Buche is a traditional French dessert that is perfect for any special occasion.
This decadent dish is comprised of a rich chocolate mousse encased in a thin sponge cake and topped with creamy whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
It’s an impressive yet easy-to-make dessert that will wow guests and make them feel like they’re dining in a fine French restaurant! Read on to learn how to make this classic French treat at home.
What is Buche
Buche is a traditional French dessert that is perfect for any special occasion. It consists of a rich chocolate mousse encased in a thin sponge cake and topped with creamy whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
This decadent dish is not only visually stunning but also boasts an impressive flavor, making it the perfect choice for any special occasion or holiday celebration. Whether you’re serving it for Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or just as a special treat, buche is sure to be a hit!
Origin
The origin of the classic French buche dates back several centuries. It is believed to have originated in the 1700s and was originally made with a meringue base. This version was known as “buche de Noel”, or Christmas log, and is thought to have been served as a symbol of good luck for the coming year. Over time, the recipe evolved to include a chocolate mousse filling, and today it is a popular dessert in both France and other countries around the world.
Significance
Buche has become a beloved French dessert and is now popular in many countries around the world. It not only looks stunning with its thin sponge cake encasing and chocolate shavings, but it also boasts an impressive flavor that will leave guests feeling indulged. This classic dessert is perfect for any special occasion or holiday celebration, making it a great choice when you want to impress your dinner guests.
Ingredients of Buche
Sponge Cake
The base of the buche is a thin sponge cake, which can be made from scratch or purchased pre-made. To make from scratch, mix together all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, salt and eggs until it forms a thick batter. Spread the batter thinly over a greased baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven until golden brown.
Buttercream Icing
To make the buttercream icing for your buche, beat together softened butter, powdered sugar, and a few drops of vanilla extract until creamy and smooth. This icing will be used to sandwich the sponge cake together with the chocolate mousse filling and to pipe decorations on top of the buche. Once finished, set aside in the fridge to harden before using.
Mousse
The chocolate mousse is the star of this show! To make the mousse, melt dark chocolate in a double boiler and allow to cool. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add in the cooled melted chocolate while continuing to whisk until fully combined. Finally, fold in whipped cream gently until there are no lumps .
Decorations
Decorations: To give your buche a festive look, you can decorate it with edible decorations. For example, you can pipe the buttercream icing onto the cake in decorative patterns and add fresh berries or chocolate shavings to the top. You can also use small molds to create shapes such as stars or snowflakes out of white chocolate or marzipan. Finally , add a sprinkle of icing sugar to give the buche a snow-capped look!
History of Buche
Origins and Evolution
The origin of the classic French buche dates back several centuries. It is believed to have originated in the 1700s and was originally made with a meringue base. This version was known as “buche de Noel”, or Christmas log, and is thought to have been served as a symbol of good luck for the coming year. Over time, the recipe evolved to include a chocolate mousse filling, and today it is a popular dessert in both France and other countries around the world.
Buche in Europe
Buche has become a beloved French dessert and is now popular in many countries across Europe. In Germany, the buche is often called “Weihnachtsstollen” and it is served during the winter holidays. In Austria, it is known as “Weihnachtsbaumkuchen” or “Christmas tree cake”. In Italy, the buche is known as “Buccellato di Natale” and is served during the holidays. In Spain, it is called “Tarta de Navidad” and is served on Christmas Eve.
Buche in the Americas
The classic French buche is also popular in the Americas. In Canada, it is typically called “buche de Noel” and is served during the Christmas season. In the United States, it is known as “Yule Log Cake” and is commonly served at holiday gatherings. In Mexico, it is known as “Past el de Navidad” and is usually served during the holiday season.
Popular Variations of Buche
Flavors
The classic French buche is usually made with a sponge cake base and chocolate mousse filling, however there are many variations that can be found around the world. Here are some of the most popular flavors:
• Chocolate – This classic flavor involves a chocolate sponge cake filled with rich dark chocolate mousse and covered in a layer of creamy milk or white chocolate buttercream.
• Coffee – For a caffeinated twist on the classic, try substituting the mousse with an espresso flavored mousse and adding a layer of coffee buttercream.
• Caramel – This variation is made with a sponge cake soaked in caramel syrup and filled with dulce de leche mousse. A layer of salted caramel buttercream is added for a salty-sweet finish.
• Fruit – For a fruity flavor, try substituting the mousse with a fruity mousse such as raspberry or strawberry and adding fresh fruit for decoration.
• Nutella – This version of buche is filled with rich and creamy Nutella mousse and decorated with crushed hazelnuts.
Decorations
Decorations: To give your buche a festive look, you can decorate it with edible decorations. For example, you can pipe the buttercream icing onto the cake in decorative patterns and add fresh berries or chocolate shavings to the top. You can also use small molds to create shapes such as stars or snowflakes out of white chocolate or marzipan. Finally , add a sprinkle of icing sugar to give the buche a snow-capped look!
Design
Design: When it comes to designing your buche, there is no limit to what you can do! You can create a traditional Yule Log cake or opt for a more creative design. For example, you can create the shape of a tree with leaves made from meringue and filled with chocolate mousse. You could also roll the cake into a spiral shape and decorate it with icing and fresh berries. Finally, you could cut the cake into a star shape and decorate it with festive decorations such as marzipan stars or snowflakes.
How to Make Buche
Materials Required
• Sponge cake – You will need a sponge cake base for your buche. This can be homemade or store-bought.
• Mousse – Choose your favorite mousse such as chocolate, coffee, caramel, fruit, or Nutella for the filling of your buche.
• Buttercream – Use buttercream to cover the outside of your buche. You can also add other flavors such as coffee or salted caramel.
• Decorations – Choose edible decorations to give your buche a festive look. This could include meringue, chocolate shavings, fresh berries, marzipan stars, snowflakes, etc.
Preparation of Sponge Cake
This sponge cake will be the base of your buche, so it is important to prepare it correctly. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray. Beat together 6 eggs and 2/3 cup of sugar until light and fluffy. Sift 1 ½ cups of flour into the batter and fold in until just combined. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool before removing from the pan.
Preparing Icing and Mousse
For the icing, beat together 2 sticks of softened butter and 4 cups of powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add a splash of milk to achieve the desired consistency. For the mousse, melt 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave. In another bowl, whisk together 6 egg yolks and 1/2 cup sugar until pale yellow. In a separate bowl, whip up 6 egg whites until soft peaks form. Fold the melted chocolate into the egg yolk mixture and then gently fold in the egg whites. Place in the freezer to set before using.
Assembly and Design
Assembly and Design: To assemble your buche, spread a thin layer of buttercream over the sponge cake. Spread the mousse over the top of the cake, making sure to leave room on one edge for rolling. Starting from one end, carefully roll up the cake until it forms a log shape. Smooth out any cracks or unevenness with your hands and then transfer to a serving plate . Decorate with your choice of icing, meringue, chocolate shavings, fresh berries or marzipan stars. Dust with icing sugar to finish. Enjoy!
Serving and Eating Buche
Presentation
Once your buche is assembled and decorated, it’s time to present it! To serve, cut the buche into thick slices that will showcase the layers. Place each slice on individual plates and top with edible decorations such as meringue stars or chocolate shavings. Finally, add a sprinkle of icing sugar for a festive snow-capped look. Your buche is now ready to enjoy!
Accompaniments
Buche makes a delicious dessert that can be enjoyed on its own, but if you’re looking to add a bit of extra flavor and texture, there are several accompaniments that pair perfectly with the cake. For a festive touch, serve your buche with seasonal fruits such as oranges, clementines, or pomegranates. Vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream also adds a delicious sweetness that complements the mousse filling. Finally, you can never go wrong with a drizzle of chocolate sauce!
Storage
Storage: Once your buche is assembled and decorated, it should be stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. The cake can last up to 3 days when stored properly. To store, wrap the buche loosely in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container. If you would like to freeze the buche for longer storage, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and then in a layer of aluminum foil. The cake can last up to 6 months when stored frozen.
Conclusion
Recap of Buche’s Importance
Buche is a classic holiday dessert that makes for an impressive presentation. Preparing the sponge cake, mousse and icing are all important steps in creating the perfect buche. Assembly and design are also key components of making a beautiful buche, from rolling the cake into a log shape to decorating with festive decorations. Finally, serving and storing your buche correctly will ensure that it lasts and tastes delicious. Make sure to keep the steps outlined above in mind when preparing your own buche.
Final Thoughts
Buche is a classic holiday dessert that’s sure to impress any crowd. With its delicious layers of sponge cake, mousse, and buttercream icing, it’s easy to see why buche has been a beloved dessert for generations. Although it may seem intimidating at first, the key to making the perfect buche lies in following instructions carefully and taking your time.
