The best yule logs for your Christmas dessert, from Black Forest to salted caramel twists
All taste tested by the Good Housekeeping Institute
Tested by JoJo AnastasiouFood and Drinks Tester
The yule log – an indulgent chocolate cake traditionally decorated with rich buttercream to resemble tree bark – is a crowd-pleasing festive dessert, and makes a delicious chocolatey alternative to the heavier Christmas pud after your festive feast (or whenever you fancy, really – 'tis the season, after all).
From Black Forest twists to cakes oozing with salted caramel, our experts have found the best yule logs to buy this Christmas. You’ll find their favourites at a glance below and keep scrolling for the full verdicts.
Best yule logs 2026
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How we test yule logs
The Good Housekeeping Institute tasting panel tried a wide range of chocolate yule logs from all the major supermarkets, as well as independent brands, to find the best for Christmas 2026. To avoid brand bias, we tasted each one ‘blind’, and they were evaluated on their aroma, flavour and presentation. We were looking for a yule log with a light, airy sponge, generous cream filling, and rich chocolate icing.
Grab a plate – these are the ones that came out on top.
Brownie and the Bean Christmas Chocolate Brownie Yule Log 835g
Brownie and the Bean Christmas Chocolate Brownie Yule Log 835g
Score: 86/100
This year’s winning yule log is from independent bakery, Brownie and the Bean. Intensely chocolatey, it combines dark cocoa and deep fudge brownie notes with sweet caramel and a touch of treacle. The soft, gooey centre and thick chocolate coating make this seriously indulgent – and a little goes a long way.
Cake or Death Christmas Yule Log 1.4kg
Cake or Death Christmas Yule Log 1.4kg
Score: 81/100
Weighing in at a mighty 1.4kg, this impressive entry from vegan bakery Cake & Death is a cross between the brand’s fudgy brownies and decadent chocolate cake – with added Biscoff for extra crunch. Deliciously rich, you certainly wouldn’t know it was vegan to taste it.
COOK Chocolate Yule Log 1kg
COOK Chocolate Yule Log 1kg
Score: 78/100
A frozen dessert on standby is essential at Christmas, and COOK's crowd-pleasing yule log is ready for those last-minute guests. Rich milk and dark chocolate give it a nostalgic, homemade flavour, while thick, fudgy icing keeps the sponge moist. A classic chocolate yule log for traditionalists.
Sainsbury’s Triple Chocolate Yule Log 800g
Sainsbury’s Triple Chocolate Yule Log 800g
Score: 77/100
Why have one type of chocolate when you can have three? It’s Christmas, after all. This Sainsbury's triple chocolate yule log combines soft sponge and fluffy cream for a light, melt-in-the-mouth texture, all wrapped up in a thick chocolate coating.
In fact, testers fondly likened it to a chocolate mini roll. Sweet and indulgent, this one's for serious chocolate lovers.
Co-op Irresistible Chocolate Yule Log 467g
Co-op Irresistible Chocolate Yule Log 467g
Score: 77/100
For something less intensely sweet, Co-op's classic yule log is a great choice. Creamy milk chocolate and subtle hazelnut notes reminded one tester of Nutella, while the soft sponge, creamy ganache and crisp chocolate coating provide plenty of textural contrast. Simple, well-balanced, and sure to please the whole family.
Available 2 December 2026
Waitrose No.1 Triple Chocolate Yule Log 900g
Waitrose No.1 Triple Chocolate Yule Log 900g
Score: 76/100
Waitrose's triple chocolate yule log wowed with its luxurious texture, combining light, fluffy sponge with airy cream and a rich, patisserie-style chocolate mousse. Indulgent without being overly sweet, this is a sophisticated supermarket buy for the Christmas table.
Available TBC
Lidl Deluxe Belgian Chocolate Yule Log 435g
Lidl Deluxe Belgian Chocolate Yule Log 435g
Score: 74/100
Simple and not overly rich, this supermarket sponge benefits from a layer of smooth creamy ganache and thick chocolate coating. A great-value addition to the festive spread.
Available TBC
Exceptional by ASDA Black Forest Yule Log 806g
Exceptional by ASDA Black Forest Yule Log 806g
Score: 72/100
ASDA brings the flavours of a traditional Black Forest gateau to its yule log, combining sweet cherry and rich chocolate with airy whipped cream, springy sponge and a generous chocolate coating. A fun, fruity twist on tradition for cherry and chocolate lovers.
Available 22 October 2026
Morrisons The Best Chocolate Fudge Yule Log 440g
Morrisons The Best Chocolate Fudge Yule Log 440g
Score: 70/100
Morrisons keep things classic with its chocolate yule log. Testers particularly enjoyed the rich, creamy icing, with one praising its ‘really lovely simple chocolate flavour’. The sponge was a little dry in places, but a creamy filling and generous chocolate coating add welcome indulgence.
More festive sweet treats
Want more options for your dessert trolley? We've also tested these festive treats:
Stacey looks after all food and drink reviews — from coffee pods and veg boxes, to natural wine and tequila. Stacey is also founder of Crummbs, where she’s written nearly 2,000 restaurant and hotel reviews since 2013. Prior to this, Stacey wrote hundreds of in-depth buying guides for the Independent, i newspaper and BBC Good Food, as well as reviewing restaurants and interviewing celebrities in her column at Balance Magazine. Stacey has also appeared in BAFTA-nominated BBC documentary Blood, Sweat & Takeaways, where she investigated South East Asia's food production industry, appearing on both Newsnight and BBC World Service to share her findings. Regularly checking out the latest restaurants, bars and product launches, Stacey also loves experimenting with recipes at home, and is a WSET-certified wine and spirits expert, with over 10 years of experience in the business. You can follow Stacey on Instagram @crummbs_uk
Joanna Anastasiou is our Food and Drinks Tester, and has completed certifications in Sensory Foundation and WSET Wine Level 2 training. Prior to this she studied geography with conservation biology at the University of Exeter and trained at Ballymaloe Cookery School in Ireland. Through this she has developed a passion for sustainability within the food and agricultural sectors. Joanna also volunteers in kitchens with FoodCycle, as well as on multiple wildlife conservation projects, where she formed a particular love for bees!
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