Nutella Chocolate Cake Recipe

Servings: 12

Instructions:

1. Bake the Cake:

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Add eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until smooth.
• Slowly add the hot water (or coffee), mixing until fully combined. The batter will be thin, which is perfect for a moist cake.
• Pour batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
• Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Make the Nutella Frosting:

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
• Add the Nutella and mix until well combined.
• Gradually add powdered sugar, followed by heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.

3. Prepare the Hazelnut Crunch:

• In a small bowl, combine the toasted hazelnuts, Nutella, and melted butter. Stir until coated.

4. Assemble the your Nutella Chocolate Cake:

• Level the cooled cakes with a serrated knife if needed.
• Spread a thick layer of Nutella frosting on the bottom layer of the cake, followed by a generous sprinkle of hazelnut crunch.
• Place the second layer on top, and frost the entire cake with the remaining Nutella frosting.
• Press the remaining hazelnut crunch around the base of the cake or sprinkle on top for extra texture.

5. Decorate (Optional):

• For a finishing touch, drizzle warm Nutella over the cake and swirl with a spatula. You can also add Ferrero Rocher chocolates or shaved chocolate on top.

Lallie’s Tips:

• Use Hot Water (or Coffee): Adding hot water or coffee to the batter helps “bloom” the cocoa, bringing out a richer chocolate flavor. Coffee intensifies the chocolate taste without making it taste like coffee.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: After adding the wet ingredients, mix until just combined to avoid over-developing the gluten, which can make the cake dense.
• Check for Doneness Early: Start checking your cake 5 minutes before the bake time is up. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
• Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs, buttermilk, and butter are at room temperature for even mixing and a smooth texture.
• Cool Before Frosting: Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the Nutella frosting.

Variation Options:

1. Gluten-Free Nutella Chocolate Cake

• Flour Substitute: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend. Ensure it contains xanthan gum for structure.
• Nutella Substitute: Most Nutella is gluten-free, but double-check the label, or use a certified gluten-free hazelnut spread.
• Tip: Be extra gentle while mixing gluten-free batter to maintain lightness.

2. Vegan Nutella Chocolate Cake

• Egg Substitute: Use 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken).
• Buttermilk Substitute: Use a plant-based milk (like almond or oat) with 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice to create a dairy-free “buttermilk.”
• Nutella Substitute: Use a vegan hazelnut chocolate spread.
• Butter Substitute for Frosting: Use vegan butter instead of dairy butter and plant-based heavy cream, or use coconut cream for a thicker consistency.

3. Low-Sugar Nutella Chocolate Cake

• Sugar Substitute: Replace sugar with a low-calorie sweetener suitable for baking, such as erythritol or a stevia blend (use according to package instructions).
• Nutella Substitute: Use a reduced-sugar or no-sugar-added hazelnut chocolate spread.
• Tip: Adding a touch of cinnamon or espresso powder can enhance sweetness without extra sugar.

Nutritional Information* (per slice)

• Calories: 690 kcal
• Total Fat: 39g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 340mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 80g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 62g
• Protein: 6g

*Disclaimer: Nutritional information is estimated based on standard ingredient quantities and may vary depending on specific brands and measurements used. This information is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dietary advice.

Enjoy this moist, decadent Nutella chocolate cake with its rich frosting and crunchy hazelnut surprise! Perfect for a special occasion.