Rich Nutella Cake
Nutella cake is the epitome of indulgence a heavenly blend of rich chocolate and the luscious, nutty sweetness of hazelnut spread. Its moist layers enveloped in velvety Nutella buttercream frosting make it a standout dessert for any occasion. Whether celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or simply treating yourself, this nutella cake promises a delectable experience that will leave everyone craving more. Follow this detailed recipe to create a masterpiece that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients Breakdown
Nutella Cake Essentials
Every ingredient in this nutella cake serves a specific purpose in achieving its unparalleled texture and flavor. The all-purpose flour provides structure, while the Dutch-process cocoa powder infuses a deep, rich chocolate taste. Dutch-process cocoa, known for its alkalinity, creates a smoother flavor compared to natural cocoa powder.
Granulated sugar ensures sweetness and locks in moisture, while canola oil keeps the cake tender and prevents it from drying out. Eggs add stability, while milk enhances the cake’s creaminess. Hot water, the secret ingredient, blooms the cocoa powder, amplifying the chocolatey depth for a truly irresistible bite.
Nutella Buttercream Frosting Must-Haves
The buttercream frosting is where the magic truly happens. Softened unsalted butter is crucial for achieving a light and creamy texture, making it easy to spread and pipe. Nutella provides the signature hazelnut flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the chocolate cake layers.
Powdered sugar sweetens the frosting while creating a fluffy consistency. Heavy cream adds a luxurious smoothness, while vanilla extract enhances the flavor profile with its warm, aromatic notes. Just a pinch of salt balances the sweetness, making the frosting absolutely perfect.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Success
Preparing the Cake Batter
Begin by ensuring your dry ingredients flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt are evenly combined. Sifting these ingredients helps eliminate lumps, resulting in a smooth batter. In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients, ensuring the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is uniform before adding hot water.
To achieve a perfectly moist cake, fold the dry ingredients gently into the wet mixture. Overmixing can result in a dense texture, so stir only until no streaks of flour remain. Dividing the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans ensures consistent baking.
Baking Like a Pro
Place the pans in the oven and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to maintain the cake’s signature softness. After baking, let the cakes cool in their pans for 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Refrigerating the cooled cakes firms them up, making them easier to frost.
Crafting the Perfect Frosting
Achieving the ideal frosting consistency begins with beating softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Add Nutella, vanilla, salt, and cream in stages, mixing slowly to incorporate. For a light and airy finish, increase the mixer’s speed to medium-high for a final whip. Adjust the cream to reach the desired spreadability, ensuring the frosting is easy to apply yet firm enough to hold its shape.
Assembling Your Masterpiece
Anchor your nutella cake by spreading a small amount of frosting on the serving plate. Layer the first cake, spread frosting evenly across the surface, and place the second layer on top. A crumb coat a thin layer of frosting locks in crumbs and creates a smooth base. Chill the cake to set the crumb coat before applying the final layer of frosting. Use an icing knife for clean edges and create decorative swirls for an elegant touch.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
Expert Baking Tricks:
- Substitute canola oil with vegetable oil or melted butter for slightly different textures.
- Use natural cocoa powder if Dutch-process isn’t available but expect a subtle difference in flavor.
- For even layers, weigh the batter in each pan with a kitchen scale.
Frosting Secrets:
- If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of heavy cream at a time to loosen it.
- Overly thin frosting? Incorporate additional powdered sugar to thicken it.
- Decorate with roasted hazelnuts or a drizzle of melted Nutella for extra flair.
Common Baking Queries:
- Make this cake ahead of time by baking the layers a day prior and refrigerating them. Assemble and frost on the day of serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or in the fridge for up to three days.
Ingredient Alternatives:
- Swap Nutella with other chocolate-hazelnut spreads for a different brand’s twist.
- Replace heavy cream with full-fat milk for a less rich but still delicious frosting.
Troubleshooting:
- Dense cake? Ensure your baking powder is fresh and avoid overmixing.
- Uneven frosting layers? Chill the cake between coats to make application easier.
What to Serve With This Nutella Cake Recipe
Pair this decadent dessert with beverages that complement its flavors. A rich espresso enhances the chocolate notes, while a frothy cappuccino adds a creamy counterpart. For a non-caffeinated option, a tall glass of chilled milk is a timeless pairing.
Consider light side accompaniments such as fresh berries to contrast the cake’s richness. A dollop of whipped cream can also add a delightful airy element to your plate. Whether served as a centerpiece at celebrations or a cozy indulgence on a quiet evening, this cake shines on any table.
Variations and Creative Twists
Elevate the flavor profile by adding chopped hazelnuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture. A caramel drizzle between the layers or on top can introduce a delightful, buttery sweetness.
For dietary adjustments, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or use plant-based milk and butter for a vegan version. Experiment with these variations to tailor the cake to your preferences without compromising its indulgence.
Final Thoughts and Serving Suggestions
Creating this Nutella cake is a joyous endeavor, blending the satisfaction of baking with the reward of savoring each bite. Its rich layers and creamy frosting bring bakery-quality results to your home kitchen.
Whether it’s the star of a festive gathering or a treat for yourself, this nutella cake guarantees smiles all around. Enjoy it freshly sliced, and don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family it’s a dessert that’s too good to keep to yourself.
Nutella Cake
Ingredients
Nutella Cake
- 2 cups 240 g all-purpose flour
- 1¾ cup 350 g granulated sugar
- ½ cup 148 g Nutella
- ½ cup 44 g Dutch-process cocoa powder
- ½ cup 118 ml canola oil
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 cup 237 ml milk at room temperature
- 1 cup 237 ml hot water
Nutella Buttercream Frosting
- 1½ cups 339 g unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup 148 g Nutella
- 3 cups 360 g powdered sugar
- 1 tsp 5 ml vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3 –4 tbsp 45–60 ml heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Prepare two 8-inch round cake pans by greasing them lightly and lining the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Use a whisk to ensure the mixture is evenly blended.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the canola oil, sugar, Nutella, eggs, and milk. Stir until the mixture is smooth and consistent. Gradually pour in the hot water, mixing until the batter achieves a uniform consistency.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing. Divide the batter equally between the prepared pans, with approximately 730 grams of batter per pan.
- Place the pans in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cakes; it should come out with only a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, refrigerate the cakes for 1 to 2 hours to make frosting easier.
- While the cakes chill, prepare the Nutella buttercream frosting. In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar on low speed until they are thoroughly combined.
- Add the Nutella, vanilla extract, salt, and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Mix on low speed until mostly incorporated, then increase to medium-high speed. Beat for 1 to 2 minutes to achieve a light and creamy texture. If the frosting is too thick, gradually mix in an additional 1 to 2 tablespoons of heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.
- To assemble, spread a small dollop of frosting onto your cake stand or serving plate to anchor the cake. Place the first cake layer on the stand. Spread approximately ¾ cup of frosting evenly over the top, letting it slightly overlap the edges. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides with a thin layer to create a crumb coat. Chill the cake for 20 to 30 minutes to set the crumb coat.
- After the crumb coat is firm, apply the remaining frosting generously to the cake. Smooth the sides using an icing knife or bench scraper. Create decorative swirls on top with any leftover frosting. Garnish with chopped hazelnuts if desired. Slice, serve, and savor every bite!
Notes
Refrigerating Fudgy Nutella Cake Thanks to its moist texture, this Nutella cake holds up well in the fridge. Keep it in an airtight container or securely wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 5 days. However, after this time, the cake may start to dry out slightly. For optimal taste, allow the cake to reach room temperature before enjoying.
Baking in Different Pan Sizes This versatile Nutella cake recipe can be adapted for various pans. Bake it in a 9×13-inch pan for approximately 35–40 minutes or in two 9-inch round cake pans for 30–35 minutes. If you prefer cupcakes, this batter yields about 24 cupcakes, which should be baked for 18–22 minutes. Adjust baking times as needed and enjoy the flexibility of this delicious recipe.