Christmas traditions have this wonderful gift of warming hearts, and in my family, making the Yule log for the December 24th feast is my specialty. With my background in pastry, each year is a renewal of this sweet tradition where emotion blends with flour and butter. The challenge is considerable: to delight everyone’s taste buds, innovate while keeping the essence of past Christmases, and ride the wave of culinary trends without forgetting the classic flavours. From the gingerbread log with white chocolate ganache to the delicate matcha composition, through the timeless tiramisu and the freshness of an ice-cream log – all these variants have adorned our festive table. But this year, I aspire to elevate the tradition to another level with a creation that embodies my love for reinvented classics: the Mocaccino Yule Log. Available this year at Cook it the week of December 17th, imagine a log that borrows the comforting aromas of your favourite caffeinated drink and transposes them into a Christmas dessert that will surely be the evening’s star. The Mocaccino Yule Log is inspired by this gourmet drink where chocolate, caramel, and coffee dance together in harmony.

Here’s its composition:

Chocolate Cake: The base is a soft and airy chocolate cake, rolled to perfection to create the iconic log shape.

Coffee Syrup to Soak the Cake: Each spiral of the cake is generously soaked with homemade coffee syrup, infusing the dessert with aromatic richness and a subtle bitterness.

Whipped Dark Chocolate Ganache with a Touch of Caramel: This rich and creamy ganache enhances the log’s structure with its deep cocoa flavour and melting caramel chunks.

Caramel and Coffee Whipped Cream: Topping it off, a homemade whipped cream as light as a cloud, marked by the sweetness of caramel and the exquisite complexity of coffee, brings a voluptuous finish to every bite.

For a beautiful finish, decorate your log to your taste! Use the remaining caramel to recreate the wood log effect – it’s simple and effective. And why not add shavings of dark or white chocolate for a chic touch? A bit of cocoa or a sprinkle of powdered sugar, and voila!

With these elements, your Mocaccino Yule Log will not just be a dessert, but a celebration of flavours and a declaration of love for pastry. Follow me in the steps of its creation by adding this recipe to your basket, and prepare to serve a masterpiece that will awaken the magic of Christmas in the eyes of your guests.

Constance Tassé-Gagnon

Deputy Director of Product and Partnerships

Constance, a true culinary globetrotter, always on the lookout for the latest gastronomic trends. With 15 years of experience as a cook and pastry chef in Montreal’s gourmet restaurants, she excels in the art of dining and is always ready to host a memorable gathering. Her heart belongs to traditional Quebec cuisine, but her soul tirelessly explores flavors from around the world. Follow her for invaluable culinary tips and extraordinary taste discoveries that will make your next event an absolute success!