A sugary epi-log-ue

Traditional chocolate yule logs are hard to beat when it comes to Christmas cakes, but these establishments are making a case with their innovative alternatives to the timeless classic.

Carlton Hotel Singapore's new Chocolate Pink Peppercorn Log Cake ($63) is not to be missed. Pineapple and mango are melded within layers of decadent chocolate, before the cake is finished with piquant pink peppercorn for an extra kick of flavour. Health-conscious individuals can opt for the Black Forest Log Cake ($68); it is alcohol-free and contains 30 percent less sugar. 76 Bras Basah Road. Tel: 6349 1292

The Capitol Kempinski Hotel marks their Christmas debut in Singapore with delicious takeaways from their flagship restaurant, 15 Stamford by Alvin Leung. Try the Madagascar Vanilla Mousse Cake ($62). Sweet-tangy raspberry custard is nestled within the white log which is layered with mixed berry jelly and decorated with festive accoutrements. 15 Stamford Road. Tel: 6368 8888

InterContinental Singapore unveils several sweet treats. For log cakes ($78), go for the Letter to Santa for a berry-licious combination of strawberry cheese mousse, lingonberry confit, blueberry génoise and blackberry custard; or the classic White Christmas, filled with festive cinnamon apple compote and a cinnamon crémeux. Looking for an alternative to log cakes? The similarly festive Santa’s Carousel Fruit Cake ($88) is a worthy substitute. The intricate rendition of a Christmas classic features rum and brandy-infused candied fruits, and is accompanied by chocolate reindeer and Santa Claus. Level 1, 80 Middle Road. Tel: 6825 1132

Pan Pacific Singapore’s Pacific Marketplace is releasing three new flavours ($70). The Jivara Milk Chocolate Pear William and Caramel Nut Log Cake is a winning combination; the caramelised hazelnut outer coating is a strong base for the delicately sweet pear curd and cubes within. Alternatively, go for the decadent Mao Shan Wang Log Cake with Gula Melaka, or the tangy and refreshing Coconut Mango Calamansi Log Cake. Level 1, 7 Raffles Boulevard. Tel: 6826 8240

Goodwood Park Hotel is sure to satisfy the inner child in you with their new pastel-coloured Christmas dessert takeaways. The Crystal Glacier Log Cake ($82) is a veritable pastel winter wonderland, adorned with chocolate shards and edible crystals. The base of milk chocolate hazelnut fudge is layered with apple mousse, lingonberries and mascarpone. For another fantasy delight, the Whimsical Fairy Cake ($65) boasts fairy and butterfly decorations, topped with a collection of lolly candy wands. Fans of the King of Fruit will be delighted to know that Goodwood Park’s signature Mao Shan Wang Log Cake ($78) has returned this festive season. Lobby Level, 22 Scotts Road. Tel: 6730 1867

Four Seasons Hotel Singapore debuts a new Coconut Mousse with Calypso Mango Yule Log ($88). The Australian varietal of mango boasts fibre-free flesh, and makes for a wonderfully smooth layer of mango to enhance the light coconut mousse. Lobby Level, 190 Orchard Boulevard. Tel: 6831 7253

We love Sofitel Singapore City Centre’s Paris-inspired log cakes. The Champs-Elysées ($72) mirrors the snow-covered street during Christmas time; blueberry compote, vanilla crème and coconut dacquoise are covered in a ivory chocolate and yuzu-infused mascarpone ‘snow’. The Avenue Montaigne ($72), pays tribute to the bustling fashion district of its namesake. 70 percent Valrhona Guanaja crème brûlée, citron confit and flourless sponge cake are stacked on a base of hazelnut feuilletine, and held together by a stylish ‘leather’ belt buckle. Festive Booth, Level 5, 9 Wallich Street. Tel: 6428 5000

The Shophouse at Shangri-La Hotel Singapore offers a slew of festive cakes and treats, including four different log cake flavours. These include the all-time favourite Grandma 66% Yule Log Cake ($72), a hearty Coffee and Baileys Log Cake ($72), and the refreshing Chestnut and Yuzu Log Cake ($75). Their newest creation? A Cocoa Bean Strawberry Log Cake ($75) of génoise sponge, strawberry juice, and strawberry crémeux, finished with a Christmas red glaze. For the ultimate ornament to your Christmas dessert table, there is the limited edition Christmas Signature Carousel Cake ($298). The intricately designed French spice cake, which mixes orange marmalade and jivara bavaroise, comes decked in handcrafted fondant and chocolate festive characters. Lobby Level, Tower Wing, 22 Orange Grove Road. Tel: 6213 4511

TWG Tea is also offering festive log cakes, alongside their loose leaf Magic Christmas Tea blend ($78/100g). The log cakes ($76) come in two versions: Vanilla Mousse and Chocolate Mousse. The former is imbued with tropical fruit confit, vanilla crémeux, white chocolate crisp and an almond streusel and sponge base; the latter has raspberry confit, hazelnut Chantilly, and almond hazelnut crisp instead. These cakes are best enjoyed as individual portions ($9.50) at all TWG Tea salons & boutiques, Each Vanilla slice is served with a scoop of Vanilla Bourbon Tea ice cream, and 1937 Black Tea Sorbet with the chocolate version. Available at all TWG stores, or online at TWGTea.com.

Conrad Centennial Singapore’s vibrantly coloured log cakes ($75) are great ways to cap off your Christmas dinner, especially the two non-chocolate flavours. Go local with the cloud-like Chendol Gula Melaka Yule Log; the coconut dacquoise based treat is filled with gula melaka mousse, chendol jelly and red beans. For a sleigh of a time, order the Briolette Pistachio with Lemon Mascarpone Yule Log. The Mediterranean-inspired cake consists of pistachio sponge, lemon mascarpone mousse and a deep purple glaze. Lobby Level, 2 Temasek Boulevard. Tel: 6432 7489