Chocolate Hazelnut Cake

Chocolate Hazelnut Cake is the ultimate dessert for anyone who craves a decadent treat with the perfect balance of rich chocolate and nutty hazelnuts. This indulgent cake features moist chocolate layers that are complemented by a creamy, smooth hazelnut frosting. Whether it’s for a special occasion, a holiday feast, or just a personal indulgence, this cake is bound to impress with its luxurious flavor and impressive appearance.

The cake’s dark chocolate flavor is perfectly balanced with the nutty undertones of the hazelnut, making every bite a deliciously unique experience. With its melt-in-your-mouth frosting and delicate layers, it’s the kind of cake that’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. It’s simple to prepare but looks sophisticated enough to serve at a dinner party or family gathering. The addition of chopped toasted hazelnuts on top further enhances the flavor, adding texture and crunch to the cake. Whether served as a showstopper on a birthday cake table or enjoyed with a cup of coffee, this cake will be a hit with anyone who loves chocolate and hazelnuts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Decadent

With both cocoa powder and melted chocolate in the cake, it delivers a deep, satisfying chocolate flavor that chocolate lovers will adore.

2. Smooth Hazelnut Frosting

The hazelnut spread-based frosting is creamy, sweet, and perfectly complements the chocolate layers, creating a beautiful harmony of flavors.

3. Elegant and Impressive

This cake looks stunning with its smooth frosting and decorative hazelnut topping, making it ideal for serving at special occasions or celebrations.

4. Easy to Make

Despite its luxurious flavor, this cake comes together easily with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.

5. Perfect Texture Combination

The light, fluffy cake layers combined with the creamy frosting and crunchy hazelnuts provide a delightful mix of textures in every bite.

Ingredients

For the cake:

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Eggs
• Milk
• Vegetable oil
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Semi-sweet chocolate, melted
• Hot water

For the hazelnut frosting:

• Butter, softened
• Powdered sugar
• Hazelnut spread (like Nutella)
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract

For garnish:

• Chopped hazelnuts, toasted

Variations

• Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Cake: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter. Use a vegan hazelnut spread to make the frosting vegan-friendly.
• Hazelnut Ganache Topping: Top the cake with a luscious hazelnut ganache for a richer, more indulgent flavor.
• Mocha Hazelnut Cake: Add a tablespoon of instant coffee granules to the hot water in the cake batter for a mocha twist that pairs perfectly with the hazelnuts.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version of this cake.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate mixing bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Stir in the melted semi-sweet chocolate until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined. Add the hot water to the batter and stir until smooth. The batter will be thin, which is normal.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare the Hazelnut Frosting

While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. Beat the softened butter with powdered sugar and hazelnut spread until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of hazelnut frosting over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.

Step 8: Garnish

Sprinkle toasted chopped hazelnuts over the top and sides of the cake for added crunch and flavor.

Step 9: Serve

Allow the cake to sit for a few minutes for the frosting to set. Slice and serve!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Cool the Cake Layers: Make sure to let the cake layers cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting or sliding off.
• Toast Hazelnuts for Extra Flavor: Toast the chopped hazelnuts in a dry skillet or the oven to bring out their flavor before adding them as a garnish.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, ensure that the butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before mixing.
• Do Not Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the cake batter can result in dense cake layers. Mix until just combined for light, airy layers.
• Make the Cake in Advance: If you’re making the cake ahead of time, store the layers wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for 1-2 days or refrigerate them for longer storage.

How to Serve

Chocolate Hazelnut Cake is perfect as a standalone dessert or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine. For an extra touch, drizzle some chocolate ganache over the cake before serving or add a few fresh berries on the side for added color and freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate the cake, which will keep for up to 5 days. Let the cake come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Freezing

To freeze the cake, wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw the cake in the fridge overnight before frosting and serving.

Reheating

Since this is a cold cake, there’s no need to reheat it. However, if you prefer to serve it slightly warm, you can microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different nut instead of hazelnuts?

Yes, you can substitute hazelnuts with other nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans, though the flavor profile will change.

2. Can I make the frosting without hazelnut spread?

If you don’t have hazelnut spread, you can use a plain chocolate frosting or a buttercream frosting, but it won’t have the same flavor as the hazelnut frosting.

3. Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet, but it will result in a sweeter cake. Adjust the sugar if needed.

4. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free.

5. Can I freeze the frosting?

While it’s best to frost the cake fresh, you can freeze the frosting in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to thaw and rewhip before using.

6. Can I make this cake without eggs?

You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg) to make the cake vegan-friendly.

7. How do I make the frosting thicker or thinner?

To thicken the frosting, add more powdered sugar; to thin it out, add a little more heavy cream until you reach the desired consistency.

8. Can I use store-bought hazelnut spread?

Yes, store-bought hazelnut spreads like Nutella work perfectly for the frosting and will save you time.

9. Can I make the cake in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers in advance and store them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for 1-2 days before frosting.

10. What can I serve with Chocolate Hazelnut Cake?

Serve it with vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, or whipped cream for an extra special touch.

Conclusion

Chocolate Hazelnut Cake is a luxurious and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The rich chocolate cake combined with creamy hazelnut frosting and a crunchy hazelnut topping makes it a dessert that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who tries it. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just looking for a delicious treat, this cake is sure to become a new favorite. Easy to make, elegant in presentation, and full of delightful flavors, this cake is guaranteed to impress.

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