Instructions to Make an Easy Yule Log

The Yule log tradition started in the 12th century.

The Yule log was a winter tradition celebrated throughout the European continent. Families gathered around it to share stories, sing songs and provide general support during the long winter months. The traditional log was replaced in the 19th century when smaller wood burning stoves replaced large fireplaces. The French replaced their Yule log with a cake, called the Buche de Noel. You can easily make your own real Yule log or Buche de Noel cake.

Things You'll Need

• Oak log
• Ribbons
• Holly
• Mistletoe
• Saw
• Drill with large enough drill bit for the size of candles used
• Candles
• Jelly roll pan
• Butter or non-stick spray (for greasing pan)
• Parchment paper
• 1 package chocolate cake mix, plus ingredients for mix
• Mixing bowl and large spoon
• 2 cans chocolate frosting
• Toothpicks
• Fork
• Frosting spatula
• Buttercream frosting (optional)
• Coconut shreds or powdered sugar (optional)
• Knife (optional)
• Handmade meringue mushrooms (optional)
• Fake holly and berry stems (optional)

Instructions

Yule Log and the Yule Celebration

1. Choose a sturdy piece of oak. Any type of wood will suffice but oak was traditionally used in Medieval Europe. Place it securely into the fireplace. Decorate it with ribbons, holly and mistletoe. Light it and enjoy.

2. Have each family member toss a sprig of holly into the fire as a farewell to the old year. Write a bad habit on slips of paper and throw to the fire. This acts as an initiation ceremony into the new year.

3. Have a Yule log even if you do not have a fireplace. Saw the bottom of an oak log to create a flat and stable base. Drill a few holes 1/2 inch deep down the middle of the log. Place candles in those holes. Decorate the log with ribbons and seasonal greenery and light the candles. Choose a log in a suitable size, and this easy project will make a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table.

Buche de Noel

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper.

2. Follow the directions on the cake mix box as you combine the chocolate mix and any other ingredients the package calls for. Pour out just enough cake batter onto the jelly roll pan to cover it to a depth of 1/4 inch.

3. Bake the cake for only 7 minutes. It needs to be cooked underdone in order for it to be pliable and easy to work with when you roll it. Check the center with a toothpick. If some cake sticks to the toothpick, take it out. If too much sticks, bake for 2 more minutes and recheck it.

4. Allow the chocolate cake to cool for a few minutes. Grab both ends of the parchment paper and lift the cake from the pan to set it aside. Apply a generous layer of chocolate frosting on the cake's surface. Lift one end of the cake gently and roll it like a scroll. Distribute toothpicks to anchor the cake's shape. Place it back in the oven and bake for 5 minutes.

5. Let the cake cool for 30 minutes. Apply the rest of the chocolate frosting on the bare surface. Make lines on the frosting with a fork to add texture like tree bark.

Tips & Warnings

• If this is too much chocolate for your taste, substitute the inner chocolate frosting with buttercream to lighten the taste.

• Sprinkle coconut shreds or powdered sugar on top of the Yule log cake to imitate snow.

• If you want to get fancy, cut one or both ends off the "log" at about a 45 degree angle. Do this after the cake has completely cooled and before it is frosted. You can use one (or both) of these cut off pieces to attach to the sides of the "log" to represent cut branches. Use frosting to attach them to the main log before frosting the entire log. Use a fork to create bark designs in the frosting on the main part of the log and branches. Use the fork to create a spiral design on the "cut ends" of the log and branches, representing the tree rings.

• The Buche de Noel cake is traditionally decorated with a few pale "mushrooms" made out of meringue. Their tops are usually dusted with cocoa powder. If you know how to make and pipe meringue, you can make them. Or you may find smooth meringue candies in your local grocery store; you can make a good approximation of these "button" mushrooms with store-bought meringue candies.

• For a final finishing touch, place a few sprigs of fake holly leaves and berries around your cake.

References

• France Guide: Yule Log - History and Traditions
• Earth Witchery: Yule Log

Resources

• Life as Mom: An Easy Way to Make a Buche de Noel Cake for Christmas