Chocolate Chestnut Yule Log with Candied Cranberries

Chocolate Chestnut Yule Log A Festive Christmas Recipe

By Maya ThorneJuly 11, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Sweet Treats and Festive Feasts!

Ever wondered how to really impress at Christmas? This yule log recipe is your answer! It's rich, decadent, and a showstopper. The chocolate chestnut yule log flavor is just divine.

A Slice of History

The Bûche de Noël, or buche de noel recipe , is a classic French Christmas dessert. It resembles a log ready for the fire.

Traditionally, it's enjoyed after Christmas dinner. This version requires a little effort, but it’s totally worth it. Prep takes 45 minutes, cooking 25, plus chilling.

This recipe makes about 8-10 servings.

Why This Yule Log Recipe Rocks

Honestly, this dessert is almost healthy because of the chestnuts. It is packed with nutrients like fiber. It's perfect for Christmas Day or any winter celebration.

What makes this homemade yule log special is the combination of textures and flavors. We are also using candied cranberries recipe for decoration,

Okay, right then, let's get this sorted and channeling my inner Mary Berry , I've had a good look at that Yule Log recipe and here are some to help it shine brighter than Rudolph's nose on Google, like traditional yule log recipe , easy yule log recipe , yule log variations , gluten-free yule log recipe and vegan yule

log recipe .

Ready to dive into the ingredients?

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Baking!

Okay, right then, let's get this sorted. Channeling my inner Mary Berry, I've had a good look at that Yule Log recipe , and here are the ingredients and equipment you'll need.

Don't panic, it's easier than it looks. This chocolate chestnut yule log is gonna be the star of your Christmas.

Honestly, it's like a hug in cake form.

Main Ingredients: The Cake Base

Eggs: You'll need 4 large eggs, separated. Metric and US, we're all good here!
Sugar: ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar. Key is to whisk well for a light sponge.
Flour: ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour, sifted. Sifting is essential for that airy texture.
Cocoa: ¼ cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted. Think dark, rich flavor.
Milk: 2 tablespoons (30ml) whole milk. Adds moisture.
Vanilla: 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract. Go for good quality.

For the flour and cocoa, just a note on quality: Spend a little more! The taste difference is worth it.

Seasoning & Flavor: Chestnut Dreams

This is where the magic happens!

Chestnut Puree: 8 ounces (225g) sweetened chestnut puree. This is the star.
Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream, cold. Whip it good!
Rum/Brandy: 2 tablespoons (30ml) rum or brandy (optional). Adds warmth.
Semi sweet Chocolate: 8 ounces (225g) semi sweet chocolate, finely chopped. Yum!
Butter: 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter. For that shine in the ganache.
Cranberries: 1 cup (120g) fresh cranberries.
Sugar: ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar + extra for coating cranberries.

Essential Spice Combinations: The rum/brandy really complements the chestnut. Flavor Enhancers: Don't skip the vanilla! Quick Substitution: If you can't find chestnut puree, use almond paste! It's a fair swap

Essential Equipment: No Fancy Stuff Needed

Jelly Roll Pan: 10x15 inch . It's the right size for the buche de noel recipe .
Parchment Paper: Absolutely crucial for easy cake removal. Trust me on this one.
Mixer: Stand mixer or hand mixer. Your arm will thank you.
Spatula: For folding and spreading.
Sieve: For sifting those dry ingredients.
Saucepan: For the ganache and candied cranberries.
Candy Thermometer: Only if you're serious about candied cranberries recipe . A good visual cue works too.
Wire Rack: For cooling.

Household Alternatives: Don't have a jelly roll pan? A baking sheet with sides can work in a pinch. Just watch the baking time.

Honestly, you probably have most of this stuff already. So, are you ready to bake this easy yule log recipe? I know I am! It's the perfect way to enjoy your christmas dessert recipes

Let's Bake a Yule Log, Shall We?

Okay, right then, let's get this sorted! Channeling my inner Mary Berry, I've had a good look at that yule log recipe and I'm ready to tackle it.

Making a Yule Log, or Buche de Noel recipe , might seem daunting, but trust me, it's totally doable. This chocolate chestnut yule log with candied cranberries recipe is a real showstopper.

Plus, it's a delicious twist on traditional yule log recipe . Think of it as your edible Christmas centerpiece!

Prep Steps for Yule Log Glory

Honestly, mise en place is your best friend here. Get everything measured out. It will make the actual cooking process so much smoother.

Think of it like prepping your station before a Formula 1 race. We are going to start our engines with christmas dessert recipes .

For safety, remember that hot sugar is basically molten lava. Be super careful when making the candied cranberries! Especially if you have little helpers in the kitchen.

Let's Get Baking: A step-by-step Guide

Right, here's how we're going to make this incredible yule log recipe :

Bake the sponge at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 20- 25 minutes .
While the cake is baking, get the chestnut mousse ready.
Let it cool slightly.
Then, gently roll it up in a towel dusted with sugar and let it cool completely.
Unroll and fill with the chestnut mousse.
Roll it up again (without the towel this time!).
Frost with the chilled chocolate ganache.
Decorate with candied cranberries.

Visual cue for doneness: the cake should spring back lightly when you touch it.

Pro Tips from My Kitchen

One of my secrets? Don't overbake the cake! It's got to be light and springy. Overbaking is the easiest way to ruin your yule log recipe .

Also, the best and easiest yule log recipe is to start to make your own candied cranberries in advance.

Another tip for the yule log variations : If you want to switch things up, try a raspberry jam and whipped cream filling instead of the chestnut mousse.

It makes for a lighter, fruitier homemade yule log .

And if you mess up? Don't stress! Just call it a rustic charm. It is supposed to be a log after all! Dust with extra powdered sugar and no one will ever know.

Recipe Notes

Okay, right then, let's get this sorted! Channeling my inner Mary Berry, I've had a good look at that yule log recipe and here are some things to remember to help it shine brighter than Rudolph's nose on Google.

Serving Suggestions for your Yule Log

Plating this chocolate chestnut yule log is all about making it look like it just came out of a winter wonderland! Honestly, think rustic chic.

Pop it on a wooden board. Dust it with extra powdered sugar. Maybe add some rosemary sprigs for that forest vibe.

Serve slices of your homemade yule log with a scoop of good quality vanilla ice cream. Trust me, it's divine.

A little glass of dessert wine wouldn't go amiss either. Who am I kidding? Of course it wouldn't!

Storage Tips to Keep your Yule Log fresh

This buche de noel recipe keeps well. Keep it in the fridge, covered of course. It should be good for about 3 days.

Freezing it is doable, but the ganache might get a tad weird when it thaws. Still tasty though! Just wrap it up tightly in cling film first.

To reheat? Nah, you eat this cold! It tastes much better. Let it sit out for 15- 20 minutes before serving to soften it up a bit.

Variations of the Traditional Yule Log Recipe

Want to mix things up? You can use different fillings! Raspberry jam and whipped cream work wonders as a lighter alternative. It's perfect for a gluten-free yule log recipe as well.

And for a vegan yule log recipe , applesauce instead of eggs in the recipe works amazing!

You could also get creative with the decorations. Meringue mushrooms anyone?

Nutrition Basics

Right, I'm no nutritionist, but here's the lowdown on this traditional yule log recipe . Each serving's packing around 450 calories .

It's got some protein, but mainly fat and carbs. So, you know, enjoy in moderation!

But hey, dark chocolate and chestnuts have antioxidants. And that's gotta be a good thing, right? Plus, it brings joy. And that's the best nutrition of all, don't you think?

So there you have it! All the recipe notes you need. I hope you have a great time. Honestly, don't stress too much about perfection.

Just get in the kitchen, have some fun, and enjoy the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Help! My yule log recipe cake cracked when I tried to roll it. What did I do wrong?

Oh dear, a cracked Yule Log cake is a common baking woe! The most likely culprit is overbaking, which dries out the sponge and makes it brittle. Be sure to bake it just until it springs back lightly when touched.

Rolling the cake while it's still slightly warm (but not too hot to handle!) and using a generous dusting of powdered sugar on your towel can also prevent cracking. Think of it like Goldilocks - not too hot, not too cold, but just right.

Can I make the yule log recipe ahead of time? I'm already feeling the Christmas rush!

Absolutely, you can be a Christmas whiz and get ahead! You can bake the sponge cake and prepare the chestnut mousse filling a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. The chocolate ganache can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge, but you'll need to let it soften at room temperature before frosting.

Assemble the whole log a few hours before serving for the best flavor and texture, then store it in the refrigerator. Nobody wants to be stressing like Gordon Ramsey on Christmas morning!

What are some good variations or substitutions for this yule log recipe? I'm looking for something a little different.

Feeling a bit adventurous, are we? Instead of chestnut, try a raspberry jam and whipped cream filling for a lighter, fruitier twist very Wimbledon! For a chocolatey kick, add a tablespoon of instant espresso powder to your ganache.

And if you're catering to dietary needs, you can use a gluten-free flour blend for the sponge cake, just ensure that you also use a gluten-free cocoa powder too.

How should I store leftover yule log, and how long will it last?

If you have any leftover Yule Log (lucky you!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. The fridge can dry it out a tad, so consider wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in the container.

Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the ganache slightly and bring out the flavors!

Is there a way to make this yule log recipe a bit healthier? All those holiday calories!

We hear you; those holiday treats can be lethal, can't they? While it's a decadent dessert, you can make a few tweaks. Use a dark chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage for the ganache, which is lower in sugar and higher in antioxidants.

You could also reduce the amount of sugar in the chestnut mousse slightly, as the chestnut puree is already sweet. Just remember, everything in moderation, even moderation!