Bûche de Noël ~ Christmas Yule Log

Zoë François 44 Comments

Bûche de Noël is a fun, festive cake resembling a holiday yule log. It’s a beautiful cake that’s perfect as a Christmas dessert.

Yule log with slice cut

This is a classic French dessert that is served at Christmas time. Bûche de Noël translates as the “Christmas Log” and is meant to look like the piece of wood you are about to toss into the fireplace. It is a rather odd tradition and yet I find myself making one every year. It always reminds me of the TV station that plays Christmas music and shows nothing but a burning log in a fireplace. I thought those were just memories of my long ago childhood, but I was amazed to see that the burning log still finds its place on YouTube even today.

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Spice Cake with Brown Butter Buttercream and Cranberry Filling

Zoë François 10 Comments

This spice cake is a beautiful fall recipe. The cranberry filling, spices and gorgeous look makes this cake right at home on a Thanksgiving or holiday dessert table.

A slice of spice cake with brown butter buttercream and cranberry filling
Fall Table with Spice Cake - Terrain-4
Fall Table with Spice Cake - Terrain-4

As the temperature turns chilly and the holiday season nears, it makes me crave all the warm spices. This cake is adapted from my Zoë Bakes Cakes Yellow Cake, but with the quintessential fall spice blend added to the mix. You can buy Pumpkin Pie Spice in the baking aisle or make your own with individual ground spices from your pantry. See my notes in the recipe if you want to make your own.

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Caramel Apple Pumpkin Pie

Zoë François 58 Comments

This caramel apple pumpkin pie is a twofer for those of us who love both apple and pumpkin pies. Both great flavors layered together in a flaky, rich crust.

Caramel Apple & Pumpkin Pie | ZoeBakes

I used apples that kept their shape when I caramelized them, so they would add a bit of texture to the pie. Go with Granny Smith and Braeburn or a local apple that you know stays firm when cooked. These days all grocery stores have sugar pumpkins stacked up in the produce aisle, so you can roast your own. It is seriously easy and the taste is heavenly. Having said that, you can also use your favorite canned pumpkin puree.

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Cranberry Brown Butter Blondies

Zoë François 3 Comments
Blondies with cranberries on a blue cutting board next to a chef's knife.

This is the perfect pairing of a sweet, rich, brown butter blondie and the tartness of rhubarb crisp in the spring (or cranberry crisp if you’re feeling festive around the holidays)! This Cranberry Variation is perfect for the Thanksgiving or even Christmas table. I suggest baking a double batch in a 9×13-inch pan so you have leftovers to snack on. This is a treat that may even be better the day after, so it can be done ahead, freeing up your oven for the big turkey or roast.

This Rhubarb Blondie with even more variations can be found in Zoë Bakes Cookies, where you’ll find even more holiday baking ideas!

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15 Festive Thanksgiving Desserts (Plus a few pies)

Zoë François 3 Comments

Thanksgiving is all about pie, but sometimes it’s fun to think outside the box. This list of 15 Thanksgiving desserts goes beyond pie. Don’t worry, I threw in a few bonus pies. Or, you can check out my 22 favorite pie recipes and guide to pie crust.

A sliced Pumpkin Basque-style cheesecake on a white cake pedestal with a serving utensil
Chocolate Pumpkin Swirl Bundt Cake

If you’re like me, by the time November hits you’re already thinking ahead to Thanksgiving desserts. The holiday meal, of course, has plenty to offer, but what stands out more to your guests than the grand finale? Whether you are looking for simple or classic fall flavors, or want to try something a little different this year, I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite Thanksgiving Desserts. Of course, if you want to keep it simple, you can always make a classic apple pie. Or better yet, if your guest list is big enough make the apple pie and one or two of these recipes.

These 15 desserts will help you shake things up if you are looking for something other than pie this year. And if you are looking for even more Thanksgiving Dessert ideas, check out some of these favorites:

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