How to Make the Most Delicious Italian Hazelnut Cream Cake
If you're a fan of rich, nutty flavors combined with the decadence of cake, then you will absolutely love Italian Hazelnut Cream Cake. Known for its creamy hazelnut spread and moist layers, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Follow this guide to create an unforgettable dessert that will impress your friends and family!
Ingredients You'll Need
To make this Italian delicacy, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp of baking powder
- 1/2 tsp of baking soda
- 1/4 tsp of salt
- 3/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1 cup of hazelnut cream (like Nutella)
- 1 cup of heavy cream for frosting
- Chopped hazelnuts for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Cake Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly.
In another bowl, cream together the sugar and softened butter until it’s light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, along with the vanilla extract. Continue mixing until smooth.
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Ensure everything is well incorporated, creating a smooth batter.
2. Baking the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. Pour an equal amount of batter into each pan.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Making the Hazelnut Cream Frosting
While the cakes cool, whip the heavy cream in a mixing bowl until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the hazelnut cream until fully combined. This will give your frosting a light and airy texture with a rich hazelnut flavor.
4. Assembling the Cake
Once the cakes have cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of the hazelnut cream frosting on top. Carefully place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
5. Adding the Finishing Touches
For a decorative touch, sprinkle chopped hazelnuts around the edges of the cake. You can also drizzle extra hazelnut cream on top for an added visual appeal.
Serving Suggestions
Slice this Italian Hazelnut Cream Cake into generous portions and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for an added burst of flavor. A nice espresso or cappuccino pairs beautifully with this rich dessert!
Storage Tips
If you have any leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best taste!
Now that you know how to make this delectable Italian Hazelnut Cream Cake, you can impress anyone with your baking skills. Enjoy every creamy, nutty bite!