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The Yule log is a holiday classic, a dessert that is the final touch to a warm and festive meal with loved ones. This year, why not surprise your guests with our version: the acai Yule log!
Thanks to its unique flavors, this dessert blends tradition and modernity while delighting the palate with the sweetness of acai and the creaminess of coconut. Discover our recipe that is as delicious as it is stunning to look at.
Why do we eat Yule logs at Christmas ?
The tradition of the Yule log dates back to the 19th century, but its roots are far older. Back then, in many parts of Europe, it was customary to burn a log in the fireplace on Christmas Eve. This pagan ritual marked the winter solstice and symbolized light, warmth and protection against evil spirits.
Over time, this tradition evolved. The wooden log, often decorated, would be sprinkled with oil or wine before being burned. It was supposed to burn slowly throughout the night, bringing good luck and prosperity to the house for the coming year.
By the 19th century, as open fireplaces disappeared in favor of modern stoves, the tradition adapted again. The wooden log gave way to an edible version, invented by French pastry chefs. And so the Yule log was born, now a holiday dessert icon in France.
Recipe: Acai Yule Log
Preparation time: 40 minutes
Serves: 6 to 8 people
Ingredients:
Here's everything you need to make an acai Yule log:
Sponge cake :
- 4 eggs
- 150g sugar
- 150g flour
Acai cream :
- 100g Terraçai by Nossa! acai, previously thawed
- 200g coconut cream
Glaze :
- 100g white chocolate
- 50g acai
Topping :
- 4 fresh blackberries
- Icing sugar for dusting
Preparation:
Prepare the sponge cake:
- Preheat oven to 180°C.
- Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the whites until stiff.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the yolks with the sugar until the mixture becomes pale and creamy. Gently fold in the flour, then the beaten egg whites.
- Spread the batter on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Once removed from the oven, let the sponge cake cool slightly before handling it. Be careful not to let it cool completely, or rolling the Yule log will be difficult.
Prepare the acai cream:
- Blend the thawed acai with the coconut cream until smooth and creamy.
- Garnish with chopped blackberries.
- Take your sponge cake, top it with acai cream, then gently roll it up.
Prepare the glaze:
- Melt the white chocolate in a bain-marie (or in the microwave, keeping an eye on it so it doesn't burn). Lightly heat the acai in the microwave, then add it, stirring until you obtain a smooth glaze.
- Spread the glaze over the rolled log.
- Arrange the fresh blackberries on the log. Sprinkle lightly with powdered sugar for a wintry touch.
- Let it rest in fridge until the glaze is set
Rating :
You can also add other fruits to this log (blueberry, raspberry, etc.) for even more pleasure!
A perfect log for light celebrations
This acai Yule log is not only beautiful and tasty; it's also a lighter alternative to traditional recipes made with butter or pastry cream. Thanks to acai, you get an antioxidant-rich dessert that will delight your guests while adding an exotic and refreshing touch.
For a perfect pairing, serve with a spiced tea or light mulled wine (in moderation). This combination perfectly balances the sweetness of the white chocolate glaze and the delicate tartness of the acai.
And in Brazil, what's for dessert during the holidays ?
While the Yule log is a must-have in France, holiday traditions in Brazil are quite different, highlighting colorful, fruity, and often easy-to-make desserts.
Here are some iconic-Brazilian festive treats that might compete with your traditional bûche de Noël.
Christmas Layered Dessert (Pavê de Natal)
This is one of the most popular holiday desserts in Brazil. It's a kind of tropical tiramisu, made with layers of biscuits soaked in milk or coffee, alternating with pastry creams, sometimes enriched with chocolate or fruit.
La salada de frutas (fruit salad)
Brazilians love to end their meals on a lighter note with an exotic fruit salad. Mangoes, papayas, pineapples and passion fruits (maracujás) are often the stars.
The rabanadas
These slices of sweet, festive French toast are soaked in sweetened milk, then cooked and sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon. A real holiday treat that resembles French pain perdu, but with a festive twist!
And speaking of which, last year we shared a rabanada recipe you can discover right here.
Whether you go for an acai Yule log or a dessert inspired by Brazilian festivities, the most important thing is to share a joyful and delicious moment with your loved ones. Happy holidays from all of us!
