There’s no season quite like the holidays for food and sweet treats. And no holiday party could be complete without a bûche de Noël, or Yule Log as we sometimes say in English. From classic chestnut to innovative fruit flavors, New York is full of bakeries and restaurants making expertly decorated bûche. Whether you want an individual size for yourself or a 10″ log, here’s a list of places in New York to get bûche de Noël.
Manhattan
Ceci-Cela Pâtisserie
The adorable French pâtisserie and bakery Ceci-Cela Pâtisserie, which has been serving quality products to New Yorkers and companies in the tri-state area for 28 years now, offers four classic bûches this year, chocolate, vanilla, Grand Marnier, and pistachio. Enjoy an individual size in store ($6), or order a 6” ($30) or 10” ($42) by phone, via email or in store. — 14 Delancey St (212-274-9179)
Le District
The French food hall Le District is offering the classics this holiday season. Among the bûche flavors, there’s chocolate, Grand Marnier, praline and coffee. Buy them in individual ($6.75), 8.5” ($49), and 12.5” ($63). The Nuit d’Etoile bûche might take the cake, though (sorry), with its chocolate mousse, pistachio cream, and raspberry mousse on a chocolate biscuit. Available in 9” ($55). Bûches can be pre-ordered and purchased in store. — Brookfield Place, 225 Liberty St, Financial District, (212-981-8588)
Lafayette Grand Café & Bakery
Noho’s Lafayette offers three classic bûches with little twists. There’s chocolate (dark chocolate mousse, peanut butter crémeux, peanut dacquoise), coconut (lemon cream filling, coconut sponge, vanilla meringue), and pistachio (pistachio buttercream, rose buttercream, pistachio roulade). Each is available for 6-8 people ($48). Pre-order online or in store; bûches will be available to pick-up through Christmas Eve. — 380 Lafayette St, Noho (212-533-3000)
La Maison du Chocolat
The international brand La Maison du Chocolat will be enticing your taste buds with three bûches. Three possibilities: all chocolate, chocolate with raspberry black currant puree, or hazelnut praline. Enjoy them in an individual size ($10), for 4 people ($44) or 6 ($77). Not all the flavors will necessarily be available at the Rockefeller Center location, so Madison Avenue is the best bet for variety. Order at least 24 hours in advance of when you want it by calling or stopping by the store. Noon on Christmas Eve is the last time for pick-up. — 1018 Madison Avenue, UES (212-744 7117); 30 Rockefeller Center, Midtown (212-265-9404)
Dominique Ansel
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French expat chef Dominique Ansel and his team are offering three unique bûches at their Soho and West Village locations. There’s the Double Chocolate Caramel (Valrhona dark chocolate ganache, caramel ganache, flourless chocolate biscuit, topped with chocolate eskimo and meringue penguins), the Chestnut (chestnut mousse, orange vanilla bavaroise, candied chestnuts, almond biscuit, topped with a chocolate Santa) and the Apple Cinnamon Gingerbread (apple compote, cinnamon bavaroise, gingerbread spiced cake, topped with a white chocolate Christmas tree). Each serves 6-8 people ($48), and anyone gluten-free should get the Double Chocolate version. Pre-order online at least 48 hours in advance for pick-up in store. Order here for Soho pick-up and here for West Village pick-up. — 189 Spring St, Soho (212-219-2773); 137 Seventh Avenue South, West Village (212-242-5111)
Eclair Bakery
During the holidays Eclair Bakery proves that they can do more than just make an excellent chocolate éclair. This year there are four bûches to choose from: Ruby (vanilla and white chocolate mousse, vanilla sponge, raspberry compote), Trio (three chocolate mousse, chocolate sponge), Wendy (milk chocolate mousse with creme brule, chocolate sponge), and Crunchy (dark chocolate mousse with hazelnut crunchies, chocolate sponge). They come in two sizes, 6-8 people ($32) and 10-12 people ($44). Order by phone, email or online. — 305 East 53rd Street, Midtown East (212-759-2253)
Bouchon Bakery
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Chef Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bakery will be offering its one and only signature chocolate bûche de Noël this year. Consisting of blackout cake with Valrhona dark chocolate mousse, caramelized milk chocolate cremeux and fleur de sel caramel, glazed in dark chocolate, it’s sure to make you drool. In all three stores, individual sizes ($6.95) can be enjoyed until December 24, and 6” bûches ($38) will be available to purchase from December 20 to 24. To ensure you get a bûche, pre-order one now by phone or email for pick-up December 20 to 24 at any location. — Time Warner Center Ten Columbus Circle, Third Floor, UWS (212-823-9366); 1 Rockefeller Plaza, Midtown (212-823-9357); Hudson Yards, 20 Hudson Yards 5th Floor, Hudson Yards (929-450-4001)
Silver Moon Bakery
Who can turn down a good classic bûche, especially one made by Silver Moon Bakery? The Upper West Side staple is offering two flavors, dark chocolate or chestnut, in three sizes: serves 6-7 ($42), serves 9-10 ($47), serves 12-13 ($56). Call or stop by the bakery to order one. Orders are accepted through Friday, December 20. Note that the bakery is closed on Christmas Day. — 2740 Broadway, UWS (212-866-4717)
Miss Madeleine
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Two fruity bûche will be in the display cases at Miss Madeleine this December. Choose between the Forêt Noire (chocolate biscuit genoise, whipped cream, topped with cherry and chocolate mousse) and the Mixed Berries (vanilla biscuit genoise, homemade mixed berry jam, mixed berry mousseline, topped with fresh fruits and mixed berry mousse). Each serves 6-8 people ($54.90, or get two for $100). Orders can be made in store, online, or by phone. Pick-up is on December 23 and 24. — 400 East 82nd St, UES (646-896-1227).
Aux Merveilleux de Fred
If you love the merveilleux at Aux Merveilleux de Fred, their bûches de Noël are perfect for you. Made with the same recipe as the bakery’s signature pastry — a base of merengue topped with whipped cream and coated in chocolate — the bûche comes in two variations: dark chocolate, or speculoos with white chocolate. They come in four sizes, serving 4 ($26), 6 ($39), 8 ($52), and 10 ($65) people. Order by calling the store; pick-up starts December 20 and continues until January 3, 2020. — 37 8th Ave, West Village (917-475-1992)
Financier
The winner of New York’s Best Croissant award whips out the big (icing) guns for the holidays. Financier’s bûche, made with mousseline cream rolled in a biscuit (either chocolate or vanilla), is available in four flavors: chocolate (chocolate biscuit), Grand Marnier (vanilla biscuit), praline (chocolate biscuit), and coffee (vanilla biscuit). There’s also the special Nuit Etoilée bûche (almond biscuit macaron, pistachio cream, raspberry mousse, vanilla biscuit, chocolate mousse, glazed chocolate). All are decorated with a classic buttercream, chocolate ornaments and mushroom meringue. Order any of the first four bûches for 6-8 ($39) or 10-12 people ($50). The Nuit Etoilée comes in one size for 8-10 ($49). Individual sizes ($6) are offered for the chocolate, Grand Marnier, and Nuit Etoilée. Order over the phone for next day pick-up (718-290-1011), in store, or online. Get 10% off on any bûche de Noël order with code XMAS19, valid through December 22. Pick-up available until the end of the year. — Various locations throughout Manhattan
Balthazar Bakery
The iconic French brasserie in Soho is offering one very special bûche de Noël. It’s made of a moist mocha genoise wrapped in white chocolate mousse, covered in dark chocolate bark. One bûche serves 8-10 people ($75) so it’s perfect for a party. Order online, by phone or in person, at least 24 hours in advance. Note that Balthazar will be closed on Christmas Day, and the last day to pick one up is New Year’s Eve. — 80 Spring Street (212-965-1785)
Maison Kayser
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Maison Kayser, the best baguette in New York, offers three gorgeous bûches. The signature bûche, the Traditional Kayser (dark chocolate mousse, crème brûlée, dark chocolate biscuit, dark chocolate glaze, chocolate icing), the Berry (raspberry and strawberry mousse, almond cake, mixed berry confit, berry glaze, white chocolate icing), and the classic Chestnut (chestnut mousse cake, vanilla creme, chestnut glaze, milk chocolate, candied almonds). All these bûches are made to serve 6-8 people ($42) and in individual sizes ($6.80), available through the end of the year. Orders will be accepted until December 21 at 5 p.m. for pick-up from now until December 31. Place your order in store or by phone (646-783-3559) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Various locations throughout the city
La Tropezienne
East Harlem bakery La Tropezienne is sticking to the classics, offering mocha, chocolate ganache, vanilla, praline, and Grand Marnier flavors. Each are available in a size that serves 6 ($24), 8 ($32), 10 ($40), 12 ($46), or 14 people ($52). Order by phone or in store at least three days in advance. Note, they will be closed on Christmas Day, so last pick-up is Christmas Eve. — 2131 1st Ave, East Harlem (212-860-5324)
Ladurée
Some of this year’s most beautifully decorated bûches come from Ladurée. This year’s signature bûche, inspired by the Canadian wilderness, is Atoca (sponge cake, chantilly cream, chocolate mousse, maple syrup, cranberry), available in an individual size ($8.50) and for 6 people ($76). The other five bûches are: La Marquise (hazelnut dacquoise, Sachertorte biscuit, hazelnut wafer, chocolate and hazelnut cream, chocolate mousse), Mademoiselle (ladyfinger sponge, crisp almond wafer, red-fruit compote, almond cream, vanilla-mascarpone mousse), La Favorite (pistachio macaron base, buttercream, flaked praline), Marie-Antoinette (macaron base, buttercream, raspberry, lychee jam), and La Duchesse (génoise sponge soaked in dark rum, chestnut mousse, candied chestnuts). Of the four bûches, get an individual serving ($8.50) or one that serves 6 ($68). Available to order and pick-up until December 31 in store and online. — 864 Madison Avenue, UES (646-558-3157); 398 West Broadway, Soho (646-392-7868); The Plaza, 1 W 59th St, New York, Midtown East (646-883-3080)
Mille-feuille
The family-owned French bakery Mille-Feuille offers 100% handmade creations with 100% natural ingredients. There are three bûches available: strawberry (crunchy vanilla cake, creamy cake, strawberry coulis, strawberry cream, strawberry mousse, vanilla whipped cream), triple-chocolate (white, milk and dark chocolate mousse and cake, chocolate icing), and Mille-Feuille’s signature Chocolate Mousse Royal cake in bûche form, perfect for chocolate lovers. All bûches are made for 6 people ($39) and can be ordered in store, over the phone, and online. Pre-order with a 15% discount until December 20. Individual slices are available in store. — 2175 Broadway, UWS, (212 362-6261); 552 Laguardia Pl, Greenwich Village, (212-533-4698); 250 W 77th St, in the Hotel Belleclaire, 250 W. 77th St, UWS (212-362-6261)
Margot Patisserie
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The Upper West Side’s Margot Patisserie doesn’t take decorations lightly — their bûche de Noël is a stunner. A vanilla sponge cake filled with chocolate and coated in chocolate swiss meringue buttercream frosting, it’s available in 4” ($25), 8” ($65), 10” ($75), 12” ($85), 14” ($85) and 16” ($100). Order online, in store or over the phone before the December 18. Pick-up begins December 18, and the last pick-up is Christmas Eve at 1 p.m. — 2109 Broadway (entrance on West 74th Street), UWS, (212-721-0076)
Epicerie Boulud
Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud offers three bûches at his Epicerie Boulud market and café. Choose from Yogurt Lime and Raspberry Verbena, Chocolate Caramel, and Exotique (passion fruit banana mousse). Perfect for a small party, serving 6-8 people ($42). Order in store or by phone for in-store pick-up only. — Westfield World Trade Center, 185 Greenwich St, LL 4000, FiDi (212-595-9605); 1900 Broadway, UWS (212-595-9606); Plaza Food Hall, 768 5th Avenue, Midtown East (212-794-10019)
Brooklyn
Le French Tart
Le French Tart is offering two classic bûches, coffee or chocolate buttercream. The bûches serve 6-8 people ($39). Order in store or by phone at least 24 hours in advance. — 579 5th Avenue, Park Slope, Brooklyn. (929)-276-3035
Bien Cuit
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Bien Cuit goes for tradition done right. This year’s bûche is a traditional one, made of a flourless almond cake and decadent chocolate bergamot mousse, topped with a chocolate glaze. It comes in small ($10) and large, serving 8-12 ($65). Pre-order online at least three days in advance to pick-up in at any of their locations. The last day to place orders is December 20 at 5 p.m., and the last day for pick-ups is December 24 at 5 p.m. — 120 Smith Street, Downtown Brooklyn (718-852-0200); 721 Franklin Ave, Crown Heights, Brooklyn (718-852-0200); Grand Central Market, 89 E. 42nd St., Midtown East (718-852-0200)
Colson Patisserie
Five beautifully decorated bûches can be found at Colson Patisserie. Choose from Opera Cake (coffee buttercream, espresso-soaked almond genoise, chocolate ganache), Devil’s Food (chocolate mousse, Devil’s Food Cake, Valrhona caramel, chocolate glaze), Lemon Meringue with Caramel Buttercream (almond genoise, lemon curd, caramel buttercream, toasted meringue), Strawberry Chiffon (strawberry mousse, ladyfinger cake, strawberry gelee), and Black Forest (chocolate sponge, morello cherries, whipped cream, shortbread base). Each serves 8-10 ($45) and can be ordered online two days in advance of pick-up at Park Slope and Industry city locations. Delivery is available throughout Brooklyn and Manhattan through Christmas Eve. — 374 9th St, Park Slope, (718-965-6400); 253 36th St, Industry City, (347-637-6676)
Almondine
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Almondine is going all-out on their bûches this year. There’s Chocolate Classic (chocolate sponge, Valrhona cream, meringue mushrooms), Praline (almond sponge, praline cream), Berry Vanilla (ladyfinger sponge soaked in citrus syrup, mixed berry mousse, vanilla cream, caramelized meringue), Chocolate Raspberry (dark chocolate mousse, layer sponge cake, raspberry cremeux, ladyfinger sponge, chocolate pearls), Chocolate Pear (ladyfinger sponge, fresh pears poached in vanilla bean, chocolate mousse), Chocolate Pear (ladyfinger sponge, pears poached in vanilla bean, chocolate mousse), and Chestnut (chestnut cream, ladyfinger sponge, candied rum-infused chestnuts). Available in sizes for 6-8 people ($45) or 10-12 ($55). Orders can be made over the phone. — 85 Water Street, (718-797-5026)
Charlotte Patisserie
Four unique bûche are offered at Charlotte Pâtisserie this year: Arabica (chocolate cake, coffee buttercream), Charlotte (carrot cake, citrus crème brule, cream cheese mousse), a gluten-free Chocolate Raspberry (chocolate cake, raspberry ganache, dark chocolate mousse) and All-Hazelnut (hazelnut cake, hazelnut mousse, hazelnut cream, dark hazelnut glaze). The bûches come in one size and cost $34, $40, $38, and $37, respectively. Buches can be ordered in store, over the phone and via email until the end of December. — 596 Manhattan Ave, Greenpoint (718-383-8313); 201 Court St, Cobble Hill (929-295-0372)
Queens
Cannelle
This Jackson Heights and LIC pâtisserie and bakery has quite the following for bûche de Noël. And Cannelle certainly doesn’t disappoint. There’s vanilla-passionfruit, made with white chocolate mousse, passion fruit crémeux, vanilla biscuit and a flakey crust. A small serves 4-5 ($30), a large 8 ($40), and an XL 16 ($75). The mocha bûche is made with crème au beurre café, and comes in small ($25), large ($35) and XL ($65). The chocolate-hazelnut has a chocolate almond biscuit, milk chocolate mousse, hazelnut crème brûlée, and a flakey crust, available in small ($25), large ($35) and XL ($65). Finally, there’s the Grand Marnier, made with crème au beurre Grand Marnier, orange confits and vanilla biscuit, available in small ($30), large ($40) and XL ($75). Call or visit the store to order. — 75-59 31st Ave, East Elmhurst (718-565-6200); 5-11 47th Ave, Long Island City (718-937-8500)
French Toast Bakery
This brand new bakery opened in Woodside in July of this year. French Toast Bakery, which sells viennoiseries, sandwiches, soups and pastries, offers one traditional French bûche. Vanilla inside and chocolate on the outside, and decorated beautifully, the bûche comes in one size, 12″ ($79). Order over the phone, 36 hours in advance of when you want it. Bûche are available until the end of the year. (Note that the store is closed Christmas Day.) — 70-06 Roosevelt Ave, Flushing (718-440-9182)
La Boulangerie
In Forest Hills, La Boulangerie offers quality bread and pastry creations, as well as sandwiches, soups and salads. This year, there are two bûches to consider: chocolate buttercream with raspberry compote and toasted walnuts, or hazelnut buttercream with crunchy praline and praline grains. Buy an individual size ($6.95), 7″ that serves 4-7 people ($40.50), or an 11″ that serves 8-11 ($56.90). Order by calling or stopping by the shop. — 109-01 72nd Rd., Forest Hills (347-644-5606)
New Jersey
Choc O Pain
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Choc O Pain saw great success in last year’s bûches and is repeating the formula this year. There are three flavors to pick from: chocolate daquoise, salted apple vanilla mousse, and caramelia Mont-Blanc. Each serves 6 ($40) and can be ordered online, in store, or by phone. Pick-up starts December 20 and ends on the 24 at 3 p.m. — Various locations in New Jersey
