Name: Bûche
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 large eggs; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2/3 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; For the filling (buttercream or whipped cream):; 1/2 cup unsalted butter or 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tbsp cocoa powder (optional); 1 tsp vanilla extract; For the chocolate ganache or frosting:; 6 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional, for shine); Optional decorations:; Meringue mushrooms; Fresh or sugared cranberries; Rosemary sprigs; Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Bûche offers a beautiful combination of elegance and nostalgia, perfect for the holiday table. The sponge cake is tender and airy, providing a perfect contrast to the creamy filling and decadent exterior. It’s versatile, can be customized with different flavors, and the log-like design allows for fun decorative touches like sugared cranberries, meringue mushrooms, or powdered sugar “snow.” Despite its fancy appearance, it’s surprisingly manageable to make at home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Eggs
Granulated sugar
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt

For the filling (classic buttercream or whipped cream):

Unsalted butter or heavy whipping cream
Powdered sugar
Cocoa powder (optional)
Vanilla extract

For the chocolate ganache or frosting:

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate
Heavy cream
Unsalted butter (optional, for shine)

Optional decorations:

Meringue mushrooms
Fresh berries or sugared cranberries
Rosemary sprigs
Powdered sugar

Directions

Preheat oven and prepare a jelly roll pan by greasing and lining with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until thick and pale. Add vanilla.
Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold into the egg mixture without deflating the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spread evenly, and bake until just golden and springy to the touch.
While the cake is still warm, invert it onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off parchment and roll the cake up with the towel. Let cool completely.
Prepare the filling of your choice—classic chocolate buttercream or sweetened whipped cream.
Unroll the cooled cake, spread the filling evenly, and gently re-roll the cake.
Prepare ganache or frosting and spread over the rolled cake, using a fork to create a bark-like texture.
Decorate with festive elements like meringue mushrooms, sugared berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Chill until ready to serve, allowing the frosting to set.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 8 to 10 people.
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 10 to 12 minutes
Assembly and decoration time: 30 to 40 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

Chocolate Peppermint: Add peppermint extract to the filling and garnish with crushed candy canes.
Chestnut Cream: Replace buttercream with sweetened chestnut purée mixed with whipped cream.
Mocha Bûche: Add espresso powder to both the sponge and the frosting for a rich coffee twist.
Fruit-Filled: Spread raspberry jam or cherry preserves beneath the cream layer for a fruity surprise.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a suitable alternative without compromising texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store the Bûche de Noël covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
This dessert does not reheat well, as the cream and ganache can melt. Freezing is possible—wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

FAQs

What is a Bûche de Noël?

It’s a traditional French Christmas dessert designed to look like a Yule log, made by rolling a sponge cake with filling and frosting it to resemble bark.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, it’s ideal for making a day in advance. The flavors meld beautifully overnight.

How do I keep the sponge from cracking?

Roll the cake while it’s still warm to prevent cracks, and be gentle when unrolling and re-rolling after adding the filling.

What filling works best?

Classic chocolate buttercream, whipped cream, mascarpone, or fruit jams all work well depending on your flavor preference.

Can I use boxed cake mix?

Yes, but ensure you bake it in a jelly roll pan and that it remains pliable for rolling.

How do I make the bark texture?

Use a fork or spatula to create lines in the frosting after applying it. You can also use a serrated knife to create realistic patterns.

Are there dairy-free options?

Yes, use dairy-free cream and butter alternatives for the filling and frosting.

How long does it need to chill before serving?

Chill for at least 1 hour to set the frosting and help the cake hold its shape when sliced.

Do I need special tools?

A jelly roll pan, offset spatula, and a clean kitchen towel are helpful but not mandatory.

Can I decorate it differently?

Absolutely—get creative with powdered sugar snow, edible glitter, chocolate curls, or themed decorations.

Conclusion

The Bûche de Noël is more than a dessert—it’s a show-stopping centerpiece and a celebration of holiday tradition. Whether you stick with a classic chocolate log or try a creative variation, this festive cake is guaranteed to impress both visually and in flavor. It’s the perfect way to end a holiday meal with style and sweetness.