As the holiday season approaches, Montreal comes alive with excitement over a festive staple: the yule log. As homes prepare for cozy meals and shared laughter, dessert often takes centre stage, offering a sweet finale to the celebrations.
Rooted in an ancient European tradition of burning a wooden log in the hearth to mark the winter solstice, this practice evolved in 19th-century France into a rolled cake filled with cream. Decorated to resemble a wooden log, the yule log quickly became a hallmark of the season, blending tradition with artistry.
Today, Montreal's bakeries shine with creative interpretations of this classic. Timeless flavours like chocolate and red berries are elevated by exotic aromas and innovative textures. Local artisans craft unique yule logs each year, combining stunning designs with bold flavour pairings to create desserts that are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Whether you lean towards traditional recipes or crave something unconventional, Montreal offers a wealth of options to satisfy your sweet tooth. Explore our curated list to discover the yule log that will add a touch of magic to your festivities and turn your holiday meals into unforgettable memories.
1315 Rue Ontario E, Montreal, H2L 1R8
Farine & Cacao, led by Christian Campos, pushes the boundaries of artisanal pastry with creations that blend innovation and refinement. For the holidays this year, the limited edition coconut and apricot yule log is a textural trip with coconut praline crunch, dacquoise, mousse, gel, apricot and vanilla confit… it's a delight. There's also a stunning chocolate, speculoos, hazelnut and citrus log, and a Christmas wreath cake featuring chestnut, lychee and vanilla. With expertise honed alongside the world's top chefs, Campos has made Farine & Cacao a must-visit destination for holiday celebrations full of sweetness and inspiration.
Read also:
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4200 Rue Saint-Denis, Montreal, H2J 2K8
Born in Lille, France, the merveilleux has crossed borders to become the signature dessert of Aux Merveilleux de Fred in Montreal. For Christmas, their iconic treat takes on a festive twist with three irresistible flavours: speculoos coated in white chocolate, intense chocolate covered in dark chocolate shavings, and praline coated with crushed caramelized almonds and hazelnuts. Artfully crafted on-site and in full view of visitors, these light yule logs combine crispy meringue with velvety whipped cream. Perfect for lovers of refined sweets, they bring a touch of elegance and festivity to any celebration. Enjoy them in the cozy tea room or take them home, available in individual sizes or for sharing. Nestled between Parc La Fontaine and Mount Royal, the boutique offers a unique artisanal experience that blends tradition with modern flair.
Peccadille - Pâtisserie Chocolaterie Café
629 Rue Adoncour, Longueuil, J4G 2V1
Founded by La Tablée des Chefs's Jean-François Archambault and Geneviève Lafitte, Peccadille offers a gourmet assortment of holiday goodies where artisanal expertise meets sweet creativity. They've got two signature yule logs this year: a chocolate, caramel and hazelnut beauty that's got biscuit, praline crunch, hazelnut crémeux, mousse and whipped ganache; and a vanilla, raspberry and pistachio log, which contrasts the mellowness of vanilla with the toasty crunch of pistachio and the fruity zing of berries.
Photo @twofoodphotographers
1865 Rue Notre-Dame, Montreal, H8S 2E9
Close to the shores of Lachine, Nonnina goes beyond being just a café. It's a heartfelt homage to la dolce vita. As the holiday season approaches, their yule logs delight with distinctive flavours: a cherry-forward Black Forest log, a chocolate-raspberry duo that balances intensity and harmony, and a tiramisu that combines creaminess with bold character. Their gelato logs, with a silky texture and unique freshness, bring an unexpected twist to the experience. In an ambiance reminiscent of cozy Italian bistros, every visit to Nonnina feels like a celebration. Here, the finest ingredients and meticulous craftsmanship turn every dessert into a fleeting work of art.
1320 Rue Charlevoix, Montreal, H3K 2Z9
Rhubarbe reinvents pastry-making with bold and well-balanced yule logs. The drop-dead gorgeous creations are made from white chocolate and nutty nougat, rich ganache and hazelnuts, grapefruit and olive oil… all are unique, delicate and delightful. They all reflect the meticulous attention to detail and deep respect for seasonal ingredients-values upheld by Stéphanie Labelle, whose talent and creativity shine through every dessert. Rhubarbe stands out as an essential destination, where refined flavours meet elegant presentation.
2105 Rue Beaubien E, Montreal, H2G 1M5
In Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie, Pâtisserie Madeleine highlights the richness of the seasons through its unique creations. This year's signature yule log pairs black currant and chocolate into indulgent, creamy decadence. We also wholeheartedly welcome the return of the popular vanilla and pecan log, too, plus the ultraclassic-for-a-reason chocolate-hazelnut combo, brightened by just a touch of lemon. Born from the dream of a passionate couple, this bakery emphasizes local flavours and high-quality ingredients. With a daily limited production, each dessert reflects an eco-conscious approach and meticulous attention to detail, offering an unforgettable gourmet experience.
Chez Potier - Épicerie gourmande
630 Rue Wellington, Montreal, H3C 0X9
At Chez Potier, Christmas desserts are elevated to works of art with creations as refined as they are original. The Kōchi log brilliantly marries flavours like vanilla, mandarine, yuzu and candied chestnuts. The Viennetta log is the perfect hazelnut-chocolate match, while the Belgian style coffee ice cream log pairs intense chocolatiness with the flavours of a flat white kissed with vanilla, plus a layer of caramel to boot. All these bold marriages of textures and aromas reflect the expertise of Olivier Potier, whose Old Montreal boutique embodies creativity and passion. Here, every bite is designed to leave a lasting impression.
3873 Rue Saint-Denis, Montreal, H2W 2M4
Unicone reinvents traditions with yule logs inspired by flavours from around the world. This year the special Baklava ice cream log features sumptuous ice cream, whole baklava pieces, pistachios, a Lebanese-rose infused sponge cake and a homemade pistachio praline. The Ruby log features milk-chocolate ice cream with a velvety white-chocolate mousse set against a bright blend of red berries and hibiscus. And the Ube pairs purple sweet potato ice cream perfectly paired with the sweet crunch of Oreo! It also comes in a vegan version. Run by two passionate sisters, Unicone turns every dessert into an invitation to explore new horizons.
272 Rue St-Jacques O, Montreal, H2Y 1N1
In Old Montreal, Cookie Stéfanie reinvents desserts by turning dietary restrictions into a source of creativity. Their yule log this year features warming spices in a cake rolled with rich cream-cheese icing and a decadent dark chocolate ganache. Specializing in gluten-free treats, this bakery proves that indulgence and inclusivity can go hand in hand. Each creation, crafted with passion, invites everyone to celebrate the holidays without compromise. In a warm and inviting atmosphere, Cookie Stéfanie combines tradition and modernity to deliver confections that enhance every festive table.
1062, Ave. Laurier O, Montreal, H2V 2K8
Aurélien Kerzerho, the talented pastry chef behind Pâtisserie Mélilot on Laurier West, redefines the yule log with unique and bold flavours, including, this year, a raspberry, rose and pink peppercorn log, featuring a Breton biscuit base layered with raspberry and rose petal jam, a luscious pink pepper cream, and rose and raspberry ganache. There's also one flavoured with labrador tea, starring a walnut and pecan biscuit base, yogurt cake, caramel, a silky Labrador tea namelaka, plus a dark chocolate and nut mousse. Mélilot offers other seasonal unmissables too, all reflecting artisanal expertise and boundless creativity.
5002 Chemin de la Cote-des-Neiges, Montreal, H3V 1G6
Since 1952, Duc de Lorraine, Montreal's oldest French pastry shop, has celebrated the art of French baking with desserts that honour tradition. For Christmas, this iconic institution offers five yule logs: Saint-Honoré, pistachio, royale, raspberry praline, and chestnut. The Saint-Honoré revisits a classic with its vanilla sponge cake, tangy raspberry compote, and caramelized choux filled with vanilla ganache. The pistachio log, with its smooth mousseline and chocolate-pistachio Viennese sponge, delivers a subtle yet refined sweetness. Crafted with premium ingredients, these yule logs embody the elegance and festive spirit of French celebrations.
350 Boulevard Lebeau, Montreal, H4N 1R5
At Boulangerie Andalos, Lebanese heritage meets the magic of the holidays with a refined and artisanal collection of Christmas yule logs. The Méghlé yule log highlights Middle Eastern flavours with its soft sponge cake, creamy coconut mousse, and crunchy nut blend. For those who prefer timeless classics, the traditional chocolate and vanilla logs and the choco-vanilla ganache log offer comforting sweetness. Festive options like the Ferrero Rocher log or the fruit tart bring an extra layer of indulgence to holiday celebrations. Each creation, crafted with care, is available for preorder through their online shop, ensuring your holiday table is unforgettable.
Multiple locations
In its cafes in Laval and Saint-Lambert, Ricardo celebrates Christmas again this year with a new yule log flavour: a Dubai pistachio-chocolate work of art, which pairs a moist chocolate cake roll generously filled with creamy milk chocolate whipped cream, with a crunchy pistachio centre, à la Dubai chocolate. There's also a dark chocolate and cocoa crumble, and a crisp chocolate shell peppered with pistachio cream rosettes and chocolate shards. Available in limited quantities, this refined yule log is the ideal centerpiece to brighten your holiday meals and delight dessert enthusiasts.
364 Rue Saint-Charles O, Vieux Longueuil, J4H 1E7
For 30 years, Ô Gâteries in Vieux-Longueuil has established itself as a family-run institution where festive desserts shine with creativity and artisanal craftsmanship. This year's yule log collection offers a variety of flavours to delight every palate. The Royal impresses with its rich dark chocolate mousse and crunchy praline. The Vanilla & Dulce de Leche, gluten-free, surprises with its flourless Christmas spice biscuit and its hazelnut-milk chocolate crunch. Fans of tropical flavours will love the Vanilla & Exotic Fruit, nut-free, blending vanilla sponge with mango and passion fruit. Lastly, the Honey & Sea Buckthorne, also nut-free, features honey mousse with sea buckthorn cream, a white chocolate crisp, and a citrus and honey biscuit. The Discovery Box, featuring these four creations in mini yule log format, allows you to enjoy the full range of their festive delights.
Multiple locations
It only makes sense that the makers of some of the city's best bread (as declared by the Gazette) have talents that extend into holiday treats, like the three yule logs they have on offer this year. Each prettier than the next, you'll have trouble choosing between the chocolate caramel log (the fleur-de-sel caramel centre is deadly delicious), the almond and orange log with its crazy textures and fluffy chocolate-almond mousse layer, and the one-and-only raspberry and spruce log. The mix of lime, raspberry and woodsy spruce is amazing! They've also got a vegan holiday cake featuring chocolate mousse, sour cherry and amaretto confit, and almond ganache.
277 Rue Dante, Montreal, H2S 1K3
While you're there filling up on cannoli and lobster tails, scope out the holiday specials at this premium Little Italy bakery, which you can order now for your family party. They offer a record-breaking 15 types of yule log! They run the gamut from classic Italian flavours like limoncello or tiramisu to more French influences like chestnut and pear or the traditional Chocolat Royal.
4001 Rue St-Denis, Montreal, H2W 2M4
Everything at this stylish Plateau bakery breaks the mold somehow, and their holiday offerings are no exception; they'll be the talk of your family party. Present something unexpected like the Double Vanilla & Black Garlic yule log, featuring buckwheat and vanilla cake with Tahitian vanilla mousse, black garlic cream, a crunchy corn and cashew praline and fleur de sel caramel. Or how about the Hazelnut-Clementine log, with its bright clementine marmalade and creamy hazelnut panna cotta? They've got lots of giftable edible stocking stuffers, too, from chocolates to fancy granola.
1050 Rue de la Gauchetiere O, Montreal, H3B 4C9
The Marriott Château Champlain is a destination hotel even for locals, not least because of its restaurant, Lloyd. The popular resto's pastry chef Sylvain Vivier has created two eye-popping stunners for the holidays this year, in a small, individual format that's cute enough to eat. There's the pistachio, milk chocolate and mango yule log, playing on notes of tropical escape and sunny days remembered, and there's the chestnut and vanilla yule log, which warms the cockles with a mellow holiday-classics vibe. Hedge your bets and order one of each.
751 Rue Jarry E, Montreal, H2P 1W3
The holidays have officially begun on Jarry! This Villeray bakery and brunch spot has three gorgeous yule log options to consider, starting with a chocolate, cherry and mascarpone one that pairs a light mascarpone mousse with a cherry confit centre, all topping moist chocolate cake. There's the classic, featuring a rich chocolate and hazelnut mousse with caramel and roasted pecans, and finally there's the light-and-bright lemon and coconut log: it layers a delicate white chocolate and sweet clover ganache with zesty lemon confit, a coconut milk mousse and nutty biscuit over a crunchy feuilletine base. They all come in two different sizes.
As the holiday season draws near, Montreal's yule logs promise to elevate your celebrations with a touch of indulgence and artistry. Whether traditional or daring, these sweet creations showcase the skill of local pastry chefs and the charm of reimagined traditions.
To round out your festive table, why not explore more holiday options? Discover must-try panettones to enjoy or gift. Every detail matters in creating memorable moments, and Montreal offers endless ways to enrich your celebrations.
Main photo credit: @twofoodphotographers
