Buche de Noel (Christmas Yule Log) with Chestnut Filling

HomeClinics & ProgramsELLICSR KitchenBuche de Noel (Christmas Yule Log) with Chestnut Filling

Skill Level	Advance

Preparation Time	25 minutes	Total Time	55 minutes
Servings	12	Cost Per Serving	$1.16

Sponge Cake

1/2 cup	Cocoa Powder
1/2 cup	Chestnut Flour (Almond or Regular Flour will also work)
6	Eggs
1/2 cup	Pure Cane Sugar
1 1/2 tsp	Pure Vanilla Extract

Chestnut Cream Filling

1/2 cup	Roasted Chestnuts, finely chopped
1 cup	Whipping Cream or Canned Chilled Coconut Milk (only use the solid that floats to the top of the can, reserve the coconut liquid for a smoothie)
1/4 cup	Whipping Cream or Canned Chilled Coconut Milk (only use the solid that floats to the top of the can, reserve the coconut liquid for a smoothie)
1/4 cup	Dried Cranberries

Topping (optional)

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
For the filling, whisk the whipping cream or coconut milk until fluffy. Stir in the remaining ingredients until well combined. Chill in the refrigerator.
For the sponge cake, crack your eggs into a large bowl and add your sugar and vanilla. Using an electric mixer whisk the egg mixture until it fluffs up to about triple the volume. Using a sieve, sift in your cocoa powder and chestnut flour. By hand, gently combine the cocoa powder, flour and egg mixture until there are no more lumps.
Line a baking tray (1/2 inch deep) with parchment paper. Pour the cake mixture onto the parchment and spread across evenly. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes or until cake springs bake when touched.
Dust a clean dishtowel with confectioners' sugar. Run a knife around the edge of the pan, and turn the warm cake out onto the towel. Remove and discard parchment paper. Starting at the short edge of the cake, roll the cake up with the towel. Allow to cool.
Unroll the cake, and spread the filling across evenly. Roll the cake up with the filling inside. Place seam side down on a plate.
For the topping, combine the chestnut puree with maple syrup in a food processor until smooth. Using a piping bag, pipe lines of the puree across the top of the yule log and garnish with currants, berries and confectioners’ sugar.

PDF link to nutrition facts table for Buche de Noel (Christmas Yule Log) with Chestnut Filling.

This festive yuletide log is perfect for small appetites, as it is packed with calories from the cream and protein from the eggs.
Here’s a holiday tip if you aren’t feeling well over the holidays: If you’re usually the host for special occasions but are feeling tired, talk to your family and see if someone else can host this time. Or, start a new tradition and go out to eat. It’s ok to ask for help.
Here’s a holiday tip if you are watching your weight. You can use this recipe as a “once in a while” treat and keep the serving size small (1/2 a thin slice). Another tip for enjoying treats in moderation: make it count. At social gatherings, there will often be a huge variety of delicious items available. Choose small portions of the foods you enjoy. For example, if there are several types of desserts to choose from, have a small piece of your favourite and skip the others.