Yule Log (Bûche de Noël)

Yule Log (Bûche de Noël) Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 4 large eggs, separated
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Grease a jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper.

2. Make the Cake:

• In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with sugar until thick and pale. Add vanilla extract and mix.
• Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Mix until just combined.
• In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
• Gently fold the egg whites into the batter until well combined.
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.

3. Bake:

• Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the cake is set and springs back when touched.

4. Roll the Cake:

• While the cake is still warm, turn it out onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar.
• Roll the cake, including the towel, into a log shape. Let it cool completely.

5. Make the Filling:

• In a bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

6. Unroll and Fill:

• Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread the whipped cream over the surface.
• Roll the cake back up without the towel.

7. Make the Frosting:

• In another bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth.

8. Frost the Yule Log:

• Trim the ends of the rolled cake at an angle and place one piece on top to resemble a branch.
• Frost the entire cake with the chocolate frosting, creating a bark-like texture using a fork or spatula.

9. Decorate:

• Use additional frosting to create decorative patterns resembling bark.
• Optionally, decorate with powdered sugar to resemble snow, and add small holiday decorations like meringue mushrooms or holly leaves.

10. Chill and Serve:

• Refrigerate the Yule Log for at least an hour before serving.
• Slice and enjoy this festive and delicious Bûche de Noël with your loved ones.

This Yule Log recipe is a delightful and traditional dessert for the holiday season. Enjoy the festive flavors and creative decoration!

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