Name: Bûche de Noël
Prep time: 55 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 1 h 11 min
Yield: 10
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: vegetable oil for greasing; 150g golden caster sugar; 6 large eggs separated; 250g good-quality dark chocolate; icing sugar for dusting; 400ml double cream lightly whipped; 150g raspberry defrosted if frozen; little Drambuie (optional); 125g unsalted butter softened; 225g golden icing sugar; 25g cocoa powder sifted; 1 tbsp milk

vegetable oil
for greasing
150g golden caster sugar
6 large eggs
separated
250g good-quality dark chocolate
icing sugar
for dusting

For the cream filling

400ml double cream
lightly whipped
150g raspberry
defrosted if frozen
little Drambuie
(optional)

For the chocolate buttercream

125g unsalted butter
softened
225g golden icing sugar
25g cocoa powder
sifted
1 tbsp milk

Method

step 1
Heat oven to 220C/200C fan /gas 7. Line a 23 x 33cm Swiss roll tin with baking parchment and oil lightly. Whisk the caster sugar and yolks in a bowl until pale and thick. Melt the chocolate with 4 tbsp cold water in a bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Stir in the sugar mix.
step 2
Whisk egg whites to stiff peaks. Stir a spoonful into the chocolate, then fold in remaining using a large metal spoon. Pour batter into tin and bake for 12-14 mins until risen and just firm. Leave in tin until cold.
step 3
Lay a sheet of baking parchment on a board. With one bold movement, turn the cake onto the paper, then lift off the tin. Carefully peel away the lining paper.
step 4
Spread the whipped cream all over the cake, then scatter over the berries with a dribble of Drambuie, if you like. Starting at the long side opposite you, use the paper to roll the cake towards you. Transfer to a serving dish.
step 5
For the buttercream, beat the butter, then sift in sugar and cocoa. Add milk and mix together. Spread over cake, use a fork to create a log effect, and chill until needed. Decorate, dust with icing sugar and serve.