What is a Yule Log?

A classic bûche de Noël is made with a genoise sponge cake and chocolate buttercream, covered in chocolate icing. The yule log tradition dates back to Medieval times. Pagans burned a large log in their hearths at the end of December to welcome the winter solstice and the longer days, and ensure good luck throughout the coming year. WIth the advent of Christianity, the tradition continued. Little by little, traditional hearths got smaller and the yule log tradition moved to a tabletop decoration. It wasn’t long before it transitioned into a yule log-shaped cake. Traditional decorations like marzipan and meringue mushrooms were on many a Medieval table. Sponge cake, often the base of the yule log cake, is one of the oldest cakes still being made today, dating back as far as 1615.