Thank you for being here today, sweet friend. Some cakes are light and delicate. Others make a statement the second they hit the table. This Chocolate Hazelnut Cake belongs firmly in the second category.
With an incredible 350g of ground hazelnuts folded into the batter, every bite is packed with deep roasted nut flavor that feels rich, luxurious, and completely unforgettable. The crumb is moist and tender, the chocolate icing cascades down the sides, and the combination of chocolate and hazelnuts tastes like something straight from a European pastry shop.
The first time I baked this cake, I planned to save slices for later. That plan lasted exactly one afternoon. Between the nutty aroma filling the kitchen and the glossy chocolate icing tempting everyone who walked by, there wasn’t much left by evening.
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Overview of Recipe Content
This Chocolate Hazelnut Cake is a rich, moist layer cake featuring a generous amount of ground hazelnuts and finished with a silky chocolate icing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with hazelnut flavor
- Rich chocolate icing
- Moist and tender crumb
- Elegant enough for celebrations
- Surprisingly easy to make
- Perfect make-ahead dessert
- Bakery-quality results
What It Tastes Like
Imagine the flavor of roasted hazelnuts blended into a soft butter cake and topped with smooth chocolate ganache.
The hazelnuts bring warmth and depth while the chocolate adds richness that perfectly complements every bite.
Perfect For
- Birthdays
- Holiday gatherings
- Dinner parties
- Afternoon coffee
- Weekend baking
- Special occasions
Ingredients
For the Hazelnut Cake
- 350g ground hazelnuts
- 200g unsalted butter, softened
- 180g granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 120g all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 120ml milk
For the Chocolate Icing
- 200g dark chocolate, chopped
- 150ml heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
Optional Decoration
- Whole roasted hazelnuts
- Chocolate curls
- Cocoa powder
- Chopped hazelnuts
Tools Needed
Suggested Substitutions and Additions
Chocolate Options
Use:
- Dark chocolate
- Semi-sweet chocolate
- Milk chocolate
Flavor Enhancers
Add:
- Espresso powder
- Orange zest
- Almond extract
Extra Crunch
Mix in:
- Chopped toasted hazelnuts
- Chocolate chunks
For more indulgent cake recipes, enjoy:
- Chocolate Almond Yogurt Cake No Flour
- Moist Coffee Cake
- Caramel Pecan Date Cake
- Banana Bread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Soft Lemon Pistachio Yogurt Cake
Save this recipe for later on Pinterest.
How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and line a 9-inch cake pan.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Eggs
Add eggs one at a time.
Mix well after each addition.
Stir in vanilla.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together:
- Ground hazelnuts
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
Step 5: Make the Batter
Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk.
Mix just until combined.
Step 6: Bake
Pour batter into prepared pan.
Bake for 40–45 minutes.
A toothpick should come out mostly clean.
Step 7: Cool
Allow cake to cool completely.
Step 8: Prepare Chocolate Icing
Heat cream until steaming.
Pour over chopped chocolate.
Let sit 2 minutes.
Stir until smooth.
Mix in butter.
Step 9: Ice the Cake
Pour icing over cooled cake.
Allow it to drip naturally down the sides.
Step 10: Decorate
Top with toasted hazelnuts and chocolate curls.
What to Serve with Chocolate Hazelnut Cake
This cake pairs beautifully with:
- Espresso
- Cappuccino
- Coffee
- Hot chocolate
- Fresh berries
- Vanilla ice cream
Tips for Making It Perfect
Toast the Hazelnuts
Toasting deepens the flavor dramatically.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
This creates a smoother batter.
Don’t Overmix
Mix only until ingredients are combined.
Cool Completely Before Icing
Warm cake can melt the icing.
Use Quality Chocolate
The icing flavor depends on it.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Store covered for 2 days.
Refrigerator
Store for up to 5 days.
Freezer
Freeze unfrosted cake for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Allow refrigerated slices to reach room temperature before serving.
General Information
Hazelnuts have long been prized in European baking, especially in German, Austrian, Swiss, and Italian desserts. Their naturally rich flavor pairs beautifully with chocolate, creating one of the world’s most beloved dessert combinations.
Using 350g of ground hazelnuts gives this cake an exceptionally moist texture and a flavor that truly stands out from traditional chocolate cakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use almond flour instead?
Yes, although the flavor will change significantly.
Should I toast the hazelnuts first?
Highly recommended for maximum flavor.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend.
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, for up to 3 months.
What chocolate works best?
Dark chocolate provides the richest flavor.
Can I make cupcakes instead?
Absolutely. Reduce baking time to 18–22 minutes.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Hazelnut Cake is the kind of dessert that people remember long after the last slice is gone. With 350g of ground hazelnuts delivering incredible depth and a silky chocolate icing dripping down every side, it’s a cake that feels both rustic and luxurious.
One bite explains exactly why chocolate and hazelnuts have remained one of baking’s most iconic combinations.
Interactive Elements
Have you made this Chocolate Hazelnut Cake?
- Leave a review and comment below.
- Share your photos on Pinterest.
- Tag your creations on social media so I can see them!
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Slice |
|---|---|
| Calories | 445 |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Protein | 8g |
| Fat | 35g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Cholesterol | 85mg |
| Sodium | 145mg |
| Sugar | 18g |
| Fiber | 4g |
Ultimate Chocolate Hazelnut Cake – 350g of Hazelnut Perfection in Every Slice
Description
A rich hazelnut cake made with 350g of ground hazelnuts and topped with silky chocolate icing.
Ingredients
350g ground hazelnuts
200g unsalted butter, softened
180g granulated sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
120g all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
120ml milk
For Chocolate Icing:
200g dark chocolate, chopped
150ml heavy cream
1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time and mix in vanilla.
4. Whisk together hazelnuts, flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Alternate dry ingredients with milk.
6. Pour into prepared cake pan.
7. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes.
8. Cool completely.
9. Heat cream and pour over chocolate.
10. Stir until smooth and add butter.
11. Pour icing over cake and decorate before serving.
Notes
Toast hazelnuts for deeper flavor.
Use high-quality chocolate for the icing.
Store covered for freshness.
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Gianna Poulef
I’m Gianna Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!.
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