20+ CHRISTMAS-THEMED CAKES FROM THE MIDDLE EAST
WE LOVE
With the festive season just days away, Christmas-themed cakes are taking center stage on holiday tables. From classic bûches de Noël to contemporary festive creations, chefs and pâtissiers across the Middle East are reinterpreting seasonal desserts with refined technique and creative flair. Taste & Flavors presents its curated selection of more than 10 standout Christmas-themed cakes from the region, chosen for their craftsmanship and festive spirit.
UAE
KARIM BOURGI
PASTRY CHEF AND OWNER OF KAYU, UAE
The Yule log from Kayu is a festive masterpiece, carefully crafted layer by layer. It combines dark chocolate mousse, milk chocolate cream, salted caramel, gluten-free chocolate cake, and crunchy praline to create a harmony of textures and flavors. Finished with a delicate chocolate spray, each detail is highlighted, making it as visually stunning as it is delicious, a true centerpiece for holiday celebrations.
CHRISTOPHE DEVOILLE
EXECUTIVE PASTRY CHEF, ATLANTIS THE ROYAL, UAE
An architecturally precise festive selection of miniature desserts, blending classic holiday indulgence with contemporary artistry, highlighted by an elegantly glazed chocolate bûche and refined modern pastry creations.
BENOIT DUTREIGE
CORPORATE PASTRY CHEF AT RIKKAS AND PARIS SOCIETY, UAE
This magical Christmas Matrioshka has arrived, each piece is lovingly hand-painted and holds its own festive surprise, offering a charming, heartwarming keepsake that brings the spirit of Christmas into any home.
NICOLAS LAMBERT
SENIOR EXECUTIVE PASTRY CHEF AT FOUR SEASONS RESORT, UAE
Inspired by serene snowscapes, Chef Nicolas Lambert’s seasonal Bûche de Noël is back. This year’s creation, the White Christmas, is visually striking with its soft white finish and an adorable festive snowman figurine. It promises to be a beautiful and refined centerpiece for any holiday table.
ANGELO MUSA
EXECUTIVE CHEF AT THE LANA AND HOTEL PLAZA ATHENEE, UAE
A masterful, festive creation by Chef Angelo Musa, this delicate dessert captures the magic of a snow-covered forest during the holidays.
ABEL VIEILLEVILLE
PASTRY CHEF AT EMIRATES AIRLINE, UAE
This collection is a vibrant and highly refined expression of modern holiday artistry, transforming traditional flavors into sculptural, individual desserts.
LEBANON
PIERRE ABI HAYLA
PASTRY CHEF AND OWNER OF LE NOIR
This year’s Christmas collection at Le Noir has arrived, featuring one chocolate sculptured tree with three indulgent creations crafted for festive indulgence: a bold Dark Chocolate Whiskey bûche, a refined Marrons & Red Fruits Cognac pairing, and a silky-smooth Chocolate Trio masterpiece. Celebrate the season with flavors that are rich, elegant, and unmistakably Le Noir.
CHARLES AZAR
PASTRY CHEF AND OWNER FLOCON
La Châtaigneraie: Chestnut and whisky ice cream layered with whisky-soaked biscuit and candied chestnut notes.
Bûche “Feuilles de Givre”: Vanilla ice cream and strawberry sorbet on almond dacquoise, coated in white chocolate.
Le Sous-Bois: Dulce de leche and 70% Tanzania chocolate ice creams on crispy puffed-rice biscuit.
Bûche Feuille d’Automne (Gluten-free): 70% dark chocolate mousse and milk chocolate ganache on flourless biscuit and almond dacquoise with praliné crunch.
MAROUN CHEDID
CHEF, RESTAURATEUR & OWNER OF MAROUN CHEDID COOKING ACADEMY
Mafrouket Pistachio Bûche: White chocolate and anis crémeux blend into a delicate, nutty bûche with subtle festive spice.
Christmas Azelia Valrhona – Chocolate & Caramel Bûche: Biscuit Viennois, hazelnut glaze, and Jivara crémeux create a rich, indulgent chocolate-caramel harmony.
Chestnuts Bûche: Chestnut glaze, praliné croquant biscuit, and a touch of single malt whisky evoke warm winter notes.
Almond Biscuit Bûche: Praline mousseline and smooth crémeux layered on tender almond biscuit for a simple, elegant festive treat.
MAYRIG
CHEF & FOUNDER ALINE KAMAKIAN
Dark Chocolate & Pepper Bûche: Intense dark chocolate subtly lifted by pepper, revealing warm, spicy cocoa notes.
White Chocolate & Bitter Orange Bûche: Smooth white chocolate balanced with bright, lightly bitter orange zest for a refined festive touch.
NOUGI
NOURA BARZA FOUNDER & MANAGER
Bûche Choco Tentation: A rich, indulgent bûche with deep cocoa intensity and smooth, comforting textures.
Bûche Marron: A delicate chestnut bûche offering warm, subtly sweet winter notes.
Bûche Étoile Filante: Caramel–chocolate crémeux, caramelized apples, and almond dacquoise in an elegant festive harmony.
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