Buche de Noel looks incredible and taste even better. Here, we take a look at some of the most inventive and flavoursome options that are guaranteed to make an impact on the Christmas table.
Belle Epoque
This decadent offering is one of the patisserie's signature pastries for the festive season. It balances rich dark chocolate with orange for the mousse, accompanied by a creme brulee centre, which sits atop a crunchy sable pastry base. The whole creation is charmingly decorated with chocolate stars and other sweet treats.
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Christmas Log Belle Epoque, available in-store; belleepoque.co.uk
Pierre Marcolini Christmas Logs
Pierre Marcolini's distinctive minimalist aesthetic comes through in his modern interpretation of a buche de Noel. A lime-zest shortbread is topped with a light Madagascan vanilla mousse and finished with a caramelised-apple centre, quirkily decorated with chocolate cones.
Pierre Marcolini Christmas Logs, £45, available in-store; marcolini.com
Laduree
Laduree's expertise extends far beyond its legendary macarons. This light and fruity take on the yule log is underscored with delicate nutty flavours, incorporating an almond biscuit and sugar-almond cream with a rose champagne mousse and decorated with candied strawberries.
Laduree Gala Yule Log, £51, available in-store from 14 December; laduree.com
Dominique Ansel
Dominique Ansel may be known for his inventive and modern patisserie creations, but the classically trained French chef is just as adept at turning his hand to the classics. This buche, which serves six to eight people, is made with an almond biscuit, chestnut mousse and dash of whiskey, topped off with candied chestnuts – also known as marrons glaces – from Aubenas in southern France.
Dominique Ansel Chestnut Buche, £35, available to pre-order online; dominiqueansellondon.com
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