Bûche de Noël with Salted Caramel and Hazelnuts

Celebrate the holiday season with a traditional Yule Log cake. This recipe features a fluffy chocolate sponge rolled with a salted caramel-infused whipped cream, dotted with the crunch of hazelnuts, and enrobed in a luxurious chocolate ganache.

Chocolate Sponge Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs
• 200g fine sugar
• 50g unsweetened cocoa powder

Salted Caramel Whipped Cream Filling:

• 250ml heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons salted caramel sauce
• 50g hazelnuts, chopped

Chocolate Ganache Coating:

• 100g dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
• 100ml heavy cream
• 25g butter, unsalted

Instructions:

For the Sponge:

1. Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature for sponge cakes. Prepare a flat baking tray by lining it with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy.
3. Sift in the cocoa powder and gently fold it into the egg mixture to maintain the airiness.
4. Spread the batter onto the prepared tray and bake until the sponge springs back when touched.
5. Once baked, remove from the oven and roll the sponge while still warm to prevent cracking. Let it cool.

For the Filling:

1. Whip the heavy cream until it forms soft peaks.
2. Gently fold in the salted caramel sauce to taste, then stir through the chopped hazelnuts.
3. Unroll the cooled sponge and spread this cream mixture evenly over the surface.
4. Re-roll the sponge carefully, wrapping it in a clean tea towel to help maintain its shape. Chill in the refrigerator to set.

For the Ganache:

1. Gently heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it's hot but not boiling.
2. Remove from heat and add in the dark chocolate, stirring until melted and smooth.
3. Incorporate the butter for a glossy finish.
4. Let the ganache cool to a spreadable consistency.

Assembly:

1. Once the filled sponge is chilled and firm, trim the ends to make them neat.
2. Coat the log with the chocolate ganache, using a fork or spatula to create a bark-like texture.
3. Decorate as desired with festive elements such as meringue mushrooms, sugared cranberries, or sprigs of holly.

Let this Bûche de Noël be the centerpiece of your holiday dessert table, offering a slice of joy with its delightful combination of textures and flavors. Enjoy!