Are you craving a deliciously rich and satisfying dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This Chocolate Hazelnut Cake recipe is your answer. Forget complicated baking techniques and lengthy ingredient lists – this recipe is perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros looking for a quick and impressive homemade treat. Get ready to indulge in a moist chocolate cake studded with crunchy hazelnuts, a perfect balance of textures and flavors. This recipe is a surefire hit for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to elegant celebrations.
Ingredients:
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For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup brewed hot coffee
- 1 cup hazelnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
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For the Chocolate Hazelnut Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup hazelnut spread (like Nutella)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. This ensures your cake layers will release easily and bake evenly.
Making the Cake Batter:
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry ingredient mix forms the base of your delicious cake.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Combining the wet ingredients separately helps create a smooth batter.
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Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Don't overmix – a few lumps are okay!
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Gradually add the hot coffee to the batter, mixing until smooth. The coffee enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully.
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Gently fold in the chopped hazelnuts. This adds a delightful textural contrast to the moist cake.
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Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
Baking the Cake:
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Always check for doneness to avoid overbaking.
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Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Frosting:
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In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy. This is crucial for a smooth and creamy frosting.
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Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with the milk, and beat until smooth and creamy.
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Stir in the hazelnut spread and vanilla extract. The hazelnut spread adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the chocolate perfectly.
Assembling the Cake:
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Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer with a generous amount of frosting.
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Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
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Decorate as desired – maybe add some extra chopped hazelnuts or a dusting of cocoa powder.
Cooking Tips for a Perfect Chocolate Hazelnut Cake:
- Toasting the Hazelnuts: Toasting the hazelnuts brings out their rich flavor and adds a wonderful aroma to your cake. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients ensures proper emulsification and a smooth batter.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Cooling Completely: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Variations:
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for an extra chocolatey treat.
- Different Nuts: Substitute pecans or walnuts for the hazelnuts.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Use a cream cheese frosting instead of the chocolate hazelnut frosting for a different flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 450-500 calories (depending on serving size and frosting amount)
This recipe provides a delicious and satisfying dessert perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this easy and healthy alternative to store-bought cakes! The homemade touch makes all the difference. Try it today and impress your family and friends with this delightful Chocolate Hazelnut Cake.