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Yule Log Cake

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close up shot of Yule Log Cake on a piece of log
This festive yule log cake is beautiful to look at with its chocolate roll cake, rich ganache, and adorable decorations.
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Table of Contents
  1. Yule Log Cake Ingredients
  2. Substitutions And Additions
  3. How To Make This Yule Log Cake Recipe
  4. How To Serve
  5. Storage
  6. More Recipes You’ll Love
  7. JUMP TO RECIPE

It’s time to get into the Christmas spirit with this impressive yule log cake. A classic French dessert, it is made with a light and fluffy chocolate sponge cake filled with creamy whipped cream and frosted with rich chocolate ganache. 

close up shot of Yule Log Cake on a piece of log

Yule Log Cake Ingredients

Yule Log Cake raw ingredients that are labeled
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You’ll need:

For The Meringue Mushrooms:

  • 2 large egg whites, room temperature
  • ¼ cup of granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon of cocoa powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon of cream of tartar

For The Candied Fresh Cranberries & Rosemary:

  • 1 cup of fresh cranberries
  • 6 sprigs of fresh rosemary
  • ½ cup of water
  • 1½ cups of granulated sugar, divided into ½ cup and 1 cup
  • powdered sugar for dusting

For The Chocolate Ganache Frosting:

  • 8 ounces of high-quality semi-sweet baking bar, broken into pieces (the Ghirardelli brand is what I used)
  • 1 cup of heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon of instant espresso powder
  • ¼ teaspoon of salt

For The Chocolate Cake:

  • ½ cup of all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup of cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon of baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon of salt
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup of granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
  • powdered sugar for dusting

For The Ermine Frosting Filling:

  • ½ cup of whole milk
  • ½ cup of granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 2½ tablespoons of all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup of unsalted butter, room temperature

PRO TIP:

This recipe has a few components, so it is best to split this into a two-day preparation as some of the elements of the recipe need 8 (or more) hours before they are ready to use.

I like to prepare all the elements the day before I plan to decorate and serve the cake. Please read through the directions thoroughly before preparing this yule log cake. It is worth the time and effort!

Substitutions And Additions

CHOCOLATE: I used a high-quality chocolate baking bar for the ganache. I do not suggest using chocolate chips because they have added stabilizers that can sometimes affect how they melt and the end product.

ESPRESSO POWDER: The instant espresso powder in the ganache frosting can be omitted if desired, but I highly suggest keeping it as it does not make your frosting taste like coffee. It just elevates and enhances the chocolate flavor. It is well worth it.

How To Make This Yule Log Cake Recipe

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

I would suggest following the recipe in order of making each element. I wrote the recipe to be as time efficient as possible.

This yule log cake has many steps, but each step is simple, so please read through each section before starting to get familiar with the recipe and not get overwhelmed.

For The Meringue Mushrooms

PRO TIP:

I do not suggest making your meringue mushrooms more than the day before you plan on serving your yule log.

Do not assemble them with the ganache until you are ready to decorate your cake.

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 200°F. Line a large baking tray with a piece of parchment paper.

STEP TWO: In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the egg whites (be careful not to get any yolk in the bowl) and beat on low speed with a whisk attachment for two minutes.

Once the egg whites start to get frothy, turn the speed up to medium and slowly add the granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and cream of tartar.

Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl every couple of minutes.

cream of tartar, cocoa, and sugar blended together

STEP THREE: You will whisk the egg white mixture for a total of 9 to 10 minutes or until the meringue is glossy and has fairly stiff peaks.

Transfer the meringue mixture to a large piping bag fitted with a large simple round piping tip. I used a Wilton 2A tip. Pipe ½-inch to 1-inch sized caps and stems onto the prepared pan.

PRO TIP:

You can wet the tip of your finger and gently smooth the top of the mushroom caps if they have a little point to them. You want to keep the points on the stems.

mushrooms stems and caps made using piping tip

STEP FOUR: Bake for 1½ hours. Once the meringue mushroom pieces are baked, you need to set them on the counter to cool, undisturbed, and continue to dry out for a minimum of 8 hours, but overnight is perfect. DO NOT refrigerate.

PRO TIP:

Your meringue mushrooms will start to get soft if they are put into the refrigerator or if the room temperature is too warm or moist, so it is best to store them in a cool, dry place until you are ready to use them.

For The Candied Cranberries & Rosemary

PRO TIP:

You can make the candied cranberries and rosemary sprigs a couple of days ahead, and keep them in the refrigerator to save time. 

STEP ONE: In a medium bowl, add the fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs.

STEP TWO: In a small saucepan on medium heat, add the water and ½ cup granulated sugar. Bring to a simmer for two to three minutes, just enough to dissolve the sugar.

Turn off the heat and add the warm sugar syrup to the bowl of the fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs. Make sure to push the cranberries and rosemary down into the sugar syrup.

Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 8 hours, but overnight is best.

water and sugar simmered and poured over the berries

STEP THREE: Once the cranberries and rosemary have soaked in the sugar syrup, place a colander over another large bowl or in the sink, and pour the cranberries and rosemary into the colander to allow all the excess liquid to drain off of them. 

STEP FOUR: Add the remaining one cup of sugar into a shallow dish and toss the cranberries and rosemary around in the granulated sugar.

Place them onto a clean plate once coated in the granulated sugar.

You can place the plate of sugar-coated cranberries and rosemary sprigs into the refrigerator, uncovered, to help set the candied garnish until you are ready to use it to decorate your yule log. 

cranberries and rosemary tossed in the sugar

For The Chocolate Ganache Frosting

STEP ONE: Place the broken pieces of semi-sweet chocolate bar and heavy cream in a medium bowl.

Heat on high in the microwave for one minute. Stir and heat for another 30 seconds if needed to warm the heavy cream. Allow the chocolate to sit for two to three minutes.

baking bar and cream heated in a baking dish

STEP TWO: Add the vanilla extract, instant espresso powder, and salt to the warm chocolate.

Stir to completely incorporate the heavy cream, and until the melted semi-sweet chocolate is smooth and silky.

espresso powder, vanilla, and salt added to the baking bar mixture in a baking dish

STEP THREE: Loosely cover with a piece of plastic wrap and allow to cool completely, on the counter, for a minimum of eight hours, but up to overnight is good too. 

PRO TIP:

Your ganache can stay on the counter at room temperature overnight as long as your home temperature is not too hot.

If needed, you can put your ganache into the refrigerator, but you will need to remove it from the fridge and allow it to come back to room temperature before moving forward with the recipe and decorating.

For the Cake

STEP ONE: Once your meringue mushrooms have baked, you will turn the oven temperature up to 350°F.

Line a 15x10x1 jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly spray the parchment paper only with nonstick spray. Set aside.

STEP TWO: Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl.

STEP THREE: In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, add the eggs, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.

Beat on medium-high speed for five to seven minutes or until the eggs become pale and frothy.

eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla mixed together in a cup

STEP FOUR: Add the flour mixture and beat on medium for another minute or just until the batter is fully incorporated.

This will be a very light and bubbly batter which is exactly what you want for a sponge cake. 

flour mixture added to the egg mixture in a cup and combined together

STEP FIVE: Pour the cake batter into the prepared jelly roll pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes.

batter poured into a jelly roll pan and bake

STEP SIX: Once the cake has cooked, generously sprinkle it with powdered sugar and run a sharp knife around the edges of the cake to make sure it does not stick.

Cover the cake with a piece of parchment paper or a very clean tea towel that is larger than the cake, and then place a large cooling rack or cutting board on top.

caked dusted with powdered sugar and loosen with knife

STEP SEVEN: Very carefully invert the jelly roll pan (be very careful because the pan will be hot) onto the cutting board.

Remove the jelly roll pan and carefully peel away the parchment paper.

place cake on a board and remove parchment

STEP EIGHT: Generously sprinkle the cake again with powdered sugar. Starting from one of the short ends, fold the parchment paper or clean kitchen towel that is longer than the cake onto the cake and start rolling the cake into a log.

Don’t roll the cake too tight. Be careful and go slow so as not to crack the cake as you roll.

Place the rolled-up cake onto a cooling rack to allow the cake to cool and any moisture not to get trapped on the bottom of the cake.

While your cake is cooling, you can make the ermine filling.

roll cake into a log

For The Ermine Frosting Filling

PRO TIP:

You can make the cake and ermine filling 2 to 3 days ahead of time.  

STEP ONE: In a small saucepan on medium heat, add the whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and all-purpose flour.

Whisk together and bring the mixture to a low boil for two to three minutes, whisking often until the mixture resembles a pudding-like consistency.

Remove from the heat and pour the cooked milk mixture into a small dish.

Cover with plastic wrap, being sure to push the plastic down onto the mixture to prevent a skin from forming, and place into the refrigerator for up to two hours to cool completely.

milk, sugar, vanilla, and flour whisked in a pot

STEP TWO: In a large mixing bowl, add the softened unsalted butter and beat with a handheld mixer on medium speed for one minute until fluffy.

Add the cooled milk mixture one tablespoon at a time, making sure to incorporate it completely before adding the next tablespoon until all the cooked and cooled milk mixture has been incorporated.

Increase the speed to high and beat for an additional two to three minutes until the filling is light and fluffy. 

milk mixture added to the sugar mixture in a bowl

Cake Assembly

STEP ONE: Once your cake has cooled, carefully unroll it and spread the ermine filling into an even layer. Gently roll the cake back up into a log.

frosting spread evenly over the unrolled cake

STEP TWO: Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and place it into the refrigerator to chill and firm up.

The cake can chill for a minimum of eight hours, but overnight works great as well.

This allows all the elements to have adequate time to chill, set, and get ready for decorating your yule log cake.

PRO TIP:

You will want to keep the assembled cake roll tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, in the refrigerator, until ready to decorate and serve.

STEP THREE: The next day, when you are ready to assemble your yule log, gather all your ingredients onto the counter.

You will want to have your serving platter out to place the yule log on to decorate it directly on the serving platter.

STEP FOUR: Unwrap your yule log and carefully slice off a 1½ to 2-inch end piece at a slight angle if you want your yule log to have a little piece of side branch.

If you want to keep it simple, you can just place your cake roll onto the serving plate. Set aside.

using knife slice of a piece for the side branch

STEP FIVE: To assemble your mushrooms, carefully remove a mushroom cap and turn it over.

On the underside of the mushroom cap, using the point of a chopstick or something similar, make a little hole that the point of the stem will fit into by twisting the point of the stick into the bottom.

Handle the mushrooms very gently.

mushroom assembled using ganache to stick together

STEP SIX: Take a little bit of the firm chocolate ganache and spread it onto the bottom of the mushroom cap, then place a stem into the ganache to hold the two pieces together.

Place the assembled mushrooms onto a plate. Repeat until you have assembled enough mushrooms to use for decorating your yule log.

Once you have made all your mushrooms, you can then whip your chocolate ganache to make the frosting.

STEP SEVEN: In the bowl of a stand mixer on high speed using the whisk attachment, whip the chocolate ganache for seven to eight minutes or until light, fluffy, and doubled in volume.

Stop the mixer every couple of minutes to scrape down the sides.

ganache whipped in a cup

STEP EIGHT: Once you have whipped your chocolate ganache frosting, you will spread some onto the angled side of the piece you cut off of your cake roll to adhere it to the side of your yule log.

frosting spread on the end pieces

STEP NINE: Frost the remaining cake with a small offset spatula. Try to be mindful to frost the cake in long strokes to resemble tree bark.

You do not need to try to frost the bottom/underside of your cake as it is delicate and may break apart your yule log.

That is why you are frosting and decorating directly on your serving platter.

outside of the cake frosted making long stokes

STEP TEN: Place your candied rosemary sprigs around the bottom and sides of your yule log, then place the candied cranberries on top.

candied rosemary, berries and mushrooms placed around the log

STEP ELEVEN: Place your meringue mushrooms onto the yule log and on the platter.

You can use a small amount of leftover ganache frosting to adhere the mushroom to the platter to prevent them from moving or falling over.

STEP TWELVE: Dust the top of the cake and serving platter with a light dusting of powdered sugar to make it look like a snowfall.

How To Serve

This Christmas yule log will wow your guests this holiday season.

Serve it after a delicious dinner, along with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a warm homemade hot chocolate or Grinch punch to drink.

Our Christmas vanilla roll cake and Christmas red velvet poke cake are two more festive desserts to add to your holiday spread this year.

Storage

ON THE COUNTER: You should wait until you are ready to display and serve your yule log cake before decorating it.

Once decorated, your yule log can sit out, at a comfortable room temperature, for up to six hours.

IN THE FREEZER: You can freeze the chocolate roll cake before topping it with the ganache and decorations for three months.

Wrap the cake roll in plastic, then wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. Allow the cake to thaw before decorating.

overhead shot of Yule Log Cake on a piece of log

Often known by the French name, bûche de noël, this classic holiday yule cake has quite a few steps, but it is well worth the time and effort, and you will be rewarded with a stunning and delicious dessert.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I freeze this chocolate yule log recipe?

This cake recipe can be frozen, well-wrapped, for up to three months. Wait to add the ganache and decorations until you are ready to serve it.

What is the best pan to use for a roll cake?

It’s important to use a 15 × 10-inch jelly roll pan for this cake as you want it to be nice and thin.

Why did my chocolate roll crack?

Your cake needs to be rolled into the towel as soon as it comes out of the oven. When the cake is rolled while warm, the heat and moisture will help give you a crack-free cake. The cake is much more likely to crack if it is rolled when cooled.

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close up shot of Yule Log Cake on a piece of log

Yule Log Cake

5 from 35 votes
This festive yule log cake is beautiful to look at with its chocolate roll cake, rich ganache, and adorable decorations.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 1 hour 42 minutes
Total Time 10 hours 42 minutes
Servings 24

Ingredients
  

Meringue Mushrooms

  • 2 large egg whites, room temperature
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon cocoa powder
  • teaspoon cream of tartar

Candied Fresh Cranberries & Rosemary

  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 6 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • ½ cup water
  • cups granulated sugar, divided

Chocolate Ganache Frosting

  • 8 ounces high-quality semi-sweet baking bar, broken into pieces (the Ghirardelli brand is what I used)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon instant espresso powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Cake

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • powdered sugar, for dusting

Ermine Frosting Filling

  • ½ cup whole milk
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature

Instructions
 

Meringue Mushrooms

  • Preheat the oven to 200°F. Line a large baking tray with a piece of parchment paper.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the egg whites (be careful not to get any yolk in the bowl) and beat on low speed with a whisk attachment for 2 minutes. Once the egg whites start to get frothy, turn the speed up to medium and slowly add the granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and cream of tartar. Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl every couple of minutes.
  • You will whisk the egg white mixture for a total of 9 to 10 minutes or until the meringue is glossy and has fairly stiff peaks. Transfer the meringue mixture to a large piping bag fitted with a large simple round piping tip. I used a Wilton 2A tip. Pipe ½-inch to 1-inch sized caps and stems onto the parchment-lined baking tray. You can wet the tip of your finger and gently smooth the top of the mushroom caps if they have a little point to them. You want to keep the points on the stems.
  • Bake for 1½ hours. Once the meringue mushroom pieces are baked, you need to set them on the counter to cool, undisturbed, and continue to dry out for a minimum of 8 hours, but overnight is perfect. DO NOT refrigerate.

Candied Cranberries & Rosemary

  • In a medium bowl, add the fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs.
  • In a small saucepan on medium heat, add the water and ½ cup granulated sugar. Bring to a simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, just enough to dissolve the sugar. Turn off the heat and add the warm sugar syrup to the bowl of the fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs. Make sure to push the cranberries and rosemary down into the sugar syrup. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 8 hours, but overnight is best.
  • Once the cranberries and rosemary have soaked in the sugar syrup, place a colander over another large bowl or in the sink, and pour the cranberries and rosemary into the colander to allow all the excess liquid to drain off of them.
  • Add the remaining 1 cup sugar into a shallow dish and toss the cranberries and rosemary around in the granulated sugar. Place them onto a clean plate once they are coated in the granulated sugar. You can place the plate of sugar-coated cranberries and rosemary sprigs into the refrigerator, uncovered, to help set the candied garnish until you are ready to use it to decorate your yule log.

Chocolate Ganache Frosting

  • In a medium bowl, place the broken pieces of semi-sweet chocolate bar and heavy cream. Heat on high in the microwave for 1 minute. Stir and heat for another 30 seconds if needed to warm the heavy cream. Allow the chocolate to sit for 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Add the vanilla extract, instant espresso powder, and salt to the warm chocolate. Stir to completely incorporate the heavy cream, and until the melted semi-sweet chocolate is smooth and silky.
  • Loosely cover with a piece of plastic wrap and allow to cool completely, on the counter, for a minimum of 8 hours but up to overnight is good too.
  • Once your meringue mushrooms have baked, you will turn the oven temperature up to 350°F. Line a 15x10x1 jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly spray the parchment paper only with nonstick spray. Set aside.

Cake

  • Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl.
  • In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, add the eggs, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed for 5 to 7 minutes or until the eggs become pale and frothy.
  • Add the flour mixture and beat on medium for another minute or just until the batter is fully incorporated. This will be a very light and bubbly batter which is exactly what you want for a sponge cake.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
  • Once the cake has cooked, generously sprinkle it with powdered sugar and run a sharp knife around the edges of the cake to make sure it does not stick. Cover the cake with a piece of parchment paper or a very clean tea towel that is larger than the cake, and then place a large cooling rack or cutting board on top.
  • Very carefully invert the jelly roll pan (be very careful because the pan will be hot) onto the cutting board. Remove the jelly roll pan and carefully peel away the parchment paper.
  • Generously sprinkle the cake again with powdered sugar. Starting from one of the short ends, fold the parchment paper or tea towel that is longer than the cake onto the cake and start rolling the cake into a log. Don’t roll the cake too tight. Be careful and go slow so as not to crack the cake as you roll. Place the rolled-up cake onto a cooling rack to allow the cake to cool and any moisture not to get trapped on the bottom of the cake. While your cake is cooling, you can make the ermine filling.

Ermine Frosting Filling

  • In a small saucepan on medium heat, add the whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and all-purpose flour. Whisk together and bring the mixture to a low boil for 2 to 3 minutes, whisking often until the mixture resembles a pudding-like consistency. Remove from the heat and pour the cooked milk mixture into a small dish. Cover with plastic wrap, being sure to push the plastic down onto the mixture to prevent a skin from forming, and place into the refrigerator for up to 2 hours to cool completely.
  • In a large mixing bowl, add the softened unsalted butter and beat with a handheld mixer on medium speed for 1 minute until fluffy. Add the cooled milk mixture 1 tablespoon at a time, making sure to incorporate it completely before adding the next tablespoon, until all the cooked and cooled milk mixture has been incorporated. Increase the speed to high and beat for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the filling is light and fluffy.

Assembly

  • Once your cake has cooled, carefully unroll it and spread the ermine filling into an even layer. Gently roll the cake back up into a log.
  • Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and place it into the refrigerator to chill and firm up. The cake can chill for a minimum of 8 hours, but overnight works great as well. This allows all the elements to have adequate time to chill, set, and get ready for decorating your yule log cake.
  • The next day, when you are ready to assemble your yule log, gather all your ingredients onto the counter. You will want to have your serving platter out to place the yule log on to decorate it directly on the serving platter.
  • Unwrap your yule log and carefully slice off a 1½ to 2-inch end piece at a slight angle if you want your yule log to have a little piece of side branch. If you want to keep it simple, you can just place your cake roll onto the serving plate. Set aside.
  • To assemble your mushrooms, carefully remove a mushroom cap and turn it over. On the underside of the mushroom cap, using the point of a chopstick or something similar, make a little hole that the point of the stem will fit into by twisting the point of the stick into the bottom. Handle the mushrooms very gently.
  • Take a little bit of the firm chocolate ganache and spread it onto the bottom of the mushroom cap, then place a stem into the ganache to hold the two pieces together. Place the assembled mushrooms onto a plate. Repeat until you have assembled enough mushrooms to use for decorating your yule log. Once you have made all your mushrooms, you can then whip your chocolate ganache to make the frosting.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer on high speed using the whisk attachment, whip the chocolate ganache for 7 to 8 minutes or until light, fluffy, and doubled in volume. Stop the mixer every couple of minutes to scrape down the sides.
  • Once you have whipped your chocolate ganache frosting, you will spread some onto the angled side of the piece you cut⅜ off of your cake roll to adhere it to the side of your yule log.
  • Frost the remaining cake with a small offset spatula. Try to be mindful to frost the cake in long strokes to resemble the bark of a tree. You do not need to try to frost the bottom/underside of your cake as it is delicate and may break apart your yule log. That is why you are frosting and decorating directly on your serving platter.
  • Place your candied rosemary sprigs around the bottom and sides of your yule log, then place the candied cranberries on top.
  • Place your meringue mushrooms onto the yule log and on the platter. You can use a small amount of leftover ganache frosting to adhere the mushroom to the platter to prevent them from moving or falling over.
  • Dust your yule log and serving platter with a light dusting of powdered sugar to make it look like snowfall.

Notes

  • This recipe has a few components, so it is best to split this into a two-day preparation as some of the elements of the recipe need 8 (or more) hours before they are ready to use. I like to prepare all the elements the day before I plan to decorate and serve the cake. Please read through the directions thoroughly before preparing this yule log cake. It is worth the time and effort!
  • I would suggest following the recipe in order of making each element. I wrote the recipe to be as time efficient as possible. This yule log cake has many steps, but each step is simple, so please read through each section before starting to get familiar with the recipe and not get overwhelmed.
  • I do not suggest making your meringue mushrooms more than the day before you plan on serving your yule log. Do not assemble them with the ganache until you are ready to decorate your cake.
  • You can wet the tip of your finger and gently smooth the top of the mushroom caps if they have a little point to them. You want to keep the points on the stems.
  • Your meringue mushrooms will start to get soft if they are put into the refrigerator or if the room temperature is too warm or moist, so it is best to store them in a cool, dry place until you are ready to use them.
  • You can make the candied cranberries and rosemary sprigs a couple of days ahead and keep them in the refrigerator to save time.
  • Your ganache can stay on the counter at room temperature overnight as long as your home temperature is not too hot. If needed, you can put your ganache into the refrigerator, but you will need to remove it from the fridge and allow it to come back to room temperature before moving forward with the recipe and decorating.
  • You can make the cake and ermine filling 2 to 3 days ahead of time. 
  • You will want to keep the assembled cake roll tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, in the refrigerator, until ready to decorate and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 238kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 53mg | Sodium: 73mg | Potassium: 155mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 320IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 2mg
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Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

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  1. Lauren says

    I’ve never had a Yule log before but this looks delicious! My favorite Christmas treats are the cut out cookies I grew up making with my grandma!

  2. Brigid says

    5 stars
    Beautiful way you keep the holiday near. I have never tried to make a rolled cake before, but this one looks wonderful. Meringue mushrooms for me might be the trickiest (never did meringue either). Maybe a Christmas dessert to try with my daughters.

  3. Louise Gray says

    5 stars
    Such an elegant dessert. The recipe is a little challenging but you have made it approachable. I have never made it although I have seen the actual finished product and other recipes for this. I usually bake a fruitcake and a wide variety of cookies for the holidays. I also like to bake a nut roll called povitica for Christmas. I like that you can freeze the Yule Log if you make it in advance. I might give this a try.

  4. Mariann says

    5 stars
    I made a Buche de Noel ages (50 years ago) when I was a teen. I made it to impress a boy. 🤣I ended up dumping him. The recipe was identical to this one, and it turned out perfectly. I would love to do it again.

  5. Valeria says

    Great recipe & Christmas treat! Used to make more when my boys were little, they called them Lincoln logs. I would also add peanut butter filling on a few, as the kids seemed to enjoy them the best. Happy holidays ☃️

  6. Pauline Gudas says

    5 stars
    This recipe is going to be a list of firsts for me. I have never made a rolled cake nor made meringues. I am going to try this before I make one for the holidays. It looks wonderful and I am sure it will be delicious

  7. Kim says

    5 stars
    I am a huge fan, I don’t have a circit machine yet, but wan’t one to do all these fun things. Single Mom, who’s only daughter left for University! I want to send her things and keep busy so I don’t lose my mind! Thank for your amazing ideas.

  8. Bridget M. says

    5 stars
    I have never made a Yule Log cake but would love to try this one this holiday season. I have always been intimidated by meringues and have never tried to make them but feel this is the best recipe to try.

  9. Lisa says

    5 stars
    The details are so clear. Our family love making holiday treats and this project lends itself so well to making memories

  10. Kathy Pierce says

    I have never made a log cake for Christmas but it looks delicious. I have made a pumpkin roll cake but not the log cake. It looks like a show stopper for sure, if I could make one I would serve at after Christmas dinner.

  11. Annette says

    This looks delicious! I’ve never made a yule log cake before, but always wanted to. I think my family would love it!

  12. Marilyn says

    5 stars
    Coming from a French background, the Buche de Noel or Yule Log is a traditional dessert in our family. While it is very similar to your recipe, I have never made these meringues and am looking forward to trying yours. It sounds wonderful!

  13. JennW says

    This looks amazing.

    Have you ever made a yule log cake before? I have and it didn’t turn out beautiful. It’s a lot of work, but worth every minute.
    What’s your favorite Christmas treat to bake? My mother’s Hello Dollies. They are basically a 7 layer dessert with graham crust, chocolate chips, nuts, coconut and sweet condensed milk.
    When would you serve this yule log cake? Christmas day.
    Have you made meringues before? Nope. They scare me a little.

  14. Terry says

    Never made a yule log….Looks incredibly complicated, so I probably never will!! But I’d definitely eat it…after someone else made it 😋

  15. Sylvia Hotchin says

    5 stars
    Am definitely going to try this … haven’t made a Buche de Noel since I was a child helping my Mum make one and this one looks lovely … love the simple step-by-step instructions. I’m always making meringue and by happy coincidence have just made a lemon meringue pie this afternoon 🤣

  16. Jennifer Cornman says

    5 stars
    I wouldn’t put icing inside I would use ice cream its similar to what my grandmother used to make us when we would visit when we were younger so good.

  17. Miki Schmal says

    This looks wonderful and would be a beautiful table centerpiece. It would be fun to make it a 2-day project. Thanks for the recipe.

  18. Jennifer Thompson says

    This looks amazing. I’ve never made one before but might try to tackle it this year.
    My favorite thing to bake during the holidays is frosted cut out sugar cookies. It’s not Christmas without them.

  19. AJ says

    I’ve always been a bit intimidated to make a Yule Log cake, but I am interested! This not only looks delicious, but is adorable!!

  20. Susan McGuire says

    I’ve never made one before and looking forward to trying. I love to make diventy for Christmas. I would serve this Christmas Eve for my family. I have made meringue before they usually turn out ok.

  21. Angela Kuklicz says

    5 stars
    I have never made a Yule Log before, it always looks so complicated but this recipe looks amazing! Thank you, I cannot wait to try it 🎅

  22. Ashley Barker says

    I have never tried a yule log before as my go to Christmas treat is my grandpa’s famous peanut brittle! I love it!

  23. Ashley Barker says

    I have never tried a yule log before as my go to Christmas treat is my grandpa’s famous peanut brittle! I love it!

  24. gail dinkel says

    5 stars
    LOVE IT . I find they are easy to make and fun . making all flavors is what I love to make . easyer than a round cake 4 sure . and yummy to eat

  25. Maureen says

    5 stars
    I have never made a yule log cake before and now I know why. It really looks hard but sounds really delicious. I might need to try this to say I accomplished a yule log cake. Maybe a new trdition for Christmas? There are so many cookies I bake for Christmas but this would definitely be an eye opener on my table.
    I guess you have given me a new idea to try this. I would definitely serve it on Christmas day. For get about old traditions and this would definitely be a great trdition to start.

  26. Shaunda Snider says

    5 stars
    This looks amazing! I think I’ll try it.

    Have you ever made meringues before? I make meringue for my chocolate and coconut pies. It’s prettier simple or at least my recipe is. It’s from an old cookbook of my mother.

  27. Michelle says

    I have never made a yule log cake and reading through the directions, it sounds too complicated for my skills. It sounds delicious, though.

  28. Tish says

    5 stars
    I love a good buche de Noel (Yule Log cake) – I’ve never made one, but these instructions are tempting! I have friends who would serve one for our Christmas Even dinner get-togethers.
    I love meringue ANYTHING – my mother made meringue “trees” and “wreaths” when I was little, and they were my favourite Christmas “cookie” – meringue kisses are still my favourites.

  29. Elaine says

    5 stars
    I haven’t made but a few Buche de Noel cakes. They are a really since of accomplishment when completed and great fun to have after a holiday meal. Everyone is i.pressed with them!

    We have a regular list of treats we only make for the holidays, northern ti.e. this wY it keeps them spe ial and we look forward to them.

    Thank you!

  30. Mariestella says

    5 stars
    Though I have made roll cakes before, I’ve never made this Yule Log. Just looking at it puts me in that CHRISTmas spirit and I can’t wait to try it! I’ve also done the ermine frosting and ganache but I’ve never made meringues or candied fruits so I’m definitely going to attempt this.

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