Bûche de Noël (aka Christmas Yule Log)

You can do this (yes YOU!!!)

A Bûche de Noël (French for Yule Log) might seem like one of those over-the-top holiday projects better left to professional pastry chefs or French grandmothers, but would you believe me if I say it’s easier than it looks?

I’ve been making this cake since age 12, according to family legend, using a 1993 Hershey’s cookbook. I started writing about it in 2018 and since then, every December I get messages from people who use this recipe to make their very first yule log. They all say how much fun it is, how delicious it turned out, and how proud they are to have started their own Bûche de Noël tradition. That’s the magic of this cake—it looks ambitious, but it’s surprisingly approachable, and the payoff is absolutely worth it.

Hershey Chocolate Cookbook circa 1993

I bake the cake roll on Christmas Eve, and roll it in a tea towel while it’s warm so it cools and sets in a “log” shape. On Christmas morning, I make the meringue mushrooms, filling, chocolate frosting, and decorate everything. If you’re a “get it done ahead of time” person, you can assemble the whole thing the night before and store it in the refrigerator—just save the mushrooms for last to avoid sogginess.

Want to simplify? Swap the mocha frosting for softly whipped cream (or coffee whipped cream, both recipes below) — maybe spread a thin layer of raspberry jam or marmalade before rolling the cake? This is a great idea if you don’t like desserts too sweet. Toasted hazelnuts or almonds sprinkled on the whipped cream add a nice touch and crunch if you’re feeling fancy. But honestly, this recipe is great whether you stick to the recipe or play around. If making meringue mushrooms sounds Not Fun (I have skipped them in more hurried years), omit them!

buches over the years

When it’s assembled, I like to go all-in on the “enchanted forest” vibe: small branches gathered on a walk for garnish, a dusting of cocoa for “dirt,” and powdered sugar for snow. You can add nature themed Christmas ornaments (birds and little forest creatures are perfect for this!) It’s festive, it’s dramatic, and it never fails to impress. But the best part isn’t how it looks—it’s the moment when you slice into the log and everyone oohs and ahhs before devouring it. That’s when you know you’ve nailed it.