Chocolate Hazelnut Cake Decadent
Highlighted under: Easy Baking Recipes
Indulge in the rich and luxurious flavors of this Chocolate Hazelnut Cake, perfect for any special occasion or as a delightful treat for yourself.
This Chocolate Hazelnut Cake is not just a dessert; it's an experience. With layers of moist chocolate sponge and rich hazelnut cream, it's a treat that will impress your family and friends.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh hazelnut essence
- Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
- Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence
The Allure of Chocolate and Hazelnuts
Chocolate and hazelnuts are a match made in dessert heaven. The rich, deep flavor of chocolate complements the nutty, earthy taste of hazelnuts perfectly, creating a symphony of flavors that tantalize the palate. The combination is not only delicious but also elevates any dessert to a gourmet level, making it ideal for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
When you take a bite of this Chocolate Hazelnut Cake, you're greeted with a luscious chocolate flavor that envelops your taste buds, while the hazelnut essence adds an unexpected twist. This delightful pairing makes every slice a moment to savor, ensuring that your guests will be talking about this cake long after the last crumb has disappeared.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you're celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or simply treating yourself, this Chocolate Hazelnut Cake is versatile enough to fit any occasion. Its rich flavors and beautiful presentation make it a standout dessert, while its creamy hazelnut frosting adds a touch of elegance that impresses guests.
You can easily customize this cake for various celebrations. For a festive touch, consider adding seasonal decorations, such as edible flowers or themed sprinkles. Regardless of the occasion, this cake will surely be the centerpiece of any dessert table, captivating both hearts and taste buds.
Tips for Baking Success
Baking this Chocolate Hazelnut Cake is a straightforward process, but a few tips can help ensure your success. First, always measure your ingredients accurately. Using a kitchen scale can provide the most precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar, leading to a perfectly textured cake.
Additionally, make sure to bring your eggs and buttermilk to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and allows for better incorporation of air, resulting in a lighter cake. Lastly, be attentive while baking; every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cakes to avoid over or under baking.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
For the Hazelnut Cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup hazelnut spread
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup crushed hazelnuts for garnish
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
Instructions
Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30 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 to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Hazelnut Cream
In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the hazelnut spread and vanilla extract until combined.
Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the hazelnut cream over the top. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining cream.
Serve and Enjoy
Slice the cake and serve it to your guests. Enjoy the rich, decadent flavors!
For an extra touch, drizzle with chocolate ganache before serving.
Storing Your Cake
To keep your Chocolate Hazelnut Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it, where it can last up to a week. Just ensure it's well-wrapped to prevent it from drying out.
If you're planning to make this cake in advance, you can freeze the layers before frosting. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature before frosting and serving.
Pairing Suggestions
To elevate your dessert experience, consider pairing this Chocolate Hazelnut Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creaminess balances the rich chocolate flavors and adds a delightful contrast in texture.
For beverage pairings, a robust cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine complements the cake beautifully. If you're serving this cake at a gathering, consider offering a selection of drinks that enhance the overall indulgent experience.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes, you can substitute hazelnuts with almonds or walnuts if preferred.
→ How should I store the cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
→ Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
→ Is it possible to freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake layers wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 2 months.
Chocolate Hazelnut Cake Decadent
Indulge in the rich and luxurious flavors of this Chocolate Hazelnut Cake, perfect for any special occasion or as a delightful treat for yourself.
Created by: Anna
Recipe Type: Easy Baking Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
For the Cake
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
For the Hazelnut Cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup hazelnut spread
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup crushed hazelnuts for garnish
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined. Carefully stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30 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 to a wire rack to cool completely.
In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the hazelnut spread and vanilla extract until combined.
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the hazelnut cream over the top. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining cream. Garnish with crushed hazelnuts.
Slice the cake and serve it to your guests. Enjoy the rich, decadent flavors!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g