How to Bake a Yule Log

A Yule Log, or Bûche de Noël, is a stunning holiday dessert that looks like a snowy woodland log but tastes like pure chocolate heaven. With a light sponge cake, rich cream filling, and chocolate frosting rolled to perfection, it’s the kind of showstopper that turns your Christmas table into a festive centerpiece.

If you’ve ever wanted to bake one but felt intimidated by the rolling or decorating, don’t worry—this guide walks you through each step with easy tips to make your Yule Log look and taste amazing!

🎄 Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start, get all your ingredients ready. This makes the process smooth and keeps you from scrambling later.

For the Sponge Cake:

4 large eggs (separated)
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

For the Filling:

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

For the Frosting:

1 cup butter (softened)
2 cups powdered sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

🍫 Step 2: Make the Chocolate Sponge

This sponge cake is light and flexible—perfect for rolling!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a jelly roll pan (15×10-inch) with parchment paper.
Beat the egg yolks and sugar together until pale and creamy. Add vanilla.
In a separate bowl, sift cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Fold into the yolk mixture.
Whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold them into the batter.
Spread the batter evenly onto your prepared pan and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cake springs back lightly when touched.

Pro Tip: Don’t overbake—it needs to stay soft enough to roll without cracking.

🌲 Step 3: Roll and Cool the Cake

Right after baking:

Lay a clean kitchen towel on a flat surface and dust it with powdered sugar.
Turn the warm cake onto the towel and gently peel off the parchment paper.
Roll the cake with the towel inside from the short end.
Let it cool completely while rolled—this helps it “remember” its shape.

☁️ Step 4: Prepare the Cream Filling

While your cake cools, make the whipped cream filling:

In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
Gently unroll the cooled cake and spread the filling evenly across the surface.
Roll it back up carefully, this time without the towel.

If the edges look rough—don’t worry! You’ll cover them with frosting soon.

🍮 Step 5: Make the Chocolate Frosting

Beat softened butter until smooth and creamy.
Add cocoa powder and powdered sugar alternately with milk until fluffy and spreadable.
Blend in vanilla extract for a rich flavor.

Spread the frosting all over the cake. Use a fork to create bark-like lines for that realistic log texture.

Optional: Cut off a small piece of the cake and place it on the side to mimic a branch—then frost over it.

✨ Step 6: Decorate Like a Pro

Now for the fun part—make it look magical!

Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
Add sugared cranberries or sprigs of rosemary for a wintery touch.
Use chocolate curls, mushrooms made from meringue, or edible glitter for extra flair.

Keep it chilled until serving, and slice gently to reveal the beautiful swirl inside.

🎁 Final Thoughts

Your homemade Yule Log isn’t just dessert—it’s a holiday centerpiece bursting with nostalgia, flavor, and festive joy. Whether you serve it after Christmas dinner or share it as a gift, this cake always gets “wow” reactions.

Save this recipe for later and make your holiday table sparkle with a touch of old-fashioned charm! 🌟

Chloe Lancaster