Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner or just love the tradition, a Yule log cake—also known as a Bûche de Noël—is a jaw-dropping centerpiece that tastes as good as it looks. These 10 stunning recipes range from classic chocolate to whimsical winter themes. Each one is guaranteed to get your guests talking—and reaching for seconds.
1. Classic Chocolate Yule Log
The timeless version—moist sponge cake rolled with chocolate cream and coated in ganache.
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 10×15 jelly roll pan with parchment.
- Beat eggs and sugar until thick and pale.
- Fold in sifted flour, cocoa, salt, and vanilla.
- Spread into pan and bake for 10–12 min.
- Roll cake in a towel dusted with cocoa. Let cool.
- Whip cream and melted chocolate chips for filling.
- Unroll, fill, re-roll, and frost with ganache. Texture with fork for bark look.
How to Serve It
Top with powdered sugar, sugared cranberries, and rosemary sprigs.
2. White Chocolate Raspberry Yule Log
A bright, berry-filled twist that adds elegance and sweetness to your spread.
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
- 1 cup white chocolate
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Make sponge cake as in classic version.
- Let cool rolled in towel.
- Heat jam slightly to soften.
- Whip cream and melted white chocolate for filling.
- Fill and roll cake, then frost with more white chocolate cream.
- Chill until set.
How to Serve It
Decorate with fresh raspberries and mint leaves.
3. Peppermint Mocha Yule Log
For peppermint latte lovers—this one brings dessert and coffee vibes together.
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa
- 1 tsp instant espresso
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1/2 cup melted dark chocolate
Instructions
- Prepare and bake mocha sponge cake.
- Cool rolled in towel.
- Whip cream, chocolate, and peppermint extract for filling.
- Fill, roll, and frost.
- Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
How to Serve It
Top with mini candy canes or peppermint bark shards.
4. Gingerbread Yule Log
Spicy, warm, and totally holiday-ready.
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Bake spiced sponge cake in jelly roll pan.
- Roll while warm and let cool.
- Mix cream cheese filling.
- Fill, roll, and frost with more filling or buttercream.
- Chill before serving.
How to Serve It
Add mini gingerbread men and a light sugar dusting.
5. Red Velvet Yule Log
A vibrant holiday spin with eye-catching red layers and tangy frosting.
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup flour
- 2 tbsp cocoa
- Red gel food coloring
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Make red velvet sponge cake and bake.
- Cool rolled in parchment.
- Beat cream cheese, butter, and sugar.
- Fill and roll cake.
- Frost and decorate with white chocolate shavings.
How to Serve It
Add green mint leaves or holly candy decor.
6. Chestnut Cream Yule Log
A French-inspired classic with a rich, nutty twist.
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup chestnut puree
- 1/2 cup whipped cream
- 1 tbsp rum (optional)
Instructions
- Make basic sponge cake and roll to cool.
- Mix chestnut puree with cream and rum.
- Fill, roll, and frost with chestnut mixture.
- Decorate with piped swirls or chocolate shards.
How to Serve It
Garnish with edible gold or whole roasted chestnuts.
7. Snowy Lemon Yule Log
Light, zingy, and refreshing—a citrusy break from the chocolate crowd.
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1/2 cup lemon curd
Instructions
- Make lemon sponge and bake.
- Roll in towel and cool.
- Mix lemon curd with whipped cream.
- Fill, roll, and chill.
- Dust with powdered sugar.
How to Serve It
Top with candied lemons or fresh rosemary sprigs.
8. Chocolate Hazelnut Yule Log
Nutella lovers—this one’s for you.
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1/2 cup Nutella
- 1/2 cup whipped cream
- 1 cup chocolate ganache
Instructions
- Make chocolate sponge cake.
- Roll and cool.
- Mix Nutella with whipped cream.
- Fill, roll, and frost with ganache.
- Add chopped hazelnuts on top.
How to Serve It
Dust with cocoa or edible gold flakes.
9. Black Forest Yule Log
Rich chocolate, cherries, and cream—just like the classic torte.
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1 cup chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Bake chocolate sponge.
- Cool and fill with whipped cream and cherry filling.
- Roll and frost with more cream or ganache.
- Top with chocolate curls.
How to Serve It
Garnish with maraschino cherries and a whipped cream rosette.
10. Tiramisu Yule Log
A sophisticated fusion of tiramisu and holiday flair.
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1 tbsp instant espresso
- 1 cup mascarpone
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup whipped cream
Instructions
- Make espresso-flavored sponge.
- Soak cooled cake with brewed coffee or espresso.
- Mix mascarpone, sugar, and cream.
- Fill and roll cake.
- Dust with cocoa powder.
How to Serve It
Decorate with chocolate-covered espresso beans or dusted cocoa snowflakes.
🎄 Share the Holiday Magic
Whether you go traditional or try something bold and new, these Yule log cakes are a guaranteed showstopper on any dessert table. Try one for your next party, save your favorite, or send this list to a fellow holiday baker. Let the sweet traditions roll!
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