administratorThe Bûche de Noël is a traditional Christmas dessert in France and many other French-speaking countries.
In French, bûche means “log.” The name comes from a custom that originated in France around the 12th century: on December 25th, a large wooden log was brought into the home and burned in the fireplace. Beforehand, it was sprinkled with fragrant oils or herbs.
When open fireplaces were replaced by smaller cast-iron stoves, the tradition faded — but the dessert log was born as a delicious way to keep the custom alive.
There are endless flavor variations of the Bûche de Noël; the most important thing is its shape, which should resemble a wooden log.
Ingredients
Sponge Cake
- 8 egg yolks
- 4 egg whites
- a pinch of salt
- 100 g sugar
- 40 g cocoa powder
- 80 g all-purpose flour
- 20 g potato starch
- Cream Filling
- 250 ml heavy cream (32–36%)
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- about 400 g Nutella
Decoration
- powdered sugar
- raspberries
- mint leaves
Preparation
Sponge cake
Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Toward the end, gradually add the sugar while continuing to whisk.
Add the egg yolks and mix briefly.
Sift together both flours and the cocoa powder, then gently fold them into the egg mixture.
Line a large baking tray with parchment paper and spread the batter evenly into a rectangle.
Bake for 10–12 minutes at 180°C.
Rolling the sponge
Sprinkle a clean kitchen towel with sugar and invert the warm sponge cake onto it, parchment paper facing up.
Carefully peel off the paper. Using the towel for support, gently roll the cake up from the longer side.
Leave it rolled until completely cool.
Filling
Whip the cream until stiff, adding the powdered sugar toward the end.
Unroll the cooled sponge and spread an even layer of Nutella over it, followed by the whipped cream.
Carefully roll it up again, without pressing too tightly.
Wrap the log in aluminum foil and refrigerate for about 2 hours.
Decoration
Before serving, dust with powdered sugar and decorate with fresh raspberries and mint leaves.
