Where to Buy the Prettiest Yule Logs in Massachusetts

Let me guess.  You are wondering what a yule log is.  Well, you are not alone. I had no idea they are as popular as they are for a holiday dessert.

There are a whole lot of opinions out there as to who makes the best yule log cake, but there is a great resource on the Merrimack Valley Eats Facebook Page.

Some of the best North Shore bakeries were mentioned, like Caramel French Patisserie in Salem, Massachusetts.  With a dedicated French pastry chef, this shop takes pride in all it's delights, but especially the Buche de Noel, the Yule Log Cake.

Piro's Bakery in Methuen, MA makes a tasty yule log, as does Lyndell's Bakery in Somerville.  Lyndell's is New England's oldest retail bakery.

History of the Yule Log

The yule log cake goes way back in history.  According to christmasenthusiasts.uk.com, the modern yule log began as log which were burned during the holidays in the hearth to create warm and new beginnings for the new season.

In the 19th century, as hearths and open fires became less common in urban homes, the Yule log tradition began to wane. However, it found new life in the form of a culinary creation—the Yule log cake, or "bûche de Noël." This delightful dessert, shaped like a log, became popular in France and eventually spread to other countries.

That's why the icing resembles the bark of a log and it's often decorated with meringue mushrooms, marzipan holly leaves, and you can even spot a gold saw on some of these traditional sponge cakes filled with buttercream.

Read More: Best Christmas Towns in NH and Maine

Interestingly enough, not all of the favorites mentioned are actually in the Merrimack Valley, so let's talk about the most popular.

New Hampshire Ranks, Too

Because the Merrimack Valley is so close to New Hampshire, quite a few people noted some fantastic bakeries just over the border, like Frederick's Pastries in Bedford, New Hampshire.  Another favorite is a new bakery in Plaistow, New Hampshire which already has many fans.  Fresh AF Bakeshop makes beautiful and delicious yule logs, but you'd better order fast.

And one more mention from the Facebook Group.  Whole Foods Market carries yule logs from the famous Montilio's Bakery, and that's something to cheer about, but they sell out fast.