Why the Tronco de Navidad is the Best Christmas Dessert in Costa del Sol
Let me tell you, spending Christmas in Costa del Sol as a Scandinavian has been a wild (and delicious) ride. Back home in Sweden, we have lussekatter, gingerbread cookies, and the mandatory bowl of rice pudding to find that hidden almond. But here in Spain? Christmas treats hit differently. And my absolute favorite discovery? The Tronco de Navidad!
For the uninitiated, the Tronco de Navidad is Spain’s take on the Yule log cake, a tradition that originally comes from France (bûche de Noël). The story goes that it was inspired by the old custom of burning a giant log in the fireplace during Christmas — a symbol of warmth, light, and protection for the family. At some point, someone had the brilliant idea to turn that into dessert. (Because why burn a log when you can eat one?)
But in true Spanish fashion, this isn’t just a dessert — it’s a holiday statement. Mercadona’s version is everything I could want: fluffy chocolate sponge cake rolled with creamy filling, covered in rich chocolate icing, and topped with adorable holiday decorations like candy canes, sprinkles, and little Christmas trees. I mean, look at it — it’s basically Christmas in edible form!
How does it compare to other Spanish holiday sweets?
Let me tell you, Andalusia has a lot of competition in the Christmas dessert game. There’s polvorones, those crumbly almond cookies that feel like a hug in your mouth, and mantecados, their buttery cousins. Let’s not forget the towering roscón de reyes, the Three Kings cake that’s as much a game (find the hidden figurine!) as it is a treat. But while I enjoy all of these, they can feel a bit… dense? Heavy? The Tronco de Navidad, on the other hand, is light, creamy, and just the right level of indulgent.
Is Mercadona’s version the best?
That’s a hot debate here in Spain. Some will argue that homemade troncos are unbeatable, and I get that — there’s something special about baking your own log and adding your personal touch. Others swear by high-end patisseries, where the Troncos de Navidad look like literal works of art (and cost as much as a fancy dinner out). But for me, Mercadona’s hits the sweet spot. It’s affordable (6.5 eur!), delicious, and you don’t need to spend hours baking and worrying about the result. Plus, it’s always consistent — I’ve never had a disappointing bite.
What I love most about the Tronco de Navidad is how it blends into my holiday traditions here in Costa del Sol. Even though there’s no snow and the sun is shining, slicing into this chocolatey log gives me that cozy Christmas feeling I used to get back home. It’s become a symbol of my life here — a mix of Swedish nostalgia and Spanish flair.
So, whether you’re new to Costa del Sol or you’ve been here forever, I highly recommend grabbing a Tronco de Navidad this holiday season. Mercadona’s is a great start, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try a fancy bakery version — or better yet, bake your own. Just don’t skip it. It’s a little piece of Christmas magic that brings people together, no matter where you’re from.
What about you?
Do you stick with Andalusian classics like polvorones, or are you team Tronco de Navidad like me? Let me know, and in the meantime, ¡Felices Fiestas! Pass me another slice!
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