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 center 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 flavors 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 flavor 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.
1865 Rue Notre-Dame, Montréal, 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 flavors: a lemon meringue that charms with its lightness, 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.
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1315 Rue Ontario E, Montréal, H2L 1R8
Farine & Cacao, led by Christian Campos, pushes the boundaries of artisanal pastry with creations that blend innovation and refinement. For the holidays, their chocolate, crème brûlée, and timut pepper yule log captivates with its complex aromas and airy texture, while the mascarpone, blackberry, and purple corn yule log delights with a bold mix of Peruvian and fruity flavors. In addition to his yule logs, Campos also crafted the dessert menu at Commodore, bringing his creative touch to another renowned Montreal venue. At a recent media event, the team was charmed by their 64% dark chocolate Christmas tree, a dessert both stunning and delicious. 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.
1479, avenue Laurier E, Montréal, H2J 1H8
On Laurier Avenue, Rhubarbe reinvents pastry-making with bold and well-balanced yule logs. The combination of chocolate, hazelnut, and coffee delights with its richness and smoothness, while grapefruit and olive oil bring a delicate and refreshing twist. Each creation reflects 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 flavors meet elegant presentation.
2105 Rue Beaubien E, Montréal, H2G 1M5
In Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie, Pâtisserie Madeleine highlights the richness of the seasons through its unique creations. The blueberry and haskap yule log is a perfect example: Quebec summer fruits are elevated with a delicate vanilla mousse and an almond crunch. The balance between the refreshing acidity of the berries and the soft, melt-in-your-mouth textures showcases exceptional artisanal expertise. Born from the dream of a passionate couple, this bakery emphasizes local flavors 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, Montréal, H3C 0X9
At Chez Potier, Christmas desserts are elevated to works of art with creations as refined as they are original. The tiramisu log brilliantly reimagines the Italian classic: a biscuit delicately soaked in Baileys, a hazelnut crunch, and a subtly flavored mascarpone mousse. The elegance and mastery of flavors make this dessert a holiday essential. Another standout is the Mancoco frozen log, combining the zest of exotic fruits with the comforting sweetness of coconut. This bold marriage of textures and aromas reflects the expertise of Olivier Potier, whose Vieux-Montréal boutique embodies creativity and passion. Here, every bite is designed to leave a lasting impression.
Multiple locations
Unicone reinvents traditions with yule logs inspired by flavors from around the world. The Chocociola, a comforting blend of chocolate and hazelnuts, delights with its refined simplicity. For the more adventurous, the Lune de Noël mesmerizes with notes of orange blossom and apricot, complemented by a soft génoise and Pismaniye, a traditional Middle Eastern cotton candy. Located in Plateau-Mont-Royal, this shop, run by two passionate sisters, turns every dessert into an invitation to explore new horizons. With its boldness and creativity, Unicone stands out as a must-visit destination for a unique and flavorful holiday season.
4200 Rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, 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 two irresistible flavors: speculoos coated in white chocolate and intense chocolate covered in dark chocolate shavings. 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 Lafontaine and Mount Royal, the boutique offers a unique artisanal experience that blends tradition with modern flair.
AliceÔchoux Pâtisserie & Crêperie créative
4701 Rue St-Denis, Montréal, H2J 2L5
AliceÔChoux, a creative pastry and creperie, located in Plateau-Mont-Royal, stands out this year with a festive dessert collection that showcases true craftsmanship and originality. Their Ô Poire Yuzu Citron yule log shines with its harmonious blend of tangy freshness and fruity sweetness, while the Ô 3 Chocolats yule log celebrates chocolate in all its forms, featuring mousses of dark, milk, and white chocolate with a perfectly balanced texture. For those seeking something unique, the Christmas choux wreath, filled with a light orange cream, rich caramel, and a subtly spiced ganache, is perfect for a shared indulgence. Each creation is designed to capture the holiday spirit and delight your guests. Place your orders by December 12 to elevate your holiday tables and celebrations.
4615 Rue Notre-Dame O, Montréal, H4C 1S5
Pâtisserie Rustique, located in the Saint-Henri neighborhood, celebrates the essence of artisanal desserts with a thoughtful and heartfelt approach. The mango and passion fruit yule log captivates with its combination of soft coffee cake and vibrant fruit jelly, elegantly adorned with chocolate tree decorations. Each creation pays homage to simple flavors and local ingredients, blending tradition with modern touches without compromising on quality. Rustique embodies the spirit of the holidays with authentic treats, where every detail is designed to bring back the charm of handcrafted desserts.
272 Rue St-Jacques O, Montréal, H2Y 1N1
In Old Montreal, Cookie Stéfanie reinvents desserts by turning dietary restrictions into a source of creativity. Their pistachio and lemon yule log is a prime example: a harmonious blend of airy textures and balanced flavors, where the sweetness of pistachio meets the zest of lemon. 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.
Multiple locations
Iconoglace, a true staple in the Mile-End, boldly reimagines the yule log by drawing inspiration from its signature frozen desserts. The Raspberry-Pistachio Forest, a fully vegan option, combines tangy raspberry sorbet, soft pistachio sponge cake, and a crunchy praline layer, all coated in crisp white chocolate. Their iconic homemade cones, filled with caramel and ice cream, add a playful and indulgent touch. Each log is handcrafted and made to order based on preorders. Orders must be picked up between December 19th and 22nd at their Laurier West location, as delivery or late pickups are only available on time. With creativity and craftsmanship, Iconoglace continues to delight frozen dessert lovers.
1062, Ave. Laurier O, Montréal, H2V 2K8
Aurélien Kerzerho, the talented pastry chef behind Pâtisserie Mélilot on Laurier West, redefines the yule log with unique and bold flavors. The blackcurrant, balsam poplar, and sweet clover log delights with its delicate mousse, tangy compote, and gluten-free granola biscuit. This light dessert celebrates nature, showcasing forest and fruity aromas in a perfectly balanced composition. The chestnut, lapsang souchong, and cao flower log combine chocolate biscuits, chestnut cream, and smoky meringue for a comforting yet sophisticated treat. Lastly, the black truffle, kalamansi, and Kumuntu chocolate collection log is a true masterpiece, blending the richness of chocolate with the intensity of truffles and the tartness of citrus for an unforgettable culinary experience. Mélilot offers these creations in individual or shareable formats, reflecting artisanal expertise and boundless creativity.
5002 Chemin de la Cote-des-Neiges, Montréal, H3V 1G6
Since 1952, Duc de Lorraine, Montreal's oldest French pastry shop, has celebrated the art of French baking with desserts that honor 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, Montréal, 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 flavors 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.
150 Promenade du Centropolis, Laval, H7T 0A3
In its cafes in Laval and Saint-Lambert, Ricardo celebrates Christmas with the choco-cherry yule log, a delightful creation that perfectly balances textures and flavors. This rolled chocolate cake, filled with a rich ganache and airy tonka bean-infused chantilly, is elevated by syrup-soaked cherries and a crunchy cocoa crumble. The finishing touch: a glossy chocolate glaze and a vibrant cherry jelly that add elegance and sophistication. Available in limited quantities starting December 13, 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 flavors to delight every palate. The Royal impresses with its rich dark chocolate mousse and crunchy praline. The Flocon, gluten-free, surprises with subtly spiced rice pudding and a crisp hazelnut biscuit. Fans of tropical flavors will love the Baba Noël, nut-free, blending coconut, mango, and passion fruit. Lastly, the Mocaccino, featuring chocolate cream and coffee buttercream, is a treat for coffee lovers. The Discovery Box, featuring these four creations in mini yule log format, allows you to enjoy the full range of their festive delights.
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? Check out our articles on the best catering services for the holiday season and must-try panettones to enjoy or gift. Every detail matters in creating memorable moments, and Montreal offers endless ways to enrich your celebrations.
