14 Festive Yule Log Cakes That Will Instantly Elevate Your Holiday Tablescape
Nothing beats a Bûche de Noël during the holidays!
The holidays have arrived with Christmas (and Christmas menu planning) in full swing, and we have a special treat for you with this Christmas recipe roundup. Nothing sings of Christmas more than whimsical yule log cakes on the table during this festive season and if you spend enough time on Pinterest as we do, you'll venture down a scrolling spiral amazed at the crazy creations that are being baked up in the yule log department.
What is a Yule Log?
A yule log, or a Christmas block, is a specially chosen log that's burnt on the hearth as a Christmas tradition in Europe, especially in the United Kingdom. The Christmas tradition calls for a portion of the log to be burnt each evening until the Twelfth Night (January 6), and because of that, yule logs feature prominence in winter holiday customs.
Related: 29 Crazy Candied Desserts for the Holidays
Yule Log Cakes
Because of this burning log tradition, it's common to have yule log cakes (or bûche de Noël) decorate the table during the holidays. And there's no dessert more fitting for a blustery, wintery holiday season than the yule log because it literally resembles a winter wonderland with forest-like designs, decorations and toppings.
Related: The Best Winter Wonderland Cake Recipes
How to Make Yule Log Cakes
Charming, over-the-top log cakes look may look like very complicated recipes, but they are actually easier to make than it seems. From Tiramisu Yule Log Cake and White Chocolate Ginger Bread Yule Log, to Peanut Butter Cup Yule Log and Yule Log Chocolate Roll Cake, there are plenty of different recipes here to create your ultimate Christmastime yule log. Kids will also love getting in on the fun, by adding all of the tiny berry, holly and pinecone adornments most yule logs feature. Or, helping create the frosting texture that looks like bark.
Here are 14 festive yule log recipes for your Christmas table. Browse through them, make sure to pin your favorites and let's get ready for the holidays!
Vegan Gluten-Free Yule Log
A delicious plant-based version of a traditional yule log made with wholesome ingredients filled with divine white chocolate frosting.
Get the recipe: Vegan Gluten-Free Yule Log
Related: Easy No-Bake Christmas Candy Recipes
Black Forest Yule Log
Naturally gluten-free, this Black Forest Yule Log is the classic combination of chocolate, black cherries and Kirsch all wrapped up in rustic Christmas style.
Get the recipe: Black Forest Yule Log
Gingerbread Yule Log Recipe
The roll itself is perfectly moist and light with a creamy filling, just how you want a yule log!
Get the recipe: Gingerbread Yule Log Recipe
Yule Log Cake
A chocolate swiss-roll style cake, filled with whipped cream and covered in mocha chocolate frosting.
Get the recipe: Yule Log Cake
Yule Log Chocolate Roll Cake
This simple yule log chocolate roll cake is a great roll cake recipe that is perfect for the holidays and whenever you want a great-tasting dessert.
Get the recipe: Yule Log Chocolate Roll Cake
Winter White Yule Log
This festive Yule log combines coconut, almond, and white chocolate flavors for a beautiful and delicious dessert. Almond sponge cake is rolled and covered in white chocolate coconut Swiss meringue buttercream. Topped with almond slice pinecones, white chocolate holly leaves, and then sprinkled with coconut flakes and powdered sugar.
Get the recipe: Winter White Yule Log
Classic Yule Log Cake
This classic yule log cake is a tender chocolate sponge cake filled with mascarpone whipped cream and covered with whipped chocolate ganache! It’s delicious, festive and made completely from scratch!
Get the recipe: Classic Yule Log Cake
Tiramisu Yule Log Cake
There's nothing more impressive than bringing a log to Christmas dinner; a tiramisu yule log cake that is! It's not a difficult cake to make, but there are a good number of steps involved. You can make every part of this cake ahead of time and assemble it later.
Get the recipe: Tiramisu Yule Log Cake
Easy Cake Mix Yule Log
This recipe uses boxed cake mix to make an easy yule log cake for the holidays!
Get the recipe: Easy Cake Mix Yule Log
Related: 11 Christmas Appetizers You'll Want All Year Long
Bailey's Yule Log
This twist on the traditional Christmas yule log will have any lover of Baileys singing a holiday cheer.
Get the recipe: Bailey's Yule Log
Marshmellow Yule Log
This Marshmallow Yule Log (also commonly known as Church Windows, Stained Glass) is a favorite retro Christmas recipe!
Get the recipe: Marshmellow Yule Log
Related: Last-Minute Christmas Finger Foods
White Chocolate Gingerbread Yule Log
This festive white chocolate gingerbread yule log is a showstopper Christmas dessert. Made with white chocolate buttercream "bark" for that rustic look!
Get the recipe: White Chocolate Gingerbread Yule Log
Peanut Butter Cup Yule Log Cake
This peanut butter cup yule log is made from a light chocolate sponge cake wrapped around a rich peanut butter filling and finished with a shiny chocolate glaze.
Get the recipe: Peanut Butter Cup Yule Log
Related: Easy 3-Ingredient Christmas Treats
