Chocolate Coconut Bûche de Noël (Yule Log) Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is a chocolate Yule log made of? ›

Butter and line a 23 x 32cm Swiss roll tin with baking parchment. Beat the eggs and golden caster sugar together with an electric whisk for about 8 mins until thick and creamy. Mix the flour, cocoa powder and baking powder together, then sift onto the egg mixture. Fold in very carefully, then pour into the tin.

The main difference between the two cakes is the way the cakes are decorated. The Yule log cake, or buche de noel, is made to look like the logs burned on Christmas eve, whereas the exterior of a swiss roll is decorated much more simply, such as with whipped cream and fresh fruit.

Rolling the cake (without cracking!)

But alas, that's what I had to do: The secret to making a roll cake that doesn't crack is to roll it up, unfilled, while it's still warm from the oven and at its most pliable. Then let it cool, unroll and fill, and roll right back up.

yule log in British English

noun. 1. a large log of wood traditionally used as the foundation of a fire in the hearth at Christmas. 2. a chocolate-coated cylindrical sponge cake, eaten at Christmas.

The Yule log, Yule clog, or Christmas block is a specially selected log burnt on a hearth as a winter tradition in regions of Europe, and subsequently North America. The origin of the folk custom is unclear.

What is yule? Yule is a noun meaning “Christmas, or the Christmas season,” which is the Christian holiday to celebrate the birth of Jesus. However, yule can also refer to the celebration of the winter solstice that's observed in some Pagan traditions.

A ceremonial fire was lit using this log as fuel, and as the fire burned people would sing, dance, and tell stories. This ritual was believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year. This special log was the centerpiece of the Yule festival and over time it took on the festival's name.

You can use natural materials such as pinecones, holly, or evergreen branches to decorate your log. You can also add ribbons, beads, or other decorations that have personal significance to you. As you decorate your log, think about what you want to manifest in the coming year.

This traditional Christmas cake originated in France during medieval times to honor the burning of the Yule log, a giant and heavy log that was placed in the hearth and not allowed to ever burn out completely. Families would take little pieces of the remaining log to bring them luck and prosperity in the year ahead.

Vin doux naturels (natural sweet wines) are good candidates to accompany the traditional log. Among the different options available, try the log with Muscat-Beaume-de-Venise, white Banyuls, Sauternes, Coteaux du Layon, Quarts de Chaume or sweet wine from Alsace, such as Vendange Tardive or Sélection de Grais Nobles.

What is a bûche de Noël commonly eaten in France at Christmas? ›

Traditionally, a bûche de Noël, which literally means “Christmas log” in French, is a sponge cake and buttercream roulade that is modeled after the Yule log.

Fruitcake is a bread-like cake made with candied or dried fruits, nuts, and spices. The fruit and the cake itself are traditionally soaked in liquor. The sweet treat is usually served (and also gifted) during the holidays. Since it's doused in liquor, Christmas fruitcake lasts for months.

These Irish delicacies often are filled with spices and fruits. Irish Whiskey can be used to make these fine deserts as well. These cakes take on twist on a basic chocolate cake. They include marzipan frosting and items of holiday decor of course, such as mistletoe!

Christmas cake is an English tradition that began as plum porridge. A traditional English Christmas cake is made with moist Zante currants, sultanas (golden raisins) and raisins which have been soaked in brandy, rum, whisky or sherry.