Forget store-bought cakes! This Nutella Birthday Cake recipe is unbelievably easy, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any birthday celebration. Imagine layers of moist chocolate cake, generously slathered with creamy Nutella, and topped with a sprinkle of hazelnut magic. Sounds dreamy, right? Let's get baking! This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals, even if it's a little indulgent. It's the perfect quick dinner idea for a special occasion, transforming homemade cooking into a truly unforgettable experience.
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 freshly brewed hot coffee
For the Nutella Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup Nutella
- ¼ cup milk
For the Decoration:
- Chopped hazelnuts
- Extra Nutella for drizzling (optional)
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preparing the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This ensures your cakes will release easily.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps.
- 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.
- Slowly pour in the hot coffee while mixing on low speed. The batter will be thin – that's perfectly fine!
Baking the Cakes:
- 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.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Nutella Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This is crucial for a smooth frosting.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined.
- Stir in the Nutella and milk until the frosting is smooth and creamy. If it's too thick, add a little more milk; if it's too thin, add more powdered sugar.
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 or cake stand.
- Spread a generous layer of Nutella frosting over the top.
- Carefully place the second cake layer on top.
- Frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
- Sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts.
- Drizzle with extra Nutella if desired.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Let the cakes cool completely: This prevents the frosting from melting.
- Use high-quality Nutella: It makes a big difference in the flavor of the frosting.
- Get creative with decorations: Add sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries.
Variations:
- Add chocolate chips: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips to the cake batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Use different nuts: Substitute pecans or walnuts for the hazelnuts.
- Make it a layer cake: Add more layers for a taller, more impressive cake.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 450-500 (This will vary depending on the size of the cake and the amount of frosting used).
This Nutella Birthday Cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply satisfying a serious sweet tooth. Enjoy!