The Delightful Journey of the Bûche de Noël

Its rich history dates back to medieval times when families would celebrate the Winter Solstice by burning an actual wooden log adorned with holly, pine cones, and ivy. This ritual was believed to bring good luck and prosperity. Today, this tradition lives on in the form of a delectable dessert, crafted with layers of sponge cake and buttercream, often finished with intricate chocolate decorations to mimic the texture of wood.

Discover the Best French Bakeries in Alberta

Alberta is home to some exquisite bakeries and retailers where you can order your Bûche de Noël just in time for Christmas or Winter Solstice.

• No time to cook? M&M has got you covered. Available seasonally, their Chocolate Yule Log just needs to be thawed before serving, for a quick and easy holiday dessert.
• Order ahead to secure your Bûche de Noël from Macaron & Goodies in Edmonton.
• In Calgary, order ahead at Decadent Brulee.

Create Your Own Bûche de Noël

For those who love a kitchen challenge, making your own Bûche de Noël can be a rewarding experience. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• Chocolate ganache for decoration

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
2. Beat the eggs, sugar, and vanilla until thick and pale. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, folding gently.
3. Spread the batter evenly in the pan and bake for 10-12 minutes. Once done, roll the cake in a kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar and let it cool.
4. Whip the cream and powdered sugar to stiff peaks. Unroll the cake, spread the cream, and roll it back up.
5. Cover with chocolate ganache, creating a wood-like texture with a fork. Decorate as desired.

By following these steps, or by ordering your cake ahead of time from a local bakery, you'll have a stunning dessert that's sure to impress your guests.

Nerissa McNaughton is a freelance writer and a contributor to Great West Media. This story was written for the Great West Media & Southern Alberta Newspapers Cool Winter Guide advertising feature. The Cool Winter Guide is a special feature about winter activities, bucket list adventures, winter attractions, events, and road trip-worthy food & beverage destinations across Alberta. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.