Paris-Brest Pistachio and Orange Blossom Yule Log by Nour Kandler at Lalla Coffee

You've already heard of Nour Kandler, the self-taught talented pastry chef who delights us with her stunning and mouthwatering creations. Having turned to pastry during the lockdown in London, she developed an impressive skill set that shines through in every piece she crafts. Based in La Garenne-Colombes, she works out of her studio where everything is homemade— from the creams to the pralines. For this Christmas 2025, she has set up shop at Lalla Coffee in the 12th arrondissement of Paris, unveiling a yule log infused with the flavors of Iranian pistachio and orange blossom.

We’ve tried it and fallen in love with this festive highlight for the holiday season. This Paris-Brest pistachio and orange blossom yule log features a pistachio and orange blossom diplomat cream, a choux pastry filled with a pistachio praline center, a moist pistachio sponge, a crunchy pistachio feuilletine crisp, and a light whipped cream infused with orange blossom. Every bite takes you on a journey through a decadent, refined flavor combination where pistachio truly shines, perfectly complemented by the subtle floral hint of orange blossom.

We particularly love this crisp element, which is light and delicate, paired perfectly with whipped cream that complements without overpowering. It's a genuine pastry experience—firm, with a satisfying texture that stands in contrast to the overly airy yule logs sometimes seen. The pistachio used isn’t just any variety. Nour Kandler exclusively sources Iranean pistachios, renowned for their authentic, intense flavor. This attention to quality ingredients truly sets her creations apart and defines her craftsmanship.

This dessert delivers an authentic pistachio flavor that truly stands out, far from the bland or overly sweet versions found elsewhere. The orange blossom, on the other hand, adds just the right touch of floral sweetness without overpowering the overall profile. It’s a perfectly balanced concoction, one that’s rarely encountered. Hand-piped with care, it makes all the difference, lending a finesse that industrial productions simply can't match. This exclusive collaboration between Nour Kandler and Lalla Coffee gives us a rare glimpse into one of the pâtissière’s creations, typically available by order only from her workshop in La Garenne-Colombes. Her personal pastry universe, subtle and textured, shines through in her delicate entremets, flavorful tarts, and her addictive homemade Paris-Brest filled with praline.

Available for pre-order, you can pick up your yule log directly at Lalla Coffee, located at 72 Crozatier Street in the 12th arrondissement of Paris, open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Another pickup point is also available at Lalla Coffee Ivry, 3 Galilée Street (94200), open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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If you're looking for an alternative, Nour Kandler also offers a delectable Tropical Yule Log that we've had the pleasure of tasting and truly recommend. This version features a passion fruit creaminess, a mango, vanilla, and lime confit with fresh passion fruit and mango, along with a coconut and lime sponge cake, coconut vanilla rice pudding, crispy coconut and vanilla praline, and a light vanilla whipped cream. We love the vibrant burst of passion fruit flavor that energizes the palate. Entirely refreshing, this yule log is the perfect way to end a hearty meal. The rice pudding adds a sweet touch without feeling heavy, making it an ideal dessert for the festive table.

This Yule log is designed for discerning gourmets. If you're after a truly homemade Christmas cake that's perfectly balanced in sweetness and won't weigh you down at the end of the meal, this should be just what you're looking for. Of course, it comes with a higher price tag, but rest assured, it's crafted from quality ingredients and not mass-produced in a factory.

Pricing-wise, these Christmas logs are available for €65 for six slices. A fair price for handcrafted treats where everything is made in-house, from the creams to the pralines. Pre-orders for the Paris-Brest pistachio log are now open and can be placed directly on Lalla Coffee. Pickup is available from December 15th through December 31st, 2025 (and until January 1st, 2026, directly at Nour Kandler). For the tropical log, orders must be placed at least three days in advance on Nour Kandler's website for pickup in La-Garenne-Colombes or with a small surcharge at Saint-Lazare.

In short, if you're on the hunt for a festive treat that breaks the mold this holiday season, consider the handcrafted desserts by Nour Kandler. Whether it's the unique Paris-Brest with pistachio at Lalla Coffee or the tropical-inspired creations available directly on her website, we highly recommend them. They're truly worth the indulgence.