Bûche de Noël

Ingredients · 8 servings

• 1Chocolate sponge, baked and cooled
• 1 ½ cupButtercream, softened
• 2 tbspCocoa, sifted (to serve)
• 8Meringue mushroom (optional)

Equipment

refrigerator, parchment, offset spatula, serrated knife, serving platter, mixing bowl, spatula, fork, sieve, dessert plates

Instructions

1. 1
   Mise en place

   Gather the chocolate sponge, buttercream, cocoa, meringue mushrooms, parchment, offset spatula, serrated knife, platter, and bowl. · 5 min

   What to look for: All ingredients and tools are within reach before shaping starts.

2. 2
   Soften filling

   Beat the buttercream in the bowl until smooth, glossy, and easy to spread without tearing the delicate chocolate sponge. · 3 min

   What to look for: Buttercream looks satiny and holds soft ridges.

3. 3
   Unroll sponge

   Loosen the chocolate sponge from its parchment and lay it flat with the best side facing down on a clean sheet. · 4 min

   What to look for: Sponge lies flat and bends without cracking deeply.

4. 4
   Fill and roll

   Spread half the buttercream over the sponge in an even layer, then roll it firmly from one short side into a neat log. · 6 min

   What to look for: The roll is tight, rounded, and lightly filled to the edges.

5. 5
   Coat outside

   Place the roll on the platter and cover the top and sides with the remaining buttercream, leaving the cut ends visible. · 5 min

   What to look for: Buttercream coating is even but still thick enough for texture.

6. 6
   Create bark

   Drag the tines of a fork through the buttercream to make bark lines, then dust lightly with sifted cocoa. · 4 min

   What to look for: Surface resembles rough tree bark with dark cocoa shadows.

7. 7
   Chill cake

   Refrigerate the log until the buttercream firms enough to slice cleanly while the sponge stays tender. · 30 min

   What to look for: Buttercream feels set and no longer smears when lightly touched.

8. 8
   Garnish and serve

   Arrange the meringue mushrooms around the log, slice with a serrated knife, and serve chilled on small dessert plates. · 3 min

   What to look for: Slices show a clear spiral and the garnish looks woodland festive.