Acai Yule log

Nossa Acai Yule Log!

The Yule log is a must for every festive table, a dessert that marks the end of a warm family meal. This year, why not surprise your guests with our version: an acai Yule log!

Thanks to its unique flavors, this dessert combines tradition and modernity while delighting the taste buds. Discover our recipe, which blends the sweetness of acai with the creaminess of coconut for a dessert as delicious as it is visually stunning.

Why eat a Yule log? 

The tradition of the Yule log dates back to the 19th century, but its origins lie in a much older custom. 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 from evil spirits.

Over time, this tradition was transformed. The wooden log, often decorated, was 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.

In the 19th century, as open fireplaces disappeared in favor of modern stoves, tradition adapted. The wooden log was replaced by an edible version, devised by French pastry chefs. Thus was born the Yule log, today an essential symbol of the French festive season.

Recipe: Acai Yule Log

Preparation time: 40 minutes
Serves 6 to 8

Ingredients:

Here's everything you need to make an acai Yule log: 

Genoise :

  • 4 eggs
  • 150g sugar
  • 150g flour

Acai cream :

  • 100g Terraçai by Nossa! acai, previously thawed 
  • 200g coconut cream

Icing :

  • 100g white chocolate
  • 50g acai

Topping :

  • 4 fresh blackberries
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Preparation:

Prepare the sponge cake:

  • Preheat oven to 180°C.
  • Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites until stiff.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk the yolks with the sugar until the mixture whitens. Gently fold in the flour, then the stiffly beaten egg whites.
  • Spread the dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
  • Once removed from the oven, allow the sponge cake to cool slightly before handling. Be careful not to let it cool completely, otherwise it will be difficult to roll out the log.

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.
  • Leave to stand in a cool place to set.

Notes : 

You can also add other fruits to this log (blueberry, raspberry, etc.) for even more gourmet pleasure! 

A perfect log for light celebrations

This acai log is not only beautiful and tasty; it's also a lighter option than traditional recipes based on butter or custard. Thanks to acai, you get an antioxidant-rich dessert that will delight your guests while adding a touch of exotic freshness.

For a perfect match, 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 acidity of the acai.

And in Brazil, which desserts are best for the festive season? 

While in France, the Yule log is a must-have, in Brazil, traditions differ and feature colorful, fruity desserts that are sometimes very simple to make. Here are a few emblematic examples of Brazilian festive desserts that could well rival your Yule log:

Christmas cobblestones (Pavê de Natal)

This is one of Brazil's most popular holiday desserts. It's a kind of tropical tiramisu, made with layers of cookies soaked in milk or coffee, alternating with custards, sometimes topped with chocolate or fruit. 

La salada de frutas (fruit salad)

Brazilians love to end their meals on a light note with an exotic fruit salad. Mangoes, papayas, pineapples and maracujás are often the stars.

The rabanadas

These typical Christmas French toast slices are soaked in sweetened milk, then baked and sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon. A delicacy reminiscent of French toast, but with a festive twist!

And it's a good thing too, because last year we brought you a rabanada recipe that you can discover right here.

Whether you opt for the acai Yule log or a dessert inspired by Brazilian festivities, the most important thing is to share a moment of conviviality and indulgence with your loved ones. Happy holidays to all!