What makes a perfect dessert combination – is it the richness of chocolate paired with the depth of hazelnut. This homemade chocolate hazelnut cake is a quick and easy showstopper featuring melted chocolate and toasted hazelnuts, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, save this idea for your next family gathering.

Chocolate Hazelnut Cake

Introduction

Indulge in the rich flavors of chocolate and hazelnut with this decadent cake recipe, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth. What makes this chocolate hazelnut cake stand out is not just its moist, velvety texture and deep, satisfying flavors, but also how accessible it is to make. Using everyday ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a masterpiece that’s sure to impress family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is a must-try for its ease, flavor, and the creativity it allows with various toppings and decorations.

Why This Works

• The balance of flavors between the chocolate and hazelnut is perfectly nuanced, offering a depth that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
• The ingredients are readily available in most supermarkets, making this a practical choice for a special occasion or a spontaneous dessert craving.
• Despite its impressive presentation and complex flavors, the cake is surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort for the stunning results it yields.

Key Ingredients

To make this chocolate hazelnut cake, you’ll need a few key ingredients. First, high-quality dark chocolate provides the base flavor, paired with hazelnuts for added depth and texture. All-purpose flour, sugar, eggs, and butter form the cake’s structure, while hazelnut spread and chocolate chips enhance the flavor. For those looking for substitutions, almond flour can be used for a gluten-free option, and different types of chocolate can be experimented with for varying flavor profiles. Hazelnuts can also be substituted with almonds or walnuts, though this will slightly alter the cake’s characteristic flavor.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your cake pans by greasing them with butter and dusting with flour. Chop the hazelnuts and melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, whisk the eggs with the melted butter and hazelnut spread until well combined. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Fold in the melted chocolate and chopped hazelnuts.
3. Step 3: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Step 4: Once the cakes are cool, you can frost them with a chocolate hazelnut buttercream made by whipping together butter, hazelnut spread, powdered sugar, and melted chocolate. Assemble the cake by placing one layer on a serving plate and topping with a generous amount of frosting, then repeating with the second layer. Decorate as desired with additional hazelnuts or chocolate shavings.

Handy Tips

• Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results, especially the eggs and butter, as this will help the cake mix to a smooth, even consistency.
• Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can lead to a dense cake. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are combined.
• For an intense chocolate experience, use a high-quality dark chocolate with a high cocoa content.

Heat Control

When baking the cake, it’s crucial to maintain the oven at a consistent temperature. The ideal temperature is 350°F (175°C), and the cakes should bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The top of the cake should also be set and perhaps slightly cracked.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this cake comes from the hazelnuts, which add a delightful texture contrast to the moist, soft cake. To enhance the crunch, you can toast the hazelnuts in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or until fragrant and lightly browned before chopping them. This step intensifies the hazelnut flavor and crunch.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To ensure the cakes release easily from the pans, make sure to grease them thoroughly and dust with flour. You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper for extra security.
• For a smooth frosting, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature, and whip the butter and hazelnut spread until light and fluffy before adding the powdered sugar and melted chocolate.
• Cleanup can be made easier by preparing all your ingredients and tools before starting, and washing utensils and bowls as you go, especially before the chocolate hardens.

Storage Tips

• The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. For longer storage, it can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months. When freezing, it’s best to freeze the cake layers separately before frosting and assembling.
• Reheating can be done by letting the cake come to room temperature or by warming it gently in the microwave or oven. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can cause the chocolate to melt unevenly.
• Best containers for storing the cake are airtight containers to keep the cake fresh and prevent it from drying out.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This chocolate hazelnut cake makes a wonderful gift for friends, family, or coworkers. Consider packaging the cake in a beautiful cake box or wrapping it elegantly in cellophane and decorating with a ribbon. For a more rustic look, you can place the cake on a wooden board or a decorative plate and wrap with parchment paper or a linen cloth, tied with twine. Adding a handwritten note or a small bag of hazelnuts on the side can make the gift even more personal and special.

Flavor Variations

• Experiment with different spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to add unique twists to the cake’s flavor profile.
• Consider creative toppings such as caramel sauce, whipped cream, or fresh fruits to contrast with the richness of the chocolate and hazelnut.
• Ingredient swaps like using almond flour for a gluten-free version, or substituting hazelnuts with other nuts, can offer interesting variations without straying too far from the original recipe.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems like a dense cake can often be traced back to overmixing the batter. Ensure to mix wet and dry ingredients separately and fold them together gently.
• For ingredient replacements, always consider the flavor and texture the original ingredient brings to the cake. For example, replacing hazelnuts with almonds will change the flavor profile slightly.
• Signs of overcooking include a dry, crumbly texture and a darker color than expected. Undercooking can be identified by a soggy center or the cake not holding its shape well.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, the cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze the layers separately before frosting and assembling.
• Is it gluten-free? The original recipe includes gluten due to the all-purpose flour. However, you can make a gluten-free version by substituting the flour with a gluten-free alternative like almond flour.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger cake. Just ensure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as a larger cake will take longer to cook through.

Conclusion

Making a chocolate hazelnut cake is a rewarding experience that combines the pleasure of baking with the joy of sharing delicious food with others. With its accessible ingredients, straightforward instructions, and the potential for creative variations, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels. Whether you’re looking to impress at a dinner party, satisfy a sweet craving, or simply enjoy the process of creating something delicious, this cake is sure to become a favorite. So go ahead, get baking, and enjoy the delightful fusion of chocolate and hazelnut in every moist, decadent bite.