Lemon‑Raspberry Yule Log

Lemon‑Raspberry Yule Log is a hard French recipe that serves 12. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Sylvain - Long live pastry! on YouTube.

Prep: 4 hrs 8 min | Cook: 2 hrs 10 min | Total: 6 hrs 48 min

Cost: $12.20 total, $1.02 per serving

Ingredients

  • 4 sheets Gelatin sheets (Soften in cold water for 5 min)
  • 300 g Raspberry purée (Can be homemade or bought in a jar)
  • 6 pcs Egg yolks (Medium‑size eggs)
  • 2 pcs Whole eggs
  • 200 g Granulated sugar (80 g for the sponge, the rest for the creams, syrup and meringues)
  • 200 g Unsalted butter (Divided into two parts: 100 g for the raspberry cream, 100 g for the lemon cream)
  • 30 ml Raspberry liqueur (Optional, add to the cooled syrup)
  • 200 ml Water (For the syrup)
  • 150 ml Fresh lemon juice (Approximately 3 lemons)
  • 60 g Cornstarch (Maïzena) (30 g for the lemon cream, 30 g for the rolled sponge)
  • 120 g All‑purpose flour (For the rolled sponge)
  • 6 pcs Egg whites (Separate from the yolks used earlier)
  • 1 g Yellow powder food coloring (To tint the meringues)
  • 50 g Fresh redcurrants (For the final decoration)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the gelatin

    Place the 4 gelatin sheets in a bowl of cold water and let soften for 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Cook the raspberry cream

    Heat the raspberry purée in a saucepan over medium heat. Meanwhile, whisk the 6 egg yolks with 80 g sugar until the mixture lightens. When the mixture begins to boil, incorporate the raspberry purée, stir and continue cooking until 83‑84 °C, monitoring with a thermometer.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: Moyen

  3. Finish the raspberry cream

    Remove the saucepan from the heat, add the squeezed gelatin and mix until fully dissolved. Pour into a container, let cool for 10 minutes, then incorporate 100 g softened butter while whisking until a smooth texture is achieved. Let cool completely (about 30 minutes).

    Time: PT40M

  4. Prepare the raspberry syrup

    Mix 200 ml water with 120 g sugar in a small saucepan, bring to a boil then let cool. Once cold, add 30 ml raspberry liqueur.

    Time: PT10M

  5. Cook the lemon cream

    Bring the lemon juice to a boil. Meanwhile, whisk the 6 egg yolks, the 2 whole eggs and 120 g sugar until lightened. Add 30 g cornstarch and mix. Pour the boiling lemon juice over the egg‑sugar mixture while whisking, then return everything to the saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the cream reaches the first bubbles, then continue for an additional 1 minute (≈ 83 °C). Remove from heat, let cool slightly, add 100 g butter and whisk until fully incorporated. Cool completely (≈ 30 minutes).

    Time: PT22M

    Temperature: Moyen

  6. Prepare the rolled sponge

    In a bowl, whisk the 6 egg yolks with 80 g sugar until the mixture lightens. Sift 120 g flour and 30 g cornstarch over it, incorporate gently. Beat the mixture with a mixer for a few minutes to obtain a homogeneous batter. Set aside.

    Time: PT10M

  7. Whip the egg whites

    In a clean bowl, begin whisking the 6 egg whites, adding a small portion of the remaining sugar. When they reach ¾ stiffness, gradually incorporate the rest of the sugar until firm, glossy peaks form.

    Time: PT10M

  8. Fold the whites into the sponge

    Add one third of the whipped whites to the yolk batter and fold vigorously with a spatula to loosen it. Fold in the remaining whites by lifting the batter to preserve the volume.

    Time: PT4M

  9. Bake the sponge

    Spread the batter on a baking sheet (40 × 30 cm) lined with parchment paper. Bake at 180 °C for 12 minutes. After baking, let cool on a rack before removing from the paper.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: 180°C

  10. Prepare the colored meringues

    Whip new egg whites with the remaining sugar as in step 7. Add the yellow powder food coloring and mix lightly. Pipe small pointed balls using a pastry bag onto a parchment‑lined sheet.

    Time: PT16M

  11. Bake the meringues

    Bake the meringues at 80 °C for 1 h45 (or until they are dry and lightly golden). Let cool completely before handling.

    Time: PT1H45M

    Temperature: 80°C

  12. Assemble the log – first layer

    Place the cooled sponge on a clean kitchen towel, remove the parchment. Lightly brush the sponge with the raspberry syrup. Using a large pastry bag, pipe a 2 cm thick cylinder of lemon cream near the edge and roll the sponge on the towel. Brush the rolled part with raspberry syrup.

    Time: PT8M

  13. Assembly – add the raspberry cream

    Gently loosen the raspberry cream with a whisk, pipe it over the rest of the sponge using a flat pastry bag. Roll the sponge again using the towel, soaking the roll with raspberry syrup midway through the process.

    Time: PT8M

  14. Freeze

    Wrap the log in the towel and place in the freezer for 1 hour to set the shape.

    Time: PT1H

  15. Finishing and decoration

    Remove the log, cut the ends with a serrated knife to obtain clean edges. Pipe a thin layer of lemon cream on top using a flat tip. Attach the yellow meringues side by side across the surface, then scatter a few fresh redcurrants.

    Time: PT12M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
5 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
15 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains gluten, Contains dairy products, low-calorie

Allergens: eggs, milk, gluten

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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Lemon‑Raspberry Yule Log

Recipe by Chef Sylvain - Long live pastry!

A festive Yule log with tangy lemon flavors and fresh raspberry, made of a moist rolled sponge, a lemon cream, a raspberry cream, a raspberry liqueur‑infused syrup, and decorated with yellow meringues and redcurrants.

HardFrenchServes 12

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
2h 53m
Prep
2h 41m
Cook
40m
Cleanup
6h 14m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$12.20
Total cost
$1.02
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cooking the raspberry cream to 83‑84 °C
  • Incorporating the gelatin without lumps
  • Whipping the egg whites to firm and glossy peaks
  • Slow baking of the meringues at 80 °C
  • Rolling the sponge without cracking it

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot syrup carefully to avoid burns.
  • Use the thermometer to avoid overheating the cream (avoid > 85 °C).
  • Wear kitchen gloves when handling the oven at 180 °C.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Lemon‑Raspberry Yule Log in French holiday traditions?

A

The Lemon‑Raspberry Yule Log, or Bûche de Noël, has been a centerpiece of French Christmas celebrations since the 19th century, symbolizing the ancient tradition of burning a yule log for good luck. The modern version, featuring citrus and raspberry flavors, reflects contemporary French pastry innovation while maintaining the festive symbolism of the log shape.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Lemon‑Raspberry Yule Log in French cuisine?

A

In northern France, the Yule log often incorporates dark chocolate and chestnut puree, while in Provence it may feature orange zest and lavender-infused cream. The Lemon‑Raspberry Yule Log presented by Chef Sylvain blends the bright lemon of the Riviera with the raspberry berries common in the Loire Valley, creating a regional hybrid.

cultural
Q

How is Lemon‑Raspberry Yule Log authentically served in France during Christmas celebrations?

A

Traditionally, the Lemon‑Raspberry Yule Log is dusted with powdered sugar to resemble ash, placed on a decorative platter, and surrounded by fresh berries and meringue mushrooms. It is served chilled, sliced at the table, and paired with a glass of sweet dessert wine such as Muscat.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Lemon‑Raspberry Yule Log traditionally associated with in French culture?

A

The Lemon‑Raspberry Yule Log is most closely linked to Noël (Christmas) in France, but it also appears at New Year’s Eve (Réveillon) and winter weddings. Its bright lemon flavor adds a refreshing contrast to the richer winter desserts typical of French holiday tables.

cultural
Q

How does Lemon‑Raspberry Yule Log fit into the broader French pastry tradition?

A

The Lemon‑Raspberry Yule Log showcases the French mastery of sponge cakes, buttercream, and decorative techniques, echoing the classic bûche de Noël while introducing modern fruit pairings. It exemplifies the French emphasis on balance of texture, flavor, and visual artistry in pâtisserie.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Lemon‑Raspberry Yule Log versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include egg yolks, whole eggs, granulated sugar, flour, gelatin sheets, fresh raspberry purée, and lemon zest. Acceptable substitutes are powdered gelatin (used in the same weight), frozen raspberry purée, or a high‑quality lemon extract when fresh zest is unavailable.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Lemon‑Raspberry Yule Log from the Chef Sylvain YouTube channel?

A

Common errors include over‑mixing the sponge batter, which creates a tough crumb, and under‑hydrating the gelatin sheets, leading to a runny filling. Additionally, failing to chill the rolled sponge before adding the creams can cause the log to crack during assembly.

technical
Q

Why does this Lemon‑Raspberry Yule Log recipe use gelatin sheets instead of powdered gelatin?

A

Gelatin sheets dissolve more evenly and provide a clearer, firmer set for the raspberry cream, which is essential for maintaining the log’s shape. They also reduce the risk of grainy texture that can occur with powdered gelatin if not fully hydrated.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Chef Sylvain - Long live pastry! specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Chef Sylvain - Long live pastry! specializes in French pastry techniques, from classic croissants to elaborate holiday desserts like the Lemon‑Raspberry Yule Log. Chef Sylvain focuses on detailed, step‑by‑step tutorials that emphasize precision and artistry.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Chef Sylvain - Long live pastry! approach French pastry cooking differently from other French cooking channels?

A

Chef Sylvain combines traditional French patisserie fundamentals with modern flavor pairings, such as lemon and raspberry, and often incorporates scientific explanations for each technique. This analytical yet artistic approach sets the channel apart from others that may prioritize speed over technique.

channel

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