Delicious French Log Cake Recipe for the Perfect Holiday Dessert

The French log cake recipe, also known as Bûche de Noël, is a beloved holiday dessert that brings a touch of elegance and festivity to any table. This tradi……

The French log cake recipe, also known as Bûche de Noël, is a beloved holiday dessert that brings a touch of elegance and festivity to any table. This traditional French dessert is not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious, making it a favorite among both bakers and dessert enthusiasts. In this detailed guide, we will walk you through the steps to create a mouthwatering French log cake that will impress your family and friends.

### Ingredients

To create the perfect French log cake, you will need the following ingredients:

**For the Sponge Cake:**

- 4 large eggs

- 1/2 cup granulated sugar

- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

- 1/4 cup cocoa powder

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- A pinch of salt

**For the Filling:**

- 1 cup heavy whipping cream

- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

**For the Chocolate Ganache:**

- 1 cup heavy cream

- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped

- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

### Instructions

#### Step 1: Prepare the Sponge Cake

1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 15x10-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.

2. **Beat the Eggs and Sugar**: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on high speed until the mixture is thick and pale, about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a light and airy sponge cake.

3. **Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients**: Gently fold in the vanilla extract. Sift the flour, cocoa powder, and salt together, then gradually fold them into the egg mixture until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the batter.

4. **Bake the Cake**: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cake springs back when lightly touched. Do not overbake, as this can make the cake dry and difficult to roll.

5. **Roll the Cake**: While the cake is still warm, carefully lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper. Place the cake on a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Starting from one short end, gently roll the cake with the towel into a log shape. Allow it to cool completely in this rolled position.

#### Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. **Whip the Cream**: In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form. This will be the luscious filling for your log cake.

2. **Unroll and Fill the Cake**: Once the cake has cooled, unroll it gently. Spread the whipped cream filling evenly over the surface of the cake, leaving a small border around the edges. Carefully re-roll the cake without the towel this time, making sure the seam is on the bottom.

#### Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache

1. **Heat the Cream**: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.

2. **Add the Chocolate**: Place the finely chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for a minute to melt. Add the butter and stir until smooth and glossy.

3. **Cool and Spread the Ganache**: Allow the ganache to cool slightly until it thickens to a spreadable consistency. Pour the ganache over the rolled cake, using a spatula to spread it evenly over the top and sides.

### Final Touches

To give your French log cake recipe an authentic look, you can use a fork to create bark-like lines on the surface of the ganache. Dust the cake with powdered sugar to resemble snow and decorate with meringue mushrooms, fresh berries, or holly leaves for a festive touch.

### Conclusion

This French log cake recipe is sure to become a holiday favorite, delighting both your eyes and taste buds. With its rich chocolate flavor, creamy filling, and beautiful presentation, it’s the perfect dessert to celebrate the season. Whether you're an experienced baker or a novice, this detailed guide will help you create a stunning and delicious French log cake that will be the star of your holiday table. Enjoy!