At Christmas, there are desserts that need no introduction — and the French Yule log is one of them. A classic treat, known for its light genoise sponge, smooth creamy filling and chocolate coating that resembles a wooden log, making it unmistakable on any festive table. Elegant, comforting, and steeped in tradition, it’s the kind of sweet you can’t wait to make when the holidays arrive.
Known as the Bûche de Noël, this dessert originates from French tradition and has become a must-have at Christmas celebrations. Its creamy centre, wrapped in a light and flexible sponge, offers the perfect balance of textures, while the outer finish allows for creative decoration that can suit any style of home.
Scroll down for the step-by-step video recipe! While it may look elaborate, making a Yule log at home is much easier than it seems if you follow the steps calmly and carefully. It’s the perfect recipe to get ahead of the holidays, enjoy the process, and surprise family and friends with a classic dessert that never goes out of style.
If you're after a traditional, eye-catching Christmas dessert with a standout filling, this French Yule log is a sure winner for the festive season.
The Genoise Sponge: The Perfect Base for a Yule Log
The Genoise sponge is the ideal base for a Yule log thanks to its light, flexible and airy texture — just what’s needed for easy rolling without breaking. Unlike richer cakes, Genoise relies mostly on well-beaten eggs for volume and fluffiness, requiring little to no fat.
Thanks to its fine and elastic structure, the sponge wraps the filling evenly, giving clean, neat slices when served. It also absorbs moisture from the filling without going soggy, staying soft even the next day.
Another key strength is its neutral and delicate flavour, making it the perfect canvas for creamy fillings and chocolate coatings. This is why it’s the go-to sponge for the traditional Bûche de Noël and many other classic French cakes.
When baked properly and rolled while still warm, the Genoise guarantees a Yule log with a flawless texture and a final result that’s as elegant as it is delicious.
Filled Yule Log Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 eggs, separated
- 100 g sugar
- 40 g plain flour
- 50 g pure cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 240 + 160 g whipping cream
- 175 g dark chocolate
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1.5 tbsp butter
- 125 g + extra for towel dusting icing sugar
Preparation
- Place the egg whites in the bowl of the KitchenAid stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat on speed 10 until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- Add the egg yolks and icing sugar to the bowl and whisk on speed 4 until light in colour.
- Add the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Mix until smooth.
- Add one large spoonful of the whipped egg whites to the yolk mixture and mix on speed 2 for 1 minute.
- Once loosened, gently fold in the rest of the egg whites by hand using a spatula.
- Spread the batter onto a silicone baking mat (20 × 30 cm) and bake for 7 minutes in a preheated oven at 220°C.
- The sponge should be fully baked but soft to the touch.
- Generously dust a clean, dry towel with icing sugar.
- Turn the hot sponge onto the towel and carefully remove the silicone mat. Roll it up in the towel and allow to cool completely.
- Heat 240 g of cream. In a separate bowl, combine chocolate, vanilla extract and butter.
- Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and stir until fully melted and combined. Let cool completely.
- Place the remaining cream in the mixer with icing sugar and whip on speed 8 until stiff peaks form.
- Unroll the sponge, spread the whipped cream evenly over the surface and roll it up again (this time without the towel).
- Cover the Yule log with the chocolate ganache and decorate as desired.
