The stump cake, also known as a “log cake” or “bûche de Noël,” might seem intimidating at first glance, but it’s surprisingly simple to make at home. This delightful dessert, resembling a rustic log, is perfect for any gathering, from birthday parties to festive celebrations. With its soft, moist cake, rich frosting, and charming woodland decorations, the stump cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress your guests.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before we embark on our baking journey, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. This recipe yields a delicious stump cake that can be enjoyed by 8-10 people.
For the Cake:
- 6 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¾ cup (90g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
- ½ cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ⅓ cup (80ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For Decoration:
- Chocolate sprinkles
- Green buttercream frosting (for leaves)
- Chocolate chips (for bark)
- Maraschino cherries (optional)
Tools of the Trade
Having the right tools on hand ensures a smooth and enjoyable baking experience. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Spatulas (rubber and offset)
- Serrated knife
- Piping bag and tips (optional)
Crafting Your Stump Cake Masterpiece
Follow these detailed instructions to create your own delectable stump cake:
1. Preparing the Cake Layers:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. This ensures your cake layers bake evenly and release easily.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together on high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 5-7 minutes. The mixture should almost triple in volume.
- Gently whisk in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can result in a tough cake.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Creating the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the chocolate buttercream frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt, beating on low speed until combined.
- Slowly pour in the milk and vanilla extract, increasing the mixer speed to medium-high, and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Assembling the Stump Cake:
- Once the cake layers have cooled completely, use a serrated knife to carefully level the tops if needed.
- Place one cake layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous layer of chocolate buttercream frosting over the top.
- Top with the second cake layer.
- Frost the entire cake with a thin layer of buttercream. This is the “crumb coat,” which helps to seal in any crumbs and create a smooth surface for the final frosting layer.
- Refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes to allow the crumb coat to set.
- Once chilled, frost the entire cake with the remaining chocolate buttercream.
4. Decorating Like a Woodland Artist:
- Now comes the fun part – transforming your cake into a charming stump!
- Creating the Bark: Use a fork or a small offset spatula to create textured lines on the frosting, resembling tree bark.
- Adding Greenery: Fill a piping bag fitted with a leaf tip with green buttercream frosting. Pipe small leaves around the base of the cake to mimic foliage.
- Sprinkles for Texture: Sprinkle chocolate sprinkles on the frosting to add depth and texture. You can also use chopped nuts or chocolate shavings for a more rustic look.
- Final Touches: Place chocolate chips vertically along the sides of the cake to further enhance the bark-like appearance. For a festive touch, add small maraschino cherries on top.
Tips and Tricks for Baking Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and butter is crucial for achieving the proper texture and consistency in both the cake and frosting.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the cake batter can lead to a dense and chewy cake. Mix until just combined to ensure a light and airy texture.
- Cooling is Key: Allowing the cake layers to cool completely before frosting prevents the frosting from melting and helps create a stable base for stacking.
- Get Creative with Decorations: Personalize your stump cake by using different piping tips, sprinkles, and toppings. Let your creativity run wild!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers and make the frosting a day or two in advance. Store the cake layers in an airtight container at room temperature and the frosting in the refrigerator.
Can I use a different type of frosting?
Of course! While chocolate buttercream is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other frostings, such as cream cheese frosting or whipped cream.
What can I use instead of maraschino cherries?
If you’re not a fan of maraschino cherries, you can omit them or use other decorative elements like fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or edible flowers.
Enjoying Your Woodland Creation
Delicious Homemade Stump Cake
There you have it – a beautifully crafted stump cake that’s sure to impress. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of coffee for the ultimate treat.
Don’t forget to share your baking adventures with us! We’d love to see pictures of your creations. Happy baking!
Looking for more delectable dessert recipes? Check out our guides on how to make a raspberry pie, raspberry roll cake, and chocolate sponge cake!
