From The Straits Times    |

Photo: Instagram/ mjteo

Christmas is never quite complete without the quintessential festive log cake. According to definitive culinary encyclopedia New Larousse Gastronomique, the Christmas Yule Log cake is a fairly recent creation (estimated to be after 1870)  by “Parisian pastrycooks” that was inspired by “the real logs that used to be 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 and black sesame cream to those with purple sweet potato sponge or a chendol pudding centre, let us take a look at the delicious flavours for 2018.

 

Wine-inspired Log Cakes at The Fullerton Hotel and The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore

Photo: The Fullerton Hotel

Vino-lovers will delight in these lovely wine-inspired log cakes by The Fullerton Hotel. The Pinot Noir Yule Log Cake ($69 for 1kg) with blackberry mousse, pinot noir wine jelly, Valrhona almond praline crunch is delightfully fragrant with dark berries, while the Sauvignon Blanc Yule Log Cake ($69 for 1kg) 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 ($69 for 1kg).

Available from Nov 1 to Dec 31. last order date is 28 Dec. Order online here or at The Christmas Goodies corners at The Fullerton Hotel, 1 Fullerton Square and The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore, 80 Collyer Quay, tel: 6877 8943.

 

Yuletide Blossom Log Cake at Goodwood Park Hotel

Photo: Goodwood Park Hotel

This beautiful Yuletide Blossom Log Cake ($82 for 1kg) 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 ($75 for 500g) with creamy ‘Mao Shan Wang’ durian goodness between layers of vanilla sponge, or go for the equally yummy Goodwood D24 Durian Christmas Log Cake ($80 for 1kg).

Available from Dec 1 to 26. Please order five days in advance. Last order date is Dec 19, 12pm. Order online here or at The Deli at Goodwood Park Hotel, 22 Scotts Road, tel: 6730 1867 / 68 (from 10am to 6pm daily).

 

TaroCoconut Log Cake at Crowne Plaza Changi Airport

Photo: Crowne Plaza Changi Airport

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 ($75) 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 ($75 for 1kg). They’ll be cheerful additions to your dinner table.

Available from Dec 1 to 31. Order online here and enjoy 25 per cent off festive takeaways and more, or order from Lobby Lounge at Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, 75 Airport Boulevard, tel: 6823 5367.

 

Ubi Manis Log Cake at Baba Chews

Photo: Baba Chews Bar and Eatery

Baba Chews Bar and Eatery goes for a modern Peranakan Christmas this year with a Ubi Manis Yule Log ($62 for 1kg) 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 ($59 for 1kg) 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.

Collection available from Dec 1 to 25, 11am to 7pm. Three days pre-order required. Order from Baba Chews Bar and Eatery, #01-01 Katong Square, 86 East Coast Road, tel: 6723 2025.

 

Apple Coconut Yule Log at Mandarin Orchard Singapore

Photo: Mandarin Orchard Singapore

This outstandingly green Apple and Coconut Yule Log ($80 for 1 kg) 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 ($80 for 1kg). 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 ($80 for 1kg) will be a good pick.

Available from Nov 23 to Dec 31 at Festive Booth, Level 1 of Mandarin Orchard Singapore, 333 Orchard Road, or Coffee & Crust, Level 5, tel: 6831 6288 / 6831 6272.

 

 Yuzu Matcha Pavlova Log Cake at Cedele

Photo: Cedele

If you are looking to cut down on carbs, this new “cakeless” gluten-free Yuzu Matcha Pavlova Logcake ($70 for 700g) 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 ($58 for 1kg) 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 ($50 for 930g) 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.

Order from Nov 15. Available at Cedele outlets, or order online here.

 

Banana and Pineapple “Log Cake” at Sofitel Singapore City Centre

Photo: Sofitel Singapore City Centre

Though not shaped like a usual log cake, this round Noël En Ivoire ($72 for 1kg) 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 ($72 for 1kg) 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, or online through Boutique Magnifique. Orders placed before Dec 1 will be entitled to a 15 per cent early bird discount.

 

Mango Chendol Log Cake at House of Mu

Photo: House of MU

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 ($48 for 800g) that has mango mousse, a chendol pudding centre and topped off with a passionfruit glaze. A quirky combination indeed.

Available till Jan 31, 2019, at House of Mu, 11 Mohammed Sultan Road, tel: 6732 1011.

 

Honey Ice Cream Log Cake at Swensen’s

Photo: Swensen’s

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 ($62 for 1kg; for takeaway) 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.

Pre-orders from Nov 1. Last day for orders is Dec 17 (via phone and online), and Dec 18 (for walk-in orders). Available at Swensen’s or Earle Swensen’s outlets islandwide. Tel: 6788 8128 (9am to 530pm on weekdays, excluding Public Holidays) or online here.

 

Strawberry and Pistachio Log Cake at Do.Main Deli & Bistro

Photo: Do.Main Deli & Bistro

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 ($42 for 900g) 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 from Nov 15 to Jan 31, 2019 at Do.Main Deli & Bistro, 226 Tanjong Katong Road, tel: 6348 1406.

 

ALSO READ: YOU MUST TRY THESE SUPER DELICIOUS AND INSTAGRAMMABLE UNICORN CAKES