If you adore the irresistible combination of rich chocolate and crunchy nuts, you are in for a real treat with this Chocolate Hazelnut Cake with Nutella Frosting Recipe. This cake features a moist, tender crumb infused with deep cocoa flavors, generously studded with toasted hazelnuts, and finished with a luscious, creamy Nutella frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something sweet and comforting, this cake is guaranteed to become a beloved favorite that brings joy to every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chocolate Hazelnut Cake with Nutella Frosting Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and that stunning rich color that makes this cake so inviting.
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy but tender structure for the cake layers.
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just right, ensuring every bite is satisfyingly rich.
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds the deep chocolate flavor and beautiful dark color without excess sweetness.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise perfectly, giving it a light crumb.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to create the ideal texture and lift.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate notes.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness and moisture.
- 1 cup whole milk: Keeps the cake tender and moist while blending the flavors beautifully.
- ½ cup vegetable oil: Provides moistness and a soft crumb without heaviness.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, rounding out all the flavors.
- 1 cup boiling water: Intensifies the cocoa flavor and helps create a super moist batter.
- 1 cup hazelnuts, chopped: Bring delightful crunch and a toasty nuttiness that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
- 2 cups Nutella for frosting: The star of the frosting, delivering creamy, dreamy, hazelnut-chocolate decadence.
How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Cake with Nutella Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans thoroughly. This prevents sticking and helps your cakes come out cleanly, making the whole process smoother and more enjoyable.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until everything is well combined. This mix ensures your cake layers bake evenly and achieve that perfect texture.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients with the Dry
Add the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and pure vanilla extract to your dry ingredients. Mix them together gently but thoroughly until the batter is smooth and well blended. This step is crucial for ensuring a tender, moist cake.
Step 4: Stir in the Boiling Water
Carefully add the boiling water to the batter. Yes, the batter will be thin – that’s exactly what you want. The hot water helps magnify the cocoa’s flavor, making your cake incredibly chocolatey and moist.
Step 5: Fold in the Chopped Hazelnuts
Gently fold in the chopped hazelnuts to give the batter a lovely texture and that signature nutty surprise in each slice. Toasting your hazelnuts lightly beforehand adds even more depth, if you have the time.
Step 6: Bake the Cake Layers
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared cake pans. Pop them into the oven for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Patience here pays off with perfectly baked cakes.
Step 7: Cool and Frost Your Cake
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes to settle, then transfer them onto wire racks until completely cooled. Once cooled, generously spread Nutella frosting between the layers and over the top of the cake. For an extra touch, sprinkle with more chopped hazelnuts to make it even more inviting.
How to Serve Chocolate Hazelnut Cake with Nutella Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Chocolate Hazelnut Cake with Nutella Frosting Recipe, consider garnishing with whole toasted hazelnuts or a light dusting of cocoa powder. You could even add some chocolate shavings or fresh berries to add visual appeal and a complementary tartness.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to cut through the richness. For a cozy finish, a cup of strong coffee or an espresso perfectly complements the deep chocolate and Nutella flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, try slicing the cake into petite squares and arranging them on a platter with a drizzle of melted Nutella or chocolate sauce. You could also serve individual cake slices with a sprig of mint and a few hazelnuts for an elegant touch fitting for any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, store your cake covered at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness. If you prefer, keeping it in the refrigerator extends its life to about a week, though letting it come to room temperature before serving will bring back its wonderful texture.
Freezing
This Chocolate Hazelnut Cake with Nutella Frosting Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect against freezer burn. Frozen, it keeps well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
If you want to warm a slice up, simply let it sit at room temperature or heat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. This enhances the melty goodness of the Nutella frosting and makes the cake taste freshly made all over again.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of hazelnuts?
Absolutely! While hazelnuts are classic here, walnuts or pecans can be wonderful substitutes and offer a different but delicious crunch and flavor profile.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Not as is, since it calls for all-purpose flour. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking, but results may vary slightly in texture.
Can I make the Nutella frosting ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Nutella frosting a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Give it a good stir before frosting your cake to bring back the creamy consistency.
How do I prevent the cake from drying out?
Ensure you don’t overbake the cake; test with a toothpick near the minimum baking time. Also, frosting the cake soon after it cools helps lock in moisture, keeping every bite soft and delightful.
Can I use a different type of cocoa powder?
Feel free to use natural or Dutch-processed cocoa powder for this recipe. Keep in mind that Dutch-processed cocoa has a milder flavor and darker color, which may subtly change the cake’s taste and appearance.
Final Thoughts
Making this Chocolate Hazelnut Cake with Nutella Frosting Recipe is a joyful experience that rewards you with incredible flavor and texture. The rich chocolate cake combined with crunchy hazelnuts and that luscious Nutella frosting is simply pure happiness on a plate. I encourage you to bake it soon, share it with loved ones, and savor every delicious moment together.
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Chocolate Hazelnut Cake with Nutella Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Cake with Nutella Frosting is a moist and rich dessert perfect for any chocolate lover. With a blend of cocoa, chopped hazelnuts, and creamy Nutella frosting, it offers a delightful nutty and chocolaty flavor combination. Easy to make and impressive to serve, this cake is ideal for celebrations or a special treat.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup hazelnuts, chopped
Frosting:
- 2 cups Nutella
Instructions
- Prepare the pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Add wet ingredients: Add eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and evenly combined.
- Incorporate boiling water: Carefully stir in the boiling water. The batter will become thin, which is normal and helps achieve a moist cake texture.
- Fold in hazelnuts: Gently fold the chopped hazelnuts into the batter to evenly distribute the nuts throughout.
- Fill pans: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans, making sure the layers are balanced for even baking.
- Bake the cakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool the cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
- Frost the cake: Once the cakes are thoroughly cooled, spread Nutella evenly between the two layers and coat the top with the remaining frosting.
- Optional decoration: Decorate the cake with additional chopped hazelnuts on top for an elegant finish and extra crunch.
Notes
- Make sure the cakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent Nutella from melting.
- Using boiling water in the batter intensifies the chocolate flavor and keeps the cake moist.
- You can toast the hazelnuts lightly before chopping to enhance their flavor.
- If you want a less sweet frosting, try mixing Nutella with some cream cheese or whipped cream.
- Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
