
Maple Walnut Bûche de NoëlQuentin Bacon
Cakes resembling Yule logs are very popular at Christmastime in Canada and the United States. Though you'll see them in bakery windows elaborately decorated with marzipan woodland animals and meringue mushrooms, we went with a simpler but more elegant look.
Active time: 1 1/4 hr Start to finish: 3 1/2 hr (includes making buttercream and brittle)
Cooks' note:
Frosted cake (uncut and without brittle shards) can be made 3 days ahead and chilled, covered. Bring to room temperature before serving. Chill remaining buttercream, covered, then bring to room temperature before using. If buttercream seems lumpy, beat with electric mixer until smooth.
