If you're dreaming of a decadent Christmas chocolate log cake but dreading the cracked sponge, broken rolls, and buttercream battles, we've got you. This year, say goodbye to the bake-off stress and hello to the ultimate Yule log alternative – with a little help from Matilda.
Our handmade, multi-layered Matilda cake is everything you want in a festive showstopper: rich Belgian chocolate, velvety buttercream, and a beautiful, artisan finish. With a few seasonal touches, she transforms into the easiest Yule log you’ve ever “made.”
Perfect for gifting, impressing dinner guests, or wowing at your Christmas table. And the best part? She’s available for delivery nationwide.
Why “Cheat” a Yule Log?
Eating a Yule log is easy. Making one… not so much.
Our “cheat” version skips the faff but keeps the flair. Think of it as starting with a luxurious, ready-made base. One that’s already handmade with love in Lancashire, swirled with buttercream, and covered in the kind of chocolate ganache that makes people swoon.
With a little creative decorating, Matilda becomes your very own Christmas masterpiece.
It’s not cutting corners – it’s cutting stress, while still serving up a centrepiece that looks (and tastes) spectacular.
What You’ll Need
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1 Studio Bakery Matilda cake
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Offset spatula or butter knife
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A little extra chocolate buttercream
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Cocoa powder or icing sugar (or both!)
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Holly, edible glitter or gold leaf
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A wooden board, cake stand or festive plate
How to Turn Matilda into a Christmas Showstopper
With just a few festive tweaks, you’ll turn Matilda from iconic layer cake to luxe Yule log in under ten minutes. Here’s how:
Step 1: Set the Scene
Place your Matilda cake on a rustic wooden board or a glittering cake stand, whatever suits your table.
Keep it in its bold, wedge shape for instant drama, or for a more traditional log silhouette, slice the cake horizontally and stack the layers to create a flat-topped shape. Gently trim the corners to round it off into a log-style dome.
(And yes, you absolutely should enjoy those trimmings with a glass of mulled wine. Chef’s perks.)
Step 2: Create the Log Effect
Take a little extra chocolate buttercream (or ganache) and smooth it over the sides of the cake using soft, swirling strokes. Use a butter knife or fork to run gentle lines through the icing, mimicking the texture of bark. It doesn’t need to be perfect – natural and rustic is the goal.
Step 3: Add a Dusting of Magic
Lightly dust the top with cocoa powder for depth and contrast, allowing it to settle into the ridges for that classic bark finish. Or, for a snowy woodland feel, use icing sugar instead.
Blend both for a frosty, “just stepped out of the forest” look.
Step 4: Dress It Up
Now for the fun bit. Tuck sprigs of real or faux holly around the base, add a few bright cranberries or sugared berries for colour, and sprinkle edible glitter for a bit of sparkle. A touch of gold leaf or mini chocolate shards adds extra drama. If you’re going all-out, pop in some tiny meringue mushrooms or fondant stars for a magical, enchanted vibe.
Step 5: Serve, Gift, or Show Off
Place your finished masterpiece at the centre of your Christmas table and wait for the gasps. Or, if you’re gifting, wrap it in festive parchment and tie it with a velvet ribbon – it’s a heartfelt, handmade gift that feels truly special.
More Yule Log Magic: Meet Shirley the Sheep
If decorating’s not your thing, let us do the hard work. Say hello to Shirley the Sheep – our adorable festive Yule log.
This hand-rolled Belgian chocolate brownie is cloaked in silky Colombian dark chocolate ganache, finished with fondant detailing and a dusting of Christmas sparkle. Whether you’re hosting, gifting, or just fancy something a little bit extra, Shirley’s here to bring festive cheer by the slice.
Shirley is exclusively available to order online through Booths and will be making her in-store debut in selected Booths branches from 1st December 2025.
Fancy something even more magical? Try the Enchanted Forest Cake. Recently crowned Best Alternative Christmas Cake by BBC Good Food’s 2025 Christmas Taste Awards, our Enchanted Forest Cake is the ultimate showstopper. With rich Belgian chocolate ganache, hand-decorated fondant toadstools, and a dusting of woodland wonder, it’s a fairytale ending to any festive gathering. Exclusive to Booths.
Perfect for Every Festive Moment
Whether you’re giving a gift to a friend, thanking a host, or simply treating yourself to a slice of joy, Studio Bakery’s festive bakes are made to be remembered.
Order your Matilda early to make sure she’s part of your holiday table, or explore our full collection of festive favourites for more ways to celebrate the season, beautifully.
