Paris Meets Chicago

Paris Meets Chicago : Where to buy a Bûche de Noël in Chicago

A bûche de noël is a traditional French dessert served after the main Christmas dinner as dessert. It is typically a sponge cake rolled to be the shape of a log. The dessert is covered in chocolate in a design to resemble the bark on a tree. A bûche de noël is the symbol of a burning yule log.

There are a few different bakeries in Chicago that offer them at different price points. You can even make your own at Sur La Table in downtown Chicago.

Bakeries

1. You can purchase one at the Sofitel Chicago “rolled chocolate cake with chocolate mouse, Tahitian vanilla, raspberry, and candied hazelnut” for $44 at Cafe des Architectes

2. Cafe Sel Marie in Lincoln Square sells them for $36. They serve from 6 – 10 people. The description reads “vanilla sponge filled with espresso buttercream and rich chocolate ganache, filled with chocolate buttercream “bark” and festive woodland decorations.”

3. Floriole located in Lincoln Park on Webster you can choose from a Passion Fruit or Chocolate Hazelnut bûche de noël. Allow 48 hours in advance.

4. Coralie located in Evanston is an adorable Patisserie that serves delicious coffee and pipes French music all day long. They have two options with three different price points. You can choose from a raspberry/white chocolate or a dark chocolate/peanut/hazelnut. For 4 people a small is $20, for 6 people $30, and for 8 people $40.

5. Le Pain Quotidien will be offering a chocolate or praline option starting December 16 at your local LPQ. Even if you don’t live in Chicago all LPQ will have this as an option at your local Le Pain Quotidien bakery.

Bonus: You can take a cooking class at Sur La Table and make your own Bûche de Noël. I have my eye on this class if I have time at the end of the month I am signing up. My local Chicago store has classes available. Check your local schedule to see if classes are offered.

Bonjour, I’m Rebecca!

I’m a photographer, blogger, croissant-lover, and world traveler. I hope that Everyday Parisian inspires you by bringing a bit of France into your daily life and helps you plan the best trip to Paris with personalized recommendations for places to stay, explore, and eat.