Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Cake Recipe

Indulgent Chocolate Hazelnut Cake – the words alone are enough to make any dessert lover’s heart skip a beat. Imagine sinking your fork into a decadent slice of rich chocolate cake, perfectly complemented by the nutty undertones of hazelnut. This recipe is a true indulgence, a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds with each bite.

As an SEO expert and food blogger, I can assure you that this Indulgent Chocolate Hazelnut Cake is a showstopper that will have your guests begging for more. The combination of high-quality butter, all-purpose flour, creamy Nutella, and a touch of sugar creates a moist and flavorful cake that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party or simply craving a cozy treat, this cake is sure to impress. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a baking adventure that will leave you dreaming of chocolate hazelnut bliss.

Quick Benefits

Gooey and warm Nutella center for a comforting indulgence
Flaky and buttery crust for a satisfying texture
Perfect for grab-and-go snacking or impressive dessert presentations at dinner parties

Why You’ll Love This Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Cake Recipe Recipe

You’ll love the rich and decadent combination of chocolate and hazelnut in every bite, perfect for indulging your sweet tooth.
The flaky, buttery crust adds a satisfying crunch to contrast with the gooey and warm Nutella center, creating a delightful textural experience.
This recipe provides a perfect balance of sweetness from the Nutella and sugars, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
The simplicity of these Nutella Hand Pies makes them a versatile dessert option, suitable for casual snacking or serving at elegant dinner parties.
The addition of extra toppings like coarse sugar or a sweet drizzle allows you to customize the pies to your preference, adding a touch of personal flair to the recipe.

Ingredients for Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Cake Recipe

Butter: Use it cold and high-quality for extra crispy results
Salt: Brings out flavors in both the crust and filling
Sugar: You’ll need both regular and powdered versions
Nutella: Let it sit out so it’s easy to scoop
Extra toppings: Try coarse sugar or a sweet drizzle
Flour: Regular all-purpose works best for the right bite
Eggs: They make the dough richer and help create that golden finish

Pro Tips for Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Cake Recipe

For the perfect Indulgent Chocolate Hazelnut Cake, make sure to use cold, high-quality butter to achieve a crispy crust. All-purpose flour is the best choice for the right texture in your cake. Let the Nutella sit out before using it so it’s easier to scoop and mix into the batter. Adding a pinch of salt to both the crust and filling will enhance the flavors of the cake, creating a well-rounded taste experience. Consider topping your cake with coarse sugar or a sweet drizzle for an extra touch of indulgence.

When making these Nutella Hand Pies, remember that eggs are essential for a rich dough and a golden finish. Use a combination of regular and powdered sugar to achieve the perfect level of sweetness. Experiment with extra toppings like a sprinkle of coarse sugar for added texture and visual appeal. These hand pies are versatile treats that can elevate any occasion, from a casual snack to a fancy dinner party, bringing a delightful touch of Italian baking skills to your kitchen.

How to Make Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Allow eggs to come to room temperature.

Step 2: Melt Chocolate

In a double boiler, melt butter and chocolate for about 5 minutes until smooth. Remove from heat and continue stirring until fully melted.

Step 3: Mix Base

Combine 1/2 cup sugar, ground hazelnuts, and salt. Mix this into the chocolate mixture along with vanilla and egg yolks.

Step 4: Whip Whites

Beat egg whites until foamy, then gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and continue beating until soft peaks form.

Step 5: Combine

Gradually fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture in three additions until no white streaks remain.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake in the prepared pan for 35-40 minutes until puffed and firm in the center. Allow to cool completely before serving.

Storage Tips

After baking the Nutella Hand Pies, allow them to cool completely to room temperature on a wire rack. Once cooled, store the hand pies in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. To maintain their crispy crust and gooey Nutella center, avoid stacking the hand pies on top of each other.

If you want to store the Nutella Hand Pies for a longer period, you can freeze them. Place the hand pies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, separating each layer with parchment paper. Frozen Nutella Hand Pies can be stored for up to 2-3 months. To enjoy, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.

Ingredient Substitutions

For the Indulgent Chocolate Hazelnut Cake recipe, you can make some ingredient substitutions based on availability and dietary preferences. Instead of using Nutella, you can opt for another brand of chocolate hazelnut spread or make your own homemade version using cocoa powder and hazelnuts. If you prefer a healthier alternative, consider using almond butter or another nut butter of your choice.

When it comes to the type of sugar used in the cake, you can replace regular granulated sugar with coconut sugar, maple syrup, or honey for a different flavor profile. Powdered sugar can be substituted with a powdered sugar alternative like erythritol for a lower-calorie option. Additionally, if you are looking to make the cake gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular all-purpose flour to achieve a similar texture.

Remember that ingredient substitutions may slightly alter the taste and texture of the final dish, so it’s important to experiment and adjust according to your preferences. Feel free to get creative and tailor the recipe to suit your dietary needs and taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try serving the indulgent chocolate hazelnut cake as a deconstructed trifle. Layer crumbled pieces of the cake with dollops of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream in individual glasses or bowls. Top it off with a drizzle of warm Nutella sauce and some chopped hazelnuts for added crunch and decadence.

Another fun idea is to transform the chocolate hazelnut cake into a show-stopping pull-apart bread. Cut the cake into small, bite-sized pieces and arrange them in a bundt pan, drizzling each layer with melted Nutella and sprinkling with a mixture of coarse sugar and crushed hazelnuts. Once baked, invert the pan onto a serving platter to reveal a gorgeous and delicious pull-apart cake that will wow your guests.

FAQs for Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Cake Recipe

Can I use margarine instead of butter for this recipe?

It is recommended to use butter for this recipe as it provides a better flavor and texture, especially for the crispy crust of the hand pies.

Can I substitute Nutella with another chocolate spread?

While Nutella is the recommended option for this recipe to achieve the classic chocolate hazelnut flavor, you can try using another chocolate spread. However, the taste and consistency may vary.

Can I make the hand pies ahead of time and store them for later?

Yes, you can make the hand pies ahead of time and store them. Once baked, allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the hand pies for longer storage.

Can I omit the extra toppings mentioned in the recipe?

Yes, you can omit the extra toppings like coarse sugar or a sweet drizzle if you prefer a simpler version of the Nutella hand pies. The pies will still turn out delicious without these additional toppings.

Conclusion

As you take your first bite of this decadent Indulgent Chocolate Hazelnut Cake, let the rich flavors of Nutella and the crispy texture of the cake transport you to a world of indulgence and delight. The perfect combination of buttery crust, gooey Nutella filling, and a golden finish will leave you craving for more.

So why wait? Treat yourself and your loved ones to this heavenly dessert and savor each bite of this luscious Indulgent Chocolate Hazelnut Cake. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a cozy evening at home, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy any sweet cravings. Indulge in the magic of chocolate and hazelnut with this irresistible recipe, and let it become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Cake Recipe

“Flaky hand pies filled with warm Nutella – a cozy, Italian-inspired treat perfect for any occasion.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time20 Minutes

Cook Time40 Minutes

Total Time60 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings10 Servings (1 9-inch cake)

Ingredients

Butter: Use it cold and high-quality for extra crispy results
Salt: Brings out flavors in both the crust and filling
Sugar: You’ll need both regular and powdered versions
Nutella: Let it sit out so it’s easy to scoop
Extra toppings: Try coarse sugar or a sweet drizzle
Flour: Regular all-purpose works best for the right bite
Eggs: They make the dough richer and help create that golden finish

Instructions

Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Allow eggs to come to room temperature.
Melt Chocolate: In a double boiler, melt butter and chocolate for about 5 minutes until smooth. Remove from heat and continue stirring until fully melted.
Mix Base: Combine 1/2 cup sugar, ground hazelnuts, and salt. Mix this into the chocolate mixture along with vanilla and egg yolks.
Whip Whites: Beat egg whites until foamy, then gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and continue beating until soft peaks form.
Combine: Gradually fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture in three additions until no white streaks remain.
Bake and Cool: Bake in the prepared pan for 35-40 minutes until puffed and firm in the center. Allow to cool completely before serving.