So, what is a French Yule Log? In France you can buy two kinds of Yule log, either the Genoise and Buttercream type, or what is more commonly purchased which is a frozen Yule Log very reminiscent of an ice cream cake, only often it’s not made of ice cream but rather frozen mousse of some sort. In French this is called an entremets which is sometimes loosely translated in English as simply a cream dessert.
I served my yule log for dessert Christmas Eve. It was a hit except for the icing, which as other Daring Bakers experienced, turned out really gummy. We just peeled that off and it was delicious. I chose a chocolate creme brulee, vanilla mousse, chocolate crisp insert, dark-milk ganache insert, chocolate dacquoise, and milk chocolate icing.
I made my crisp with 1/4 c. Rice Krispies and almond paste, and it was my husband’s favorite layer. I broke it up before adding it after reading comments, so it would be easier to cut. I loved the chocolate dacquoise and ate up all the scraps. I was glad I went with the vanilla mousse, it was delicious and a nice contrast to the chocolate – although it set up very quickly and I didn’t need to add the gelatin.
I forgot to line the pan before I put the mousse in, so I had to unmold it like you would a jello – loosed the edges with a hot knife and then set it in hot water for a few seconds until it came free from the glass loaf pan. I felt very lucky it unmolded so easily!
I was really intimidated to do this challenge, there were so many layers, ingredients and time consuming cooking and freezing elements. Also, I wasn’t sure if my family would like it, so I only made half the recipe. But I’m very glad I made it. My family thought it was wonderful. So thanks for another great challenge. I learned a lot!
Make sure you visit the Daring Bakers Blogroll to see hundreds of beautiful yule logs!
Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Barbacoa Salad
I love to bake, especially cookies, cakes, and pies.
{ 39 comments… read them below or add one }
You did an awesome job Barbara!
i’m glad you stepped up to the challenge b/c you did a great job!
That looks great, I want a piece!!
Your log looks just great! Well done.
Well done Barbara, it looks great! I think the cooking gods were with you with the dislodgement. I have nightmares about my cakes sticking sometimes lol. I’m with you about the crisp, that was so delicious!
Wonderful job! it’s impossible to tell that you didn’t use lining on your pan. So glad you ended up trying it and that your family enjoyed it. Happy New Year!
Great job on your yule log and I did rice crispies as well. Have a great new year.
excellent job! that slice looks so yummy!
Your yule log is beautiful. That’s an intimidating challenge to be sure. I’m sure it was delicious.
Glad you had a good experience…it looks great!
I would have been terrified to try this! Kudos to you!
Great job! What a wonderful dessert for Christmas Eve! Your log looks awesome.
Beautiful looking cake! I can just taste it now! Congrats on this month’s challenge… keep up the amazing bakes!
I’m bummed I didn’t get to this challange but I’ll definaitly try it some Christmas. Yours looks great. Halfing it is a great idea!
Nice job on the challenge!! Looks tasty!
This is definitely one of the most challenging Daring Bakers recipes I’ve read about! I tip my hats to all of you brave bakers who tried it! It looks like yours was perfect! Glad it was a hit with your family!
Beautiful Yule Log Barbara! It looks absolutely sinful! Love your new pic too, you are beautiful!!!
You did a great job! Halfing it was a good idea, I am still trying to pawn off the leftovers on teenagers who can handle the calories.
I am always so intimidated when I see a huge recipe like this one, but am so glad to have taken the challenge. Well done, this looks great!
Amy
This looks great, I love all the different layers.
Nice call on the unmolding — I would’ve freaked out and would not have known what to do.
This looks great,
Thanks
Lucy
Looks yummy. This looked like quite a challenge!=)
Awesome job… it looks delicious!
Love your new picture!
Very nice, indeed! Too bad you had problems with the icing, but, good that you were able to peel it off! Well done.
Man, no Lady, these yule logs all look so good and YUMMY! Yours included. Great job.
Looks just terrific!! Yes, the icing was a bit strange tasting. Wonderful that everyone enjoyed it!
Hi, I just found you and I love to bake. This looks delicious – I look forward to looking over your recipes
Happy Holidays!
It was a pretty challenging challenge this month, wasn’t it! Your log looks great. I loved the crisp layer, and will probably make it again, to incorporate into other desserts. It was also rather good, eaten on it’s own! :D
Cool yule!
Happy New Year!
These Yule logs I’m seeing on Daring Bakers sites are so impressive! But you know what totally knocked my socks off? Your Cinnamon Candy Cane shaped bread, in the previous post. Wow! Gorgeous.
Happy New Year!
lovely log cake, must be very yummy. can I have a piece?
Really, really nice log!
Happy New Year 2009 !
Your yule log is beautiful but I’m really interested in that amazing candy cane in the post below!!!
Barbara, you’ve done a great job! Your log looks beautiful!
beautiful job! It looks delicious.
Nice work, your yule log came out wonderfully! :)
This turned out perfectly for you! I have been seeing a lot of yule logs for the daring bakers challenge and I think yours is one of the best.