Are you craving a delicious dessert that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Then look no further! This choc hazelnut cake recipe is the perfect answer. Forget complicated baking techniques and long ingredient lists; this recipe is surprisingly simple, yet the result is a rich, moist cake bursting with the irresistible combination of chocolate and hazelnut. It's the perfect homemade treat for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dessert to a special celebration. This easy recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike! Prepare to be amazed by how effortlessly you can create this delicious dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee
- ½ cup hazelnut spread (like Nutella)
- ½ cup chopped hazelnuts, for topping
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your cake bakes evenly and releases easily.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents for a light and fluffy cake.
Combining the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving on to the next step.
Bringing it Together:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Adding the Coffee and Hazelnut Spread:
- Gradually stir in the hot coffee. The coffee adds moisture and intensifies the chocolate flavor. Then, gently fold in the hazelnut spread until it's evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Baking the Cake:
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the chopped hazelnuts over the top for added crunch and visual appeal.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Every oven is slightly different, so keep an eye on it and adjust baking time as needed.
Cooling and Serving:
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Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from sticking and ensures even cooling.
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Once cool, slice and serve. You can dust it with powdered sugar or serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat.
Tips for the Best Choc Hazelnut Cake:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and buttermilk helps create a smoother batter.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Freshly Brewed Coffee: Using freshly brewed hot coffee enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality cocoa powder and hazelnut spread makes a difference in the overall taste.
Variations:
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Different Nuts: Substitute pecans or walnuts for hazelnuts.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Top with a creamy cream cheese frosting for an even richer dessert.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 (depending on serving size and ingredients used)
- Fat: Approximately 18-22g
- Protein: Approximately 4-6g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 45-55g
This choc hazelnut cake recipe is a perfect example of how easy and delicious homemade cooking can be. It's a delightful treat for any occasion, and the wonderful aroma while it's baking will surely entice everyone in your home! Enjoy!