Easy Chocolate Hazelnut Cake Recipe: A Dreamy Dessert Delight

Sweet aromas of rich chocolate and nutty hazelnut swirl through this decadent chocolate hazelnut cake recipe, promising an indulgent dessert that melts hearts.

Layers of moist chocolate sponge blend seamlessly with creamy hazelnut frosting, creating a dessert that feels like pure luxury.

Each slice tells a story of careful crafting and delightful flavors.

The combination of deep cocoa and toasted hazelnuts delivers an irresistible harmony that dance on your palate.

Delicate yet robust, this cake transforms an ordinary moment into a celebration of pure deliciousness.

Prepare to be transported by a dessert that balances complexity with comforting familiarity.

Bakers and chocolate enthusiasts will find pure joy in every single bite.

Chocolate Hazelnut Cake That Always Impresses Guests

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What You’ll Need for Chocolate Hazelnut Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure to the cake's delicate texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the cake.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide moisture to the cake.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create a soft, tender cake texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake remains moist and tender.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, classic flavor to the cake.
• Boiling Water: Helps bloom the cocoa powder and create a smooth batter.

• Unsalted Butter: The creamy base for the frosting that provides rich flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet frosting consistency.
• Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: Adds signature flavor and creates a decadent chocolate drip.
• Heavy Cream: Helps achieve a smooth, spreadable frosting.
• Ferrero Rocher Candies, Chopped Hazelnuts: Provide a beautiful and delicious decorative finish.

Instructions to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Cake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to 350F. Grab two 8-inch round cake pans and give them a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray.

Line the bottom of each pan with parchment paper for easy cake removal.

Step 2: Create Chocolate Magic Batter

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt

Crack in the eggs, pour buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.

Mix everything until smooth. Slowly add boiling water and stir until the batter looks silky.

Divide the batter equally between the two pans.

Step 3: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pans into the preheated oven.

Bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 4: Whip Up Dreamy Frosting

Beat softened butter until creamy.

Gradually mix in powdered sugar. Add chocolate hazelnut spread, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.

Pour in heavy cream and blend until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.

Step 5: Layer And Assemble

Place first cake layer on a serving plate.

Spread a thin frosting layer. Drizzle chocolate hazelnut spread.

Add second cake layer and repeat. Cover entire cake with a thin crumb coat.

Chill for 30 minutes.

Step 6: Final Frosting Flourish

Cover the chilled cake completely with remaining frosting.

Smooth sides and top. Return to refrigerator for additional chilling.

Step 7: Create Chocolate Waterfall

Melt extra chocolate hazelnut spread in microwave. Carefully pour around cake edges, letting it drip dramatically down the sides.

Use spatula to smooth top.

Step 8: Add Stunning Decorations

Pipe elegant frosting swirls on top.

Garnish with Ferrero Rocher candies and sprinkle chopped hazelnuts for a gorgeous finish.

Step 9: Slice And Savor

Cut into this decadent masterpiece and enjoy every delicious bite of your homemade chocolate hazelnut cake!

Notes for a Great Chocolate Hazelnut Cake

• No buttermilk? Mix regular milk with a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes to create a perfect buttermilk substitute.
• Add boiling water gradually to create a super moist cake texture that prevents dry or dense results.
• Allow cake layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure clean, professional-looking decorations.
• Use an offset spatula or bench scraper to create smooth, even frosting layers without crumbs mixing into the final coat.
• Refrigerate cake between frosting stages to help stabilize layers and create a more structured, professional-looking dessert.

Chocolate Hazelnut Cake Styles to Explore

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Hazelnut Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Cake: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free butter alternative, swap buttermilk with almond milk, and choose plant-based chocolate hazelnut spread.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Hazelnut Cake: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, incorporate sugar-free chocolate hazelnut spread, and reduce overall sweetness while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Nut-Free Version: Eliminate hazelnuts completely, use sunflower seed spread as replacement, and swap Ferrero Rocher with chocolate chips for similar texture and decorative element.

Foods and Drinks With Chocolate Hazelnut Cake

• Pair with Rich Espresso: Complement the cake's intense chocolate and hazelnut flavors with a bold, freshly brewed espresso that cuts through the sweetness and enhances the dessert's depth.
• Serve with Hazelnut Liqueur: Elevate the cake experience by offering a small glass of Frangelico, a smooth hazelnut liqueur that perfectly mirrors the cake's nutty undertones and creates a luxurious dessert moment.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Add a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cake slice, creating a delightful temperature and flavor contrast that brightens the rich chocolate and hazelnut notes.

Storing Chocolate Hazelnut Cake for Later Enjoyment

• Store cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or cake dome to prevent drying out.
• Wrap completely cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Individually wrap cake slices in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying.
• Keep cake covered at cool room temperature for 1-2 days if consuming quickly. Avoid direct sunlight or warm areas to maintain freshness.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients that make this cake moist?

The secret is buttermilk, vegetable oil, and boiling water. These ingredients help create a tender, soft texture that keeps the cake incredibly moist and delicious.

• How difficult is this cake to make for a beginner baker?

This cake is beginner-friendly. The recipe uses simple mixing techniques and common baking tools. As long as you follow the steps carefully and measure ingredients accurately, you can successfully create this impressive chocolate hazelnut cake.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have exactly what the recipe calls for?

Yes! You can replace buttermilk with milk mixed with vinegar, use different chocolate spreads like Nutella, and swap vegetable oil with canola oil. Just maintain similar proportions to ensure the cake’s texture remains consistent.

Chocolate Hazelnut Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent chocolate hazelnut cake brings European elegance to dessert tables with rich layers of nutty intensity. Smooth ganache and delicate hazelnut crumble create a luxurious experience you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) flour
• 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) sugar
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) cocoa powder
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) boiling water

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting and Decoration Ingredients:

• 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (480 grams) powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup (150 grams) chocolate hazelnut spread (e.g., Nutella)
• 1/2 cup (150 grams) chocolate hazelnut spread (for filling)
• 2–3 tablespoons (30–45 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Ferrero Rocher candies (for decoration)
• Chopped hazelnuts (for decoration)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat two 8-inch round cake pans with nonstick spray and line bottoms with parchment paper.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Incorporate wet ingredients: eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
4. Gradually pour boiling water into batter, stirring until smooth and uniform in consistency.
5. Evenly distribute batter between prepared cake pans.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
8. Whip softened butter until creamy in a large mixing bowl.
9. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated.
10. Blend in chocolate hazelnut spread, vanilla extract, and salt.
11. Slowly mix in heavy cream until frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable texture.
12. Position first cake layer on a serving platter.
13. Apply a thin frosting layer, then drizzle chocolate hazelnut spread over top.
14. Carefully place second cake layer and repeat frosting and spread process.
15. Add final cake layer and apply a crumb coat.
16. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set the initial frosting layer.
17. Cover entire cake with remaining frosting, smoothing sides and top.
18. Return cake to refrigerator for additional chilling.
19. Microwave additional chocolate hazelnut spread until melted.
20. Carefully pour melted spread around cake edges, allowing elegant drips to form.
21. Smooth top with a spatula for a polished appearance.
22. Pipe decorative frosting swirls on top of cake.
23. Garnish with Ferrero Rocher candies and chopped hazelnuts.
24. Slice and serve the decadent chocolate hazelnut cake.

Notes

• Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and smoother batter texture.
• Replace buttermilk with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar for vegan version.
• Toast hazelnuts before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to the cake decoration.
• Use gluten-free flour blend to make the cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 511 kcal
• Sugar: 45 g
• Sodium: 172 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 59 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 43 mg