This Nutella Cake is not just a dessert; it’s an unforgettable experience, celebrating the luxurious fusion of rich chocolate and creamy hazelnut! Imagine a perfectly moist chocolate cake, generously enrobed in a velvety smooth Nutella Frosting, then elegantly adorned with crunchy Ferrero Rocher candies and finely chopped hazelnuts. This is the ultimate treat for any occasion, promising to captivate chocolate and hazelnut lovers alike.
Today, as we mark World Nutella Day, there’s truly no better way to honor this beloved spread than with a show-stopping Nutella Cake. This recipe, a labor of love, has been perfected to bring you the most exquisite chocolate hazelnut creation. I originally crafted this cake months ago, and honestly, keeping this incredibly delicious recipe under wraps for so long felt like a culinary transgression! But now, on this special day, it feels like the perfect moment to share this tempting delight with you. I hope you can forgive the wait once you taste its sheer perfection!
What Exactly Is Nutella? The Irresistible Hazelnut Cocoa Spread
For those unfamiliar with this global sensation, Nutella is a sweetened hazelnut cocoa spread manufactured by the Italian company Ferrero. First introduced in 1964, it quickly gained popularity worldwide, becoming a staple in many households. Its unique blend of roasted hazelnuts, skim milk, and cocoa creates a rich, creamy, and utterly addictive flavor profile that’s perfect on toast, in crepes, or, as we’ll discover, as the star ingredient in a truly extraordinary cake.
The Foundation of Flavor: A Rich Chocolate Cake Base
The secret to this exceptional Nutella Cake begins with its incredibly moist and flavorful chocolate cake base. This isn’t just any chocolate cake; it’s the same tried-and-true recipe I use for my renowned Black Magic Cake. Crafted entirely from scratch, it employs high-quality Dutch cocoa powder and hot coffee to create an unparalleled depth of chocolate flavor. The hot coffee doesn’t just add liquid; it intensifies the cocoa, making the chocolate notes sing louder and richer without imparting a coffee taste. Coupled with the tang of buttermilk, which ensures a tender crumb, this cake is a marvel of moistness and intense chocolate bliss.
Elevating Indulgence: The Dreamy Nutella Frosting
Can Nutella be transformed into a cake frosting? Absolutely, and the result is nothing short of spectacular! This Nutella Cake is lavishly covered with my signature Nutella Buttercream Frosting. This frosting isn’t just Nutella spread on top; it’s a perfectly balanced buttercream infused with the delightful hazelnut-chocolate flavor of Nutella. It’s light, fluffy, incredibly creamy, and just sweet enough to complement the rich chocolate cake without overpowering it. The frosting is designed to spread beautifully, creating a smooth canvas for decoration, while delivering that signature Nutella taste in every bite.
Crafting Your Nutella Masterpiece: An Easy-to-Follow Guide
Despite its luxurious appearance and decadent taste, this Nutella Cake is surprisingly simple to make, even for novice bakers. It’s designed as a straightforward two-layer cake, perfect for either 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans. The process involves preparing the moist chocolate cake layers, whipping up the dreamy Nutella frosting, and then assembling and decorating your edible masterpiece. Each step is broken down to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable baking experience, resulting in a professional-looking and tasting cake right from your own kitchen.
Detailed Baking Instructions: From Batter to Bake
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prepare two 9-inch or 8-inch round cake pans by lining them with parchment paper and greasing them thoroughly with cooking spray. This crucial step prevents sticking and ensures your cake layers release easily after baking. For visual guidance on lining pans, you can refer to photo instructions for lining round pans with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, combine all the dry ingredients: granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, Dutch cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. Whisk them together until they are thoroughly blended and no lumps remain. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and flavor.
- Next, add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture: eggs, buttermilk, hot brewed black coffee, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat these ingredients together on medium speed for approximately 2 minutes. Don’t be alarmed by the batter’s thin consistency; this is perfectly normal for this recipe and contributes to the cake’s incredible moistness.
- Carefully and evenly divide the fluid batter between your two prepared cake pans. Bake the cakes for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of a cake comes out clean. This indicates that the cakes are fully baked through.
- Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in their pans for at least 10 minutes. This resting period helps the cakes set and prevents them from breaking when transferred. After 10 minutes, gently loosen the sides of the cakes from the pans before inverting them onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely. It’s essential that the cakes are entirely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- While your cake layers are cooling, prepare a batch of the rich Nutella Frosting. Once the cakes are completely cool, you can begin the assembly. Start by applying a thin layer of frosting, known as a crumb coat, to seal in any loose crumbs. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set the crumb coat. After chilling, apply the final, thicker coating of Nutella frosting, smoothing it evenly over the top and sides. If desired, you can pipe additional frosting around the edges or create decorative swirls on top for an elegant finish.
- For the grand finale, generously adorn your Nutella Cake with Ferrero Rocher candies, finely chopped hazelnuts, and a scattering of chocolate sprinkles. These toppings not only add visual appeal but also enhance the overall chocolate and hazelnut flavor profile, making each slice a true celebration of taste and texture.
Elevating Your Cake: Decoration Tips & Tricks for a Showstopper
Decorating this layer cake is where you can truly let your creativity shine! I chose to adorn this particular Nutella cake with a lavish array of Ferrero Rocher candies, a generous sprinkle of finely chopped hazelnuts, and a touch of chocolate sprinkles for that ultimate showstopping finish. The combination of the crispy, nutty Ferrero Rocher with the soft cake and creamy frosting is simply divine, adding layers of texture and an extra burst of hazelnut chocolate flavor. While the Ferrero Rocher candies certainly impart that “wow factor” and an air of gourmet luxury, I understand they can be a bit expensive. Rest assured, your cake will still be incredibly delicious and beautiful even without them. A simple, elegant piping design with some sprinkles can go a long way in making your cake look professional and inviting. I often find this large star piping tip to be incredibly versatile for decorating many of my cakes, creating beautiful borders and swirls with ease.
The Enchanting Inspiration Behind This Chocolate Hazelnut Dream
This magnificent Nutella Cake isn’t just a random creation; it’s a dessert I’ve envisioned for years, directly inspired by my love for the Throne of Glass book series. The main character in this captivating fantasy saga frequently indulges in decadent chocolate hazelnut cake, a detail that always sparked my culinary imagination. As someone who loves to draw recipe inspiration from the media I consume, creating this cake felt like the perfect, delicious tribute to one of my favorite literary worlds. If you’re a fantasy enthusiast, I wholeheartedly recommend picking up the series – it’s truly compelling, and the audio version on Audible is exceptional for immersive listening.
A Dessert for Every Palate: Even Non-Nutella Fans!
Confession time: I’m not actually a massive fan of eating Nutella straight from the jar. While I appreciate its unique taste, I find it can be a bit overwhelming on its own. However, when it’s incorporated into recipes, particularly those with additional chocolate, it transforms into something truly magical. The richness of Nutella, when balanced with other flavors and textures, becomes incredibly appealing. For instance, served warm in a crepe with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, I could happily enjoy it all day long! This cake demonstrates how Nutella can add an exciting, complex dynamic beyond a regular chocolate cake, offering a delightful twist that’s far from overpowering. It’s perfect for those who love chocolate but are looking for something a little different, adding a sophisticated hazelnut undertone that elevates the entire dessert. It also pairs wonderfully in recipes like Nutella No-Bake Cookies or Nutella Hot Chocolate, proving its versatility.
Storing Your Delicious Nutella Cake to Keep It Fresh
When you’re serving a cake this delicious at a party, the biggest challenge might be keeping enough slices from disappearing! In all seriousness, if you manage to have any left, proper storage is key to maintaining its freshness and flavor. This Nutella Cake will remain wonderfully moist and delicious for up to one week when stored covered in the refrigerator. If you prefer to keep it at room temperature, ensure it is well-covered, and it will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days. Always remember to allow refrigerated cake to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to ensure the frosting is soft and the cake layers are at their most flavorful and tender.
Seriously, just take a moment to admire that perfect slice – it’s pure indulgence on a plate! I may or may not confess to having consumed nearly this entire cake (minus two very generous slices I shared) by myself last summer when I was pregnant. Okay, fine, I definitely did, and I was genuinely heartbroken when the last crumb was gone. It’s the kind of cake that leaves a lasting impression. In fact, thinking about it now makes me feel like it absolutely needs to happen again this weekend. This cake needs to be back in my life! The two friends I did share with affectionately dubbed this the “chocolate-gasm” cake, and if that doesn’t convey its epic deliciousness, then I’m not sure what else will convince you. So, go ahead, make this incredible chocolate hazelnut cake, and prepare to thank me for introducing you to such an extraordinary treat! And if you’re a fan of other European spreads like Speculoos or Biscoff, you absolutely must try my Cookie Butter Cake – it’s another delightful indulgence!
Here’s a little extra tip for a fun look and an added boost of Nutella flavor: after frosting your cake, take a small dab of straight Nutella and gently swipe it along the side of the frosted cake with your spatula. This creates a beautiful, rustic swirl and enhances the hazelnut-chocolate experience. Also, investing in a revolving cake stand and spatula set can make frosting any cake significantly easier and more enjoyable – it’s a fantastic tool for any home baker!
More Delicious Nutella Recipes to Explore:
- Nutella Stuffed Cookies
- Nutella Hot Chocolate
- Easy Nutella No Bake Cookies
- Nutella Brownies
- Banana Nutella Crepes
- Nutella Swirl Ice Cream
- Strawberry Nutella Pastries
Nutella Cake
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Nutella Cake
Ingredients
Cake:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup Dutch cocoa powder
- 1 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- 1 cup buttermilk room temperature
- 1 cup brewed black coffee hot
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Frosting
- 1 batch Nutella Frosting Recipe
Toppings
- Ferrero Rocher Candy
- 1/4 cup Hazelnuts chopped
- sprinkles if desired
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line and grease two 9 or 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and cooking spray and set aside. Click for the photo instructions for lining round pans with parchment paper.
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Combine the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment and mix together.
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Beat in the eggs, buttermilk, coffee, oil, and vanilla and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes, the batter is going to be very thin.
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Evenly divide the batter between the two pans and bake the cakes for 40-45 minutes until toothpick comes clean from center.
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Cool in pans for at least 10 minutes and loosen from sides of pan before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.
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While the cakes are cooling, prepare the Nutella Frosting, then assemble and frost the cooled cakes starting with a thin crumb coat and chilling for 30 minutes before adding the final coating. Pipe additional frosting around the edge and top as desired.
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Add Ferrero Rocher candies, chopped hazelnuts, and chocolate sprinkles for the final touch.
Video
Notes
- Hot water and instant coffee can be used in place of brewed coffee. Hot water can also be used by itself, but the cake will not be as rich in flavor.
- Nutritional Information is an estimate based on 12 slices. It does not include Ferrero Rocher candies in the calculations.
Nutrition
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