Bûche de Noël Yule Log with Chestnut Buttercream

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic French-style Yule log cake featuring a light chocolate sponge rolled with chestnut-infused buttercream, elegantly dusted with cocoa powder. This french-inspired holiday ready in about 45 minutes pairs large eggs, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 10, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 15 min Serves 10 French cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 10x15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and grease lightly.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, beat 4 large eggs with 3/4 cup granulated sugar on high speed for 5 minutes until thick and pale.
  3. Step 3: Sift together 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1/4 tsp salt. Gently fold into the egg mixture until just combined. Fold in 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter.
  4. Step 4: Pour batter evenly into prepared pan and spread smooth. Bake for 12-15 minutes until cake springs back when lightly touched.
  5. Step 5: While warm, invert cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off parchment and roll cake gently from short end with the towel. Cool completely.
  6. Step 6: For buttercream, beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add 3/4 cup powdered sugar, 1 cup chestnut puree, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 2 tbsp heavy cream. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
  7. Step 7: Unroll cooled cake carefully, spread chestnut buttercream evenly, then re-roll without towel. Dust exterior with 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder.
  8. Step 8: Chill for 1 hour before slicing. Serve slices with extra buttercream or fresh chestnuts if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Bûche de Noël Yule Log with Chestnut Buttercream take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (30 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Bûche de Noël Yule Log with Chestnut Buttercream?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep large eggs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bûche de Noël Yule Log with Chestnut Buttercream?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Bûche de Noël Yule Log with Chestnut Buttercream for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 10 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 10). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Bûche de Noël Yule Log with Chestnut Buttercream?

French holiday like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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