingwithbeth says
Oh sure that would be fine! So glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Alexandra Nitti says
Just out of curiosity, why do you have the eggs separated in the ingredient list for the cake itself?
entertainingwithbeth says
So sorry that was just a typo, they should not be separated. Just fixed that! Apologies for the confusion!
Caryn says
This looks amazing you make it look so effortless! I love your recipes and I can't wait to give this one a whirl!