Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Cake Recipe

Indulgent Chocolate Hazelnut Cake – the mere mention of this decadent dessert is enough to make any sweet tooth swoon. Imagine sinking your fork into a moist, rich cake infused with the irresistible flavors of chocolate and hazelnut. This recipe is a true indulgence, perfect for those moments when you want to treat yourself to something special.

With a mix of high-quality butter, fluffy flour, creamy Nutella, and a touch of sugar, this cake is a symphony of flavors and textures. The result is a heavenly dessert that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply craving a luxurious treat for yourself, this Indulgent Chocolate Hazelnut Cake is sure to hit the spot.

So why not channel your inner Italian baker and whip up this delightful creation in your own kitchen? With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of culinary magic, you can create a show-stopping dessert that combines the best of both worlds – indulgence and comfort. Get ready to indulge in the ultimate chocolate hazelnut experience with this unforgettable cake.

Quick Benefits

Rich and indulgent flavor combination of chocolate and hazelnut
Perfect balance of flaky, buttery crust and gooey Nutella filling
Versatile treat suitable for casual snack time or fancy dinner parties

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

Decadent Combination: The rich and indulgent mix of chocolate hazelnut spread and flaky buttery crust makes this cake a truly decadent treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Italian Influence: Inspired by Italian baking skills, this cake is a fusion of traditional techniques and popular flavors, resulting in a unique and delicious dessert.
Versatile Treat: Whether you’re looking for a casual snack or a dessert for a fancy dinner party, this cake fits all occasions and impresses all palates.
Gooey Center: The warm Nutella filling creates a gooey and comforting center that adds a delightful surprise to each bite.
Crave-Worthy Texture: With a crispy crust and a golden finish, this cake offers a perfect balance of textures that will leave you craving for more.
Easy to Make: The simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels, allowing you to enjoy a homemade treat without the hassle.

Ingredients for Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Cake Recipe

Extra toppings: Try coarse sugar or a sweet drizzle
Flour: Regular all-purpose works best for the right bite
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
Eggs: They make the dough richer and help create that golden finish

Pro Tips for Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Cake Recipe

Pro Tip 1: For a flaky and crispy crust in your Nutella hand pies, make sure to use cold, high-quality butter. This will help create those delicious layers that pair perfectly with the gooey Nutella center.

Pro Tip 2: To achieve the perfect golden finish on your hand pies, use eggs in the dough. Eggs not only add richness to the pastry but also help create that beautiful color when baked.

Pro Tip 3: Experiment with different extra toppings to elevate your Nutella hand pies. Sprinkling coarse sugar before baking or adding a sweet drizzle after can add texture and extra sweetness to your indulgent treat.

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 until smooth, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and continue stirring until fully melted.

Step 3: Mix Base

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

Step 4: Whip Whites

Beat egg whites until foamy, then gradually add 1/4 cup sugar while continuing to beat until soft peaks form.

Step 5: Combine

Gradually fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture in three portions until fully combined.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake in the prepared pan for 35-40 minutes until it puffs up and sets in the center. Allow it to cool completely before serving.

Storage Tips

Once you have baked and enjoyed your delicious Nutella Hand Pies, it is essential to store any leftovers properly to maintain their freshness and flavor. You can store the hand pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you plan to keep them for longer, it is best to refrigerate them to extend their shelf life. Place the hand pies in a sealed container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating. When ready to eat again, you can reheat the hand pies in a toaster oven or regular oven for a few minutes to regain their warm, gooey center and crispy crust.

If you want to freeze the Nutella Hand Pies for later enjoyment, make sure they are completely cooled before freezing. Wrap each hand pie individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Properly stored, the hand pies can be frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw, transfer the frozen hand pies to the refrigerator and let them defrost overnight. You can then reheat them in the oven to enjoy a delicious treat whenever you crave a taste of these indulgent chocolate hazelnut delights.

Ingredient Substitutions

For the Indulgent Chocolate Hazelnut Cake, if you don’t have Nutella on hand, you can substitute it with another chocolate-hazelnut spread available in your pantry. Alternatively, you can make your own chocolate-hazelnut spread by blending roasted hazelnuts with cocoa powder and sweetener until smooth.

If you are looking to make a healthier version of the cake, you can replace some of the butter with applesauce or mashed bananas for a moist texture. Additionally, if you are vegan or have dietary restrictions, you can use a plant-based butter substitute and egg replacer like flaxseed meal or mashed avocado to maintain the cake’s structure. Remember to adjust the sugar levels accordingly based on the sweetness of your substitutes.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and interactive dessert experience, consider setting up a DIY Nutella Hand Pie bar at your next gathering. Prepare the flaky, buttery crusts and fill each one with a dollop of warm Nutella. Then, offer a variety of extra toppings such as coarse sugar, chopped hazelnuts, or a drizzle of melted chocolate for guests to customize their hand pies before baking. This allows everyone to create their own unique flavor combinations and adds a playful touch to your dessert spread.

To elevate the indulgence factor of this chocolate hazelnut treat, serve the Nutella Hand Pies warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on top. The contrast of the hot, gooey Nutella filling with the cold, velvety ice cream creates a delightful sensory experience that will have your guests coming back for seconds. Plus, the combination of flavors and textures will satisfy any sweet tooth and make for a memorable ending to your meal.

FAQs for Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Cake Recipe

Can I use room temperature butter for this recipe?

No, it’s recommended to use cold butter for this recipe to achieve extra crispy results in the pie crust.

Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with a different type of flour?

It’s best to use regular all-purpose flour for this recipe as it provides the right texture and bite to the crust of the hand pies.

How important is it to let the Nutella sit out before using it in the recipe?

Letting the Nutella sit out makes it easier to scoop and work with, ensuring a smooth and gooey Nutella center in the hand pies.

What can I use as extra toppings for these Nutella Hand Pies?

You can try sprinkling coarse sugar on top before baking or drizzling a sweet glaze over the baked hand pies for added flavor and decoration.

Conclusion

As you take that first heavenly bite of your indulgent Chocolate Hazelnut Cake, savor the rich flavors and the comforting warmth it brings to your soul. This delightful creation is the perfect blend of buttery goodness, velvety Nutella, and a touch of sweetness that will surely make your taste buds dance with joy.

So, whether you’re treating yourself to a slice of this decadent cake on a cozy evening in or sharing it with loved ones at a special gathering, the indulgent Chocolate Hazelnut Cake will always be a delightful addition to any occasion. Embrace the magic of baking and enjoy the delicious journey of creating this mouthwatering dessert. Indulge in the pure delight that is the indulgent Chocolate Hazelnut Cake, and let its luscious flavors envelop you in pure bliss.

Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Cake Recipe

Indulge in a decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Cake, with a buttery crust and gooey Nutella center, perfect for every occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time20 Minutes

Cook Time40 Minutes

Total Time60 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings10 Servings (1 9-inch cake)

Ingredients

Extra toppings: Try coarse sugar or a sweet drizzle
Flour: Regular all-purpose works best for the right bite
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
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 until smooth, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and continue stirring until fully melted.
Mix Base: Combine 1/2 cup sugar, ground hazelnuts, and salt. Mix into chocolate mixture with vanilla and egg yolks.
Whip Whites: Beat egg whites until foamy, then gradually add 1/4 cup sugar while continuing to beat until soft peaks form.
Combine: Gradually fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture in three portions until fully combined.
Bake and Cool: Bake in the prepared pan for 35-40 minutes until it puffs up and sets in the center. Allow it to cool completely before serving.