Buche de Noel Recipe
Overview:
Buche de Noel, also known as Yule Log Cake, is a traditional European dessert typically served during Christmas festivities. This recipe, passed down through generations, presents a delightful twist on the classic, featuring a decadent chocolate cake rolled with luscious buttercream frosting. The final touches include artistic frosting techniques to resemble bark and whimsical mushroom decorations, making it a centerpiece for any holiday table.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 cups sugar
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 3/4 cup rum
- 8 tsp instant coffee crystals
- 2 cups hot water
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups cornstarch
- 2 sticks butter (for cake)
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sugar (for cake)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
| Step | Details | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and equipment needed, including a 10×15 inch jellyroll pan, parchment paper, and a clean white flour-sack towel. | Prep |
| 2 | Prepare Pan: Ensure the jellyroll pan is flat and not warped. Line it with parchment paper, lightly greasing the paper with butter. | Prep |
| 3 | Make Filling: Cream 2 sticks of butter until light and fluffy. In a separate bowl, beat egg yolks until pale. Combine 1 1/2 cups sugar and 3/4 cup water in a saucepan, cook until it reaches 230°F, then pour into beaten yolks while mixing. Add rum and set aside 1/4 cup of buttercream. Blend instant coffee with hot water and mix with reserved buttercream, adding powdered sugar until spreadable. Chill both coffee and chocolate buttercreams. | 30 mins |
| 4 | Prepare Cake: Preheat oven to 450°F. Sift flour, cocoa, and cornstarch together. Melt butter. Beat eggs, then add sugar and beat until thick and pale. Gently fold in flour mixture, then melted butter. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 5-8 minutes until the top springs back when pressed. | 15 mins |
| 5 | Roll Cake: Sprinkle powdered sugar on a clean towel. Invert baked cake onto towel, remove parchment paper, and roll cake tightly while still warm. Allow to cool seam side down. | 40 mins |
| 6 | Fill and Chill: Once cooled, unroll cake and spread half of the chocolate buttercream over the surface. Roll the cake back up, wrap in foil, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. | 1 hour |
| 7 | Assemble: Place a sheet of waxed or parchment paper on a serving platter. Unwrap and place the cake on the paper. Slice off both ends and reserve. Frost the cake with most of the remaining chocolate buttercream, leaving the ends unfrosted. Use a fork to create bark-like ridges. | 20 mins |
| 8 | Decorate: Position the reserved ends along the cake to resemble branches. Frost the sides and ends with the remaining chocolate and coffee buttercreams. For added flair, create mushroom decorations using meringues and dust with cinnamon. | 45 mins |
Serving:
- Once decorated, serve the Buche de Noel as a stunning centerpiece for your holiday dessert table. Slice carefully to showcase the beautiful swirls of frosting and enjoy the rich, festive flavors with your loved ones. Remember to store any leftovers in the refrigerator for later indulgence.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 6386.2
- Fat: 347.3g
- Saturated Fat: 208.5g
- Cholesterol: 1908.3mg
- Sodium: 1692.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 843.4g
- Fiber: 42g
- Sugar: 721g
- Protein: 68.2g
Tips:
- To achieve the best texture, ensure the cake is rolled while still warm and pliable.
- For a non-alcoholic version, replace rum with 1/2 tablespoon almond extract and 1 1/2 tablespoons water.
- Experiment with different frosting designs to customize your Buche de Noel for any occasion.
- Get creative with decorations, such as edible flowers or seasonal berries, to add a personal touch to your masterpiece.
Conclusion:
Elevate your holiday celebrations with this exquisite Buche de Noel recipe, a true labor of love that will impress your guests and create lasting memories. From its tender chocolate cake to its creamy buttercream filling and whimsical decorations, this dessert embodies the magic of Christmas and the joy of sharing delicious treats with family and friends. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps with care, and embark on a culinary journey that culminates in a show-stopping masterpiece worthy of applause and admiration.
