Christmas is never quite complete without the quintessential festive log cake. According to culinary encyclopedia New Larousse Gastronomique, the Christmas Yule Log cake was introduced by Parisian pastry cooks who were inspired by real logs burnt in the hearth throughout Christmas Eve. These days, most log cakes no longer have the traditional “tree bark” finish and the sky is the limit when it comes to the creativity of modern pastry chefs. From cakes infused with coconut cream to those with purple sweet potato sponge or a chendol pudding centre, we take a look at some of the unique log cakes sweetening our dessert tables in 2018.
Apple Coconut Yule Log
This outstanding green Apple and Coconut Yule Log by Mandarin Orchard Singapore may look peculiar, but the marriage of fruity and aromatic flavours complement each other nicely. Another unusual combination this year would be the toasty Hōjicha (roasted green tea) and citrusy Yuzu, which works surprisingly well in their Hojicha with Yuzu Jelly Yule Log. Presented on an edible chocolate sleigh, this fancy log cake will make a fitting centrepiece at your party. For a more classic combination, the luscious Valrhona Manjari Chocolate Banana Yule Log is a good pick.
Available at Mandarin Orchard Singapore, 333 Orchard Road, tel: 6831 6288 / 6831 6272.
Wine-inspired Log Cakes
Vino-lovers will delight in these lovely wine-inspired log cakes by The Fullerton Hotel. The Pinot Noir Yule Log Cake with blackberry mousse, pinot noir wine jelly, Valrhona almond praline crunch is delightfully fragrant with dark berries, while the Sauvignon Blanc Yule Log Cake with peach mousse, sauvignon blanc wine jelly, Valrhona Opalys white chocolate crunch and vanilla dacquoise has a light, fruity profile that will do well to mark the end of a sumptuous feast. If you yearn for something more traditional, get the Black Forest Yule Log.
Available at The Fullerton Hotel, 1 Fullerton Square and The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore, 80 Collyer Quay, tel: 6877 8943.
Click here to order online.
Yuletide Blossom Log Cake
This beautiful Yuletide Blossom Log Cake by Goodwood Park Hotel’s Executive Pastry Chef Joe Tan features white chocolate mousse coated strawberry chiffon sponge with yuzu-infused pear bits and a crunchy hazelnut Sablé Breton (shortbread) in the middle. Butter cream flowers are then painstakingly hand-piped onto every log cake for an elegant work of art. And of course, for durian lovers, there is always the signature Goodwood ‘Mao Shan Wang’ Durian Christmas log cake with creamy ‘Mao Shan Wang’ durian goodness between layers of vanilla sponge, or go for the equally yummy Goodwood D24 Durian Christmas Log Cake.
Available at The Deli at Goodwood Park Hotel, 22 Scotts Road, tel: 6730 1867 / 6730 1868.
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TaroCoconut Log Cake
This pretty pale purple TaroCoconut Log Cake at Crowne Plaza Changi Airport made with a light purple yam sponge roll and filled with yummy coconut cream makes a great festive treat. Fans of green tea might also want to check out their Matcha Goma Log Cake — it’s a heavier confection with a dainty green tea sponge roll filled with nutty black sesame cream. They’ll be cheerful additions to your dinner table.
Available at Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, 75 Airport Boulevard, tel: 6823 5367.
Click here to order online.
Ubi Manis Log Cake
Baba Chews Bar and Eatery goes for a modern Peranakan Christmas this year with a Ubi Manis Yule Log that has a delicious purple sweet potato sponge with swirls of blueberry confit, white chocolate ganache and crunchy white chocolate pearls. And if you have a large party, do consider getting their popular signature Chendol Yule Log with pandan sponge layered with chendol jelly, grated coconut crumble and red bean mousse with gula Melaka and coconut milk as well. Both are heady treats that will thrill anyone with a sweet tooth.
Available at Baba Chews Bar and Eatery, #01-01 Katong Square, 86 East Coast Road, tel: 6723 2025.
Click here to order online.
Mango Chendol Log Cake
For their first Christmas, casual European restaurant House of MU’s in-house pastry chef, Pang Ji Shuang (previously from Fat Lulu’s), has crafted a range of interesting yet no less delicious desserts for Christmas, including a tropical Chendol Log Cake that has mango mousse, a chendol pudding centre and topped off with a passionfruit glaze. A quirky combination indeed.
Available at House of Mu, 11 Mohammed Sultan Road, tel: 6732 1011.
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Yuzu Matcha Pavlova Log Cake
If you are looking to cut down on carbs, this new “cakeless” gluten-free Yuzu Matcha Pavlova Logcake is the cake for you. Think a whipped meringue log cake filled with refreshing yuzu curd, matcha whipped cream and fresh fruits. Airy, light, with just a light touch of sweetness. And for the Cedele regulars, the all-time favourite Chocolate Flourless Log Cake that has moist flourless chocolate cake coated with a decadent layer of chocolatey cream cheese will also be available. For a healthier alternative, check out their Vegan Chocolate Berries pie that has a crust made from organic rolled oats and pure olive oil and a filling of vegan chocolate mousse made from 70 per cent dark couverture Belgian chocolate and organic sprouted tofu. You won’t have to worry about counting your calories here.
Available at Cedele outlets islandwide.
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Banana and Pineapple “Log Cake”
Though not shaped like a usual log cake, this round Noël En Ivoire is no less festive. Covered in “powdery white snow”, this exquisite cake, that is part of their Art de Noël festive delights, conceals a tropical surprise with coco Malibu mousse, banana crémeux and roasted pineapple confiture. Chocolate lovers should try the Noël de Luxe with lush chocolate caramel accented by Australian pear compote and topped with Nespresso almond joconde (almond sponge cake).
Available at Sofitel Singapore City Centre, 9 Wallich Street, tel: 6428 5000.
Click here to order online.
Strawberry and Pistachio Log Cake
Chef Stephane and the team of Do.Main Deli & Bistro — a French restaurant tucked away in the charming Katong neighbourhood — have created a wonderful Strawberry Pistachio Log Cake for the festive seasons using chef Stephane’s mum’s recipe. The result is an enjoyable layered cake with almond sponge, and strawberry and pistachio mousse in between each layer that has the sweet and sourness from the fresh strawberries, and also sweet and nutty flavours from the almond and pistachios. Creamy yet uncloying with every bite!
Available at Do.Main Deli & Bistro, 226 Tanjong Katong Road, tel: 6348 1406.
Click here for more info.
Honey Ice Cream Log Cake
In an exclusive collaboration with Matilda The Musical, the award-winning musical based on Roald Dahl’s popular book, Swensen’s has come up with whimsical Matilda-inspired creations such as Matilda’s Favourite log cake made with luscious honey ice cream and surprise brownie chunks and swirls of chocolate fudge on the inside. Why honey? Well, those who love this children’s classic can tell you.
Available at Swensen’s or Earle Swensen’s outlets islandwide. Tel: 6788 8128.
Click here to order online.
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- TAGS:
- Baba Chews
- Cedele
- Christmas food
- Christmas log cake
- Christmas Yule log
- Crowne Plaza Changi Airport
- Do.Main Deli & Bistro
- festive food
- Goodwood Park Hotel
- House of MU
- interesting log cake flavours
- log cake
- Mandarin Orchard Singapore
- Matilda The Musical
- Sofitel Singapore City Centre
- Swensen's
- The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore
- The Fullerton Hotel
- unique log cakes