Dark Chocolate & Hazelnut Cake Recipe

If you are a devoted chocolate lover and adore the satisfying crunch of nuts, the Dark Chocolate & Hazelnut Cake is a dream come true. This cake brings together decadent, rich cocoa flavors with the irresistible texture of toasted hazelnuts, creating a perfect harmony of taste and mouthfeel. It’s the kind of cake that feels both indulgent and inviting, perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself on any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy afternoon tea or a celebratory dessert, this cake never fails to impress with its moist crumb and nutty undertones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating this delicious Dark Chocolate & Hazelnut Cake is surprisingly straightforward thanks to a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s providing richness, texture, moisture, or that irresistible chocolatey depth.

• 1 1/2 cups flour: The sturdy foundation giving structure to the cake’s tender crumb.
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder: This is the heart of the chocolate flavor, adding deep, bittersweet notes.
• 1 cup sugar: Sweetness that balances the bitterness of cocoa and enhances the overall flavor.
• 2 eggs: Important for binding the ingredients and contributing to the cake’s rich texture.
• 1/2 cup oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender without weighing it down.
• 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts: Adds delightful crunch and a toasty flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
• 1 tsp baking powder: Provides just enough lift so your cake rises perfectly fluffy and light.

How to Make Dark Chocolate & Hazelnut Cake

Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Begin by whisking together the eggs, sugar, and oil in a large bowl. This step is key to incorporating air into the batter, which will give your Dark Chocolate & Hazelnut Cake a wonderfully light texture while ensuring it stays rich and moist.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Sifting helps avoid any lumps and ensures an even distribution of the cocoa and rising agent for a consistent bake.

Step 3: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense. The batter should be thick and luscious, anticipating the addition of hazelnuts.

Step 4: Fold in the Hazelnuts

Sprinkle in the chopped hazelnuts and carefully fold them through the batter. These crunchy bits provide a wonderful contrast to the soft cake and infuse it with a rich, nutty flavor that’s integral to the Dark Chocolate & Hazelnut Cake experience.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake at 170°C for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached, indicating a perfectly cooked cake.

How to Serve Dark Chocolate & Hazelnut Cake

Garnishes

To enhance the beauty and flavor of your Dark Chocolate & Hazelnut Cake, consider dusting the top with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or powdered sugar. Toasted hazelnuts or delicate shavings of dark chocolate placed on the surface add an elegant touch and a hint of crunch with every bite.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs gorgeously with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a richer experience, serve it alongside a drizzle of warm chocolate ganache or a spoonful of fresh berries to brighten the deep chocolate notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the cake into rustic squares and serving them on a wooden board for a charming casual look. Layer slices with mascarpone or chocolate mousse to create individual mini cakes, or even turn it into a trifle layered with hazelnut cream and chocolate chunks for a show-stopping dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Dark Chocolate & Hazelnut Cake will stay fresh when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping it sealed prevents the cake from drying out and preserves the rich flavors and moist texture you love.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake without losing its delightful texture. Wrap the whole cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. It will keep well for up to two months, making it ideal for preparing ahead or saving special treats for later.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your cake again, thaw it at room temperature. For that freshly baked warmth, pop slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or warm gently in an oven at low heat. This warms the cake without drying it out, bringing back the fresh-from-the-oven feeling.

FAQs

Can I use different nuts instead of hazelnuts?

Absolutely! While hazelnuts give this cake its signature flavor, walnuts, pecans, or almonds can be delicious substitutes. Just keep the quantity the same and chop them to a similar size for even texture.

Is this cake suitable for frosting?

Definitely. The Dark Chocolate & Hazelnut Cake pairs beautifully with many frostings, especially chocolate ganache, cream cheese frosting, or even a rich hazelnut buttercream if you want to amp up the nutty factor.

Do I need to toast the hazelnuts before adding them?

Toasting hazelnuts enhances their natural aroma and crunch, but it’s optional. If you prefer a subtler taste, you can add them straight in. Toasting is a nice touch that deepens the flavor and provides a lovely contrast to the chocolate.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still shine through brilliantly.

What’s the best way to measure cocoa powder?

For the richest chocolate taste, use natural unsweetened cocoa powder. Spoon it lightly into your measuring cup rather than scooping, then level it off to avoid adding too much, which can make the cake dry or bitter.

Final Thoughts

This Dark Chocolate & Hazelnut Cake is a genuine crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity with show-stopping flavor. Its rich, chocolatey depth and crunchy nutty bits create a perfect balance that’s hard to resist. I can’t recommend enough giving this recipe a try—once you do, it’s sure to become a beloved go-to for your dessert repertoire.