Barefoot Contessa Bûche De Noël Recipe – Tasty Shelter

The Bûche de Noël, also known as a Yule Log, is more than just a dessert; it’s a delightful centerpiece for any festive gathering. While this delectable treat takes the spotlight, pairing it with the right beverages or sides can elevate your experience.

Consider serving it with a rich espresso or coffee to complement the chocolate flavors. If you crave something a bit lighter, a chilled glass of dessert wine like Sauternes can be a heavenly match. For a non-alcoholic option, how about a cup of spiced chai? The warm spices will harmonize beautifully with the Bûche’s sweetness.

Now, let’s dive into the creation of this classic holiday dessert.

As the holiday season rolls around, I find joy in crafting timeless recipes that celebrate tradition and bring warmth to gatherings. This year, I decided to make the Barefoot Contessa Bûche de Noël, a recipe that exudes charm and delivers a bite of nostalgia. When I first laid eyes on this dessert, I instantly recognized its potential to impress friends and family.

Bûche de Noël has layers of cake rolled with creamy filling, resembling a log. It’s a heartwarming dish that carries stories of festive celebrations and brings smiles to those who enjoy it. To make it even better, I sought out the expertise of Barefoot Contessa, a beloved name in home cooking. Her recipes are infused with love and simplicity, making them approachable and utterly delicious.

What is Barefoot Contessa Bûche de Noël Recipe?

This particular recipe from Ina Garten combines a light chocolate cake with a decadent cocoa hazelnut whipped cream. It’s not just a visual treat; the flavor combinations truly shine. 

The cake is rolled and filled with cream, then coated in ganache, creating a stunning dessert that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why This Recipe Works

The Barefoot Contessa’s Bûche de Noël recipe balances flavors and textures perfectly. The rich chocolate cake is light and airy due to the whipped egg whites, while the creamy filling adds a lovely contrast. 

The ganache topping seals the deal, transforming the cake into an elegant creation that’s as much a dessert as it is a centerpiece.

What You’ll Need to Make This Dish

Before we jump into the steps for making this delectable Bûche de Noël, gather the following ingredients:

Sugared Cranberries & Rosemary:

• ¾ cup water
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar, divided
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 4–5 sprigs of fresh rosemary
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)

For the Cake:

• 6 large eggs, separated
• 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1 ⅓ cups sifted cake flour
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 tablespoons neutral oil
• 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)

For Rolling:

• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

Meringue Mushrooms:

• 1 large egg white
• A pinch of cream of tartar
• A small pinch of fine salt
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 ounce semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon cocoa powder (optional)
• 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Cocoa Hazelnut Whipped Cream:

• 1 ½ cups cold heavy cream
• ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tablespoons Frangelico liqueur
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup finely chopped hazelnuts (optional)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Ganache Topping:

• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon espresso powder (optional)

How to Make Barefoot Contessa Bûche de Noël Recipe

Creating this festive dish isn’t just about following a recipe. It’s about the joy of baking and the magic that fills the kitchen. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get started.

Step 1: Prepare Sugared Cranberries and Rosemary

• In a saucepan, combine ¾ cup water and 1 ¼ cups sugar over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
• Add fresh cranberries and let them simmer for about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the cranberries to cool in the syrup.
• Once cooled, dip the cranberries in the remaining sugar and sprinkle with the zest if desired. Add fresh rosemary at this point for added flavor.

Step 2: Make the Cake

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large mixing bowl, beat the 6 egg yolks with ½ cup sugar until thick and pale. Mix in oil, vanilla, and almond extract.
• In another bowl, sift together cake flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the yolk mixture.
• In a separate bowl, beat the 6 egg whites until foamy. Gradually add the remaining ½ cup of sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
• Gently fold the egg whites into the batter. Spread evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for 15 minutes or until the cake springs back when touched.

Step 3: Prepare Meringue Mushrooms

• While the cake is baking, whisk the egg white with a pinch of cream of tartar and salt until soft peaks form.
• Gradually add 2 tablespoons sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
• Use a piping bag to pipe out small mushroom caps. Allow them to bake at 200°F (95°C) for 2 hours.

Step 4: Whip the Cream

• In a large chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
• Gradually add confectioners’ sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Blend in Frangelico, cocoa powder, hazelnuts, and honey if using.

Step 5: Assemble the Bûche

• Once the cake has cooled, carefully unroll it. Spread the whipped cream over the surface, leaving a small border. Roll the cake back up and place seam-side down on a serving platter.
• For the ganache, heat heavy cream and pour it over the chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth. Allow it to cool slightly, then pour it over the rolled cake.

Step 6: Decorate

• Garnish with sugared cranberries and rosemary. Create little leaves with meringue mushrooms around the log for that perfect festive touch.

Tips

Use Room Temperature Eggs: They whip up better, helping your cake to rise perfectly.
Don’t Rush the Cooling: Letting the cake cool well before rolling helps prevent cracks.
Use Good Quality Chocolate: It makes a remarkable difference in taste, especially for ganache.
Add A Splash of Liqueur: Enhances flavor—Frangelico works wonders, but you can customize it to your taste!
Get Creative with Decorations: Think about seasonal nuts or fruits that can elevate the visual appeal.

How to Store Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (which, let’s be honest, isn’t likely!), wrap the Bûche de Noël tightly in plastic wrap. It can last in the fridge for up to three days. 

If you freeze it, ensure it’s well wrapped. It can last up to a month. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.

How Would I Recommend Serving Barefoot Contessa Bûche de Noël Recipe?

With Hot Cocoa: Pair it with a cup of homemade hot cocoa. The creamy texture complements the cake perfectly.
Accompanied by Fresh Berries: The tartness from fresh berries contrasts beautifully with rich chocolate and cream.
With a Drizzle of Chocolate Sauce: For those chocolate lovers, an extra drizzle elevates the experience to new levels.
Topped with Whipped Cream: Light, fluffy whipped cream adds a delightful texture and taste that balances the richness of the log.

What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients If Not Available?

Granulated Sugar: Use coconut sugar or brown sugar for a deeper flavor profile.
Heavy Cream: Replace with coconut cream for a non-dairy alternative, or half-and-half if you want a lighter option.
Cake Flour: Substitute with all-purpose flour; just remove 2 tablespoons of flour for every cup.
Hazelnuts: Swap for almonds or pecans if nuts are a concern, but toast them to deepen their flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Baking the Barefoot Contessa’s Bûche de Noël has been a rewarding adventure filled with delightful aromas and a sense of holiday tradition. As you roll the cake and whip the cream, you cultivate not just a dessert, but a heartfelt experience to share. The charm of this dessert lies in its ability to bring family and friends together around the table, creating memories that last far beyond the holiday season.

When you take that first bite, you’ll be reminded of the joy that baking brings. The flavors, the colors, and the festive spirit encapsulate everything delightful about the holidays. So gather your loved ones, put on some festive music, and let this charming Bûche de Noël be the highlight of your celebration!

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