Are you ready to indulge in a truly decadent dessert? This Ferrero Rocher cake recipe is the perfect blend of rich hazelnut, creamy chocolate, and crunchy textures that will leave you craving more. It’s easier to make than you think, perfect for special occasions or simply satisfying a serious chocolate craving. Forget those complicated bakery recipes; this homemade version is surprisingly simple and delivers impressive results. This is one of those delicious dishes that’s both stunning and satisfying. Get ready to wow your family and friends with this easy recipe!
Ingredients:
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 strong brewed coffee, cooled
For the Nutella Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup Nutella
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Decoration:
- 1 cup chopped hazelnuts, toasted
- 12 Ferrero Rocher chocolates
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This ensures your cake layers release easily and bake evenly.
Making the Cake:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure all the dry ingredients are thoroughly combined to prevent lumps in your cake.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gradually add the cooled coffee to the batter, mixing until smooth. The coffee adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the chocolate cake.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Making the Nutella Buttercream Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy. This is crucial for a smooth and creamy frosting.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined.
- Add the Nutella, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy.
Assembling the Cake:
- Once the cakes are completely cool, level the tops with a serrated knife if necessary.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and frost the top evenly with half of the Nutella buttercream.
- Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
- Sprinkle the toasted hazelnuts around the base of the cake.
- Decorate the top of the cake with the Ferrero Rocher chocolates.
Tips for Success:
- For perfectly toasted hazelnuts, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned.
- If your buttercream is too thick, add a tablespoon of heavy cream at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- For an even richer flavor, use dark cocoa powder.
Variations:
- Add a layer of Nutella between the cake layers for an extra chocolate hazelnut kick.
- Use different nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, instead of hazelnuts.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the finished cake for an extra touch of elegance.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion size. It’s best to use a nutrition calculator for a precise value. However, expect this to be a rich dessert with a high calorie and fat content.
This Ferrero Rocher cake is a true showstopper. It's the perfect recipe for those special occasions when you want to impress your loved ones with a truly delicious and memorable dessert. Enjoy!