Bûche de Noël...also known as "Yule log," is a traditional dessert served during Christmas in France, Belgium, Quebec, Lebanon, Vietnam, and several other Christian-populated francophone countries. As the name suggests, the cake is prepared, presented, and garnished to look like a log ready for the fire.

Filling:
2 cups heavy cream
4 TBS Truvia (or erythritol and 1/4 tsp stevia glycerite)
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (optional)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Cake:
6 eggs, separated
6 TBS Truvia
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a 10x15 inch jellyroll pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whip cream, 4 TBS Truvia, 1/2 cup cocoa (if using), and 1 teaspoon vanilla until thick and stiff. Refrigerate.

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat egg yolks with 6 TBS Truvia until thick and pale. Blend in 1/3 cup cocoa, 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla, and salt. In large dry bowl, using clean beaters, whip egg whites until stiff peaks. Immediately fold the yolk mixture into the whites. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched. Run a knife around the edge of the pan, and turn the warm cake out onto a clean dishtowel. Remove and discard parchment paper. Starting at the short edge of the cake, roll the cake up with the towel. Cool for 30 minutes.

Unroll the cake, and spread the filling to within 1 inch of the edge. Roll the cake up with the filling inside. Place seam side down onto a serving plate, and refrigerate until serving. Dust with cocoa powder and melted ChocoPerfection bar (or frost with homemade "healthified" chocolate frosting before serving. Serves 12.

NUTRITIONAL COMPARISON (compared without frosting added)
Traditional Buche de Noel = 279 calories, 27.4 carbs, 2 fiber, 5 protein
"Healthified" Buche de Noel = 209 calories, 2.8 carbs, 0.8 fiber

 

Maria's Nutritional Consulting: Bûche de Noël