Chestnut Chocolate Yule Log Recipe

The Exquisite Union of Chocolate and Chestnut, Reaching the Most Special Tables

The Chestnut Chocolate Yule Log is a special dessert inspired by 19th-century European Christmas traditions and the symbolic “Yule log fire” ritual of the New Year. According to ancient beliefs, a large log (the Yule Log) was burned on the last night of the year, and the sparks were believed to bring abundance, luck, and health to the home. Over time, this tradition moved from the fireplace to the table, taking the form of a dessert—and thus, the Yule Log cake was born.

We reinterpret this classic holiday dessert with modern and local touches by combining it with Anatolia’s symbol of abundance, Bursa chestnuts, Turkish coffee, and rich chocolate aromas. Offering both a visual feast and an intensely aromatic finale, this dessert is one of the most special ways to close a New Year’s table.

What Makes the Chestnut Yule Log Special?

• The naturally sweet character of chestnuts is perfectly balanced with chocolate.

• Its rolled sponge cake is light, while the cream filling is rich, creating a harmonious dessert.

• It is shaped to resemble a wooden log.

• One of the most elegant and symbolic desserts of the New Year’s table, both in meaning and flavor.

Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

For the Cocoa Sponge Roll

• 4 eggs

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• ¾ cup flour

• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

For the Chestnut Cream Filling

• 250 g boiled or puréed Bursa chestnuts

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 teaspoon Turkish coffee (optional – deepens the aroma)

For the Chocolate Ganache

• 200 g dark chocolate

• 200 ml heavy cream

• 1 tablespoon butter

For Decoration

• Powdered sugar

• Pomegranate seeds (a perfect symbol of abundance)

• Rosemary sprigs (to resemble pine branches)

Preparation

1. Prepare the sponge cake.
Beat the eggs and sugar for 3–4 minutes until pale and fluffy.
Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and vanilla, and gently fold into the mixture.
Spread the batter thinly onto a cast iron baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 8–10 minutes, being careful not to overbake.
Remove from the oven and immediately roll the cake with a clean kitchen towel. Let it cool.

2. Prepare the chestnut cream.
Place the chestnut purée in a large bowl.
Add the cream, powdered sugar, Turkish coffee, and butter.
Mix until smooth and spreadable. If the cream is too thick, add a little more cream.

3. Fill the roll.
Unroll the cooled sponge cake.
Spread the chestnut cream evenly over the surface.
Roll it back up and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes.

4. Prepare the chocolate ganache.
Heat the cream gently without bringing it to a boil.
Pour it over the dark chocolate and let sit for one minute.
Add the butter and stir until fully melted and smooth.
Let the ganache rest at room temperature until slightly thickened.

5. Cover and shape the cake.
Place the roll on a serving plate.
Cover completely with the chocolate ganache.
Use a fork to create wood-like lines on the surface.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

6. Decorate and serve.
Dust with powdered sugar to create a snow effect.
Add rosemary sprigs for a pine tree look.
Finish with pomegranate seeds to complete the New Year’s spirit and symbolism of abundance.

Elevate the Flavor with a LAVA Touch

Enhance the aroma by roasting the chestnuts in a LAVA cast iron pan.
Before puréeing the chestnuts:
Lightly roast them for a few minutes in a LAVA cast iron round frying pan.
This brings out the chestnuts’ natural sugars and adds a deeper, caramel-like flavor to the cream.

Serve the dessert on a LAVA cast iron tray.
LAVA cast iron serving trays:

• Retain heat for a long time

• Make the dessert look more impressive on the table

• Add a modern elegance that perfectly matches the New Year’s atmosphere

When the warm chocolate tones of the Yule Log meet the deep texture of cast iron, the table gains both a traditional and contemporary New Year’s aesthetic.

Chestnut Chocolate Yule Log: The Sweetest Ritual of the New Year’s Table

Adorned with chestnuts, chocolate, and New Year symbols, this special dessert is the perfect choice for an unforgettable finale.
With its story, appearance, and flavor, it is a celebration dessert that will stay in your guests’ memories long after the table is cleared.