Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Cake Recipe

Introduction

Indulge in the rich flavors of chocolate and hazelnut with this decadent cake recipe that’s surprisingly easy to make and requires everyday ingredients. The combination of moist chocolate cake, crunchy hazelnuts, and a velvety chocolate ganache will satisfy any chocolate craving. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or as a treat to brighten up a regular day. With its impressive appearance and irresistible taste, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Why This Works

• The balance of flavors between the deep, dark chocolate and the nutty, slightly sweet hazelnuts creates a truly decadent experience.
• The ease of preparation makes this cake accessible to bakers of all skill levels, requiring minimal special equipment or ingredients.
• The impressive results, with its layered cake and rich ganache, belie the relatively minimal effort required, making it perfect for entertaining or special occasions.

Ingredients

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup hazelnuts, chopped
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Cake – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, combine cocoa powder and milk. Stir until smooth, then add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
2. Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the cocoa mixture, whisking until just combined. Fold in the chopped hazelnuts.
3. Step 3: Bake the Cakes – Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache – In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate chips. Remove from heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking until smooth and glossy.
5. Step 5: Assemble the Cake – Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of ganache on top. Repeat with the remaining two cake layers, creating a stacked effect. Frost the outside of the cake with the remaining ganache.

Handy Tips

• To ensure the cake is moist, don’t overmix the batter, and make sure to not overbake.
• For an intense chocolate experience, use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips.
• Hazelnuts can be toasted in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned, to enhance their flavor.

Heat Control

When baking the cakes, it’s crucial to maintain the oven at a consistent 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking. The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean. For the ganache, melt the chocolate over low heat to prevent burning, and whisk constantly when adding the cream to achieve a smooth texture.

Crunch Factor

The crunch in this recipe comes from the chopped hazelnuts added to the cake batter and potentially used as a topping. To enhance the crunch, you can toast the hazelnuts before chopping them. The texture contrast between the moist cake, crunchy hazelnuts, and smooth ganache is part of what makes this dessert so appealing.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To prevent the cakes from sticking to the pans, make sure to grease and flour them adequately before adding the batter.
• For a professional finish, chill the assembled cake in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving to set the ganache.
• Consider using a turntable to display the cake, making it easier to serve and adding to the presentation.

Storage Tips

• The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• For longer storage, the cake 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 and ganache separately, then assemble when ready to serve.
• When reheating, let the cake come to room temperature, or gently warm it in the microwave or oven.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This decadent chocolate hazelnut cake makes a wonderful gift for any chocolate lover. Consider packaging it in a decorative cake box or on a cake stand, wrapped with a ribbon and a gift card. For a more rustic look, you could use a wooden crate or a vintage suitcase, lined with parchment paper and decorated with fresh flowers or greenery.

Flavor Variations

• Espresso Powder: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the cake batter for a mocha flavor twist.
• Raspberry or Strawberry: Top the cake with fresh raspberries or strawberries for a fruity and chocolatey combination.
• Orange or Lemon Zest: Incorporate the zest of an orange or lemon into the cake batter or ganache for a citrusy note.

Troubleshooting

• Texture Issues: If the cake turns out too dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter. If it’s too dry, it could be overbaked.
• Ingredient Substitutions: While it’s best to stick to the recipe for optimal results, you can substitute whole milk with a non-dairy milk alternative and eggs with flax eggs for a vegan version.
• Over/Undercooking: Keep an eye on the cakes while they’re baking, and check them frequently towards the end of the baking time to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

• Can I freeze the cake? Yes, you can freeze the cake layers and ganache separately for up to 2 months.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? No, this recipe contains all-purpose flour and is not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour mixes as a substitute.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger cake. Just ensure you have enough pans and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

This decadent chocolate hazelnut cake recipe is a game-changer for anyone with a sweet tooth. With its rich, velvety chocolate and crunchy hazelnuts, it’s perfect for special occasions or as a treat any time of the year. Don’t be intimidated by the layers and ganache; with these steps and tips, you’ll be enjoying your very own decadent cake in no time. Feel free to experiment with the flavor variations and share your creations with friends and family. Happy baking!