Hazelnut Chocolate Hazelnut Cake has always been my go-to for special occasions, and this particular recipe, a true Chocolate Hazelnut Delight Cake, is an absolute showstopper. I remember the first time I made it for my best friend’s birthday; the aroma of toasted hazelnuts and rich cocoa filled my kitchen, promising something truly spectacular. The layers of delicate hazelnut dacquoise, paired with a velvety chocolate pastry cream, create a texture and flavor combination that’s simply divine. It’s a labor of love, for sure, but the sheer joy on everyone’s faces when they take that first bite makes every step worthwhile. Let’s get baking this incredible cake!
Why You’ll Love This Hazelnut Chocolate Hazelnut Cake
Get ready to wow your taste buds and your guests with this incredible dessert. Here’s why this cake is an absolute must-try:
- It’s a true showstopper, perfect for birthdays and celebrations.
- The combination of textures – airy dacquoise and creamy pastry – is divine.
- This Nutty Chocolate Hazelnut Cake offers a deep, satisfying hazelnut flavor in every bite.
- It’s surprisingly manageable to make, despite its elegant appearance.
- The rich chocolate and toasted hazelnut pairing is simply irresistible.
- This Nutty Chocolate Hazelnut Cake delivers a decadent experience without being overly sweet.
- It’s a fantastic option for anyone who loves a rich, complex dessert.
- Enjoy the delightful aroma as it bakes, a true sensory treat.
Ingredients for Your Hazelnut Chocolate Hazelnut Cake
Gathering these ingredients is the first delicious step toward creating your own show-stopping Hazelnut Chocolate Hazelnut Cake. This recipe uses a few special components to achieve its incredible texture and flavor.
- 2 cups Whole Milk – the creamy base for our pastry cream
- 1 tablespoon Vanilla Bean Paste – for that rich, authentic vanilla flavor
- 1/4 cup Corn Starch – to thicken the pastry cream beautifully
- 3/4 cup Caster Sugar – balances the cocoa and adds sweetness
- 1/2 cup Dutch Processed Cocoa Powder – for a deep, chocolatey intensity
- 1/4 teaspoon Fine Salt – enhances all the flavors
- 4 large Egg Yolks – adds richness to the pastry cream
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter – for a smooth, glossy finish
- 4 ounces Dark Cooking Chocolate – the heart of our chocolate pastry cream
- 1 cup Toasted Hazelnuts – the star, providing nutty depth
- 4 large Egg Whites – essential for the airy dacquoise layers
- 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour – for the dacquoise structure
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar – for whipping into the egg whites
- 1 teaspoon Bicarbonate Soda – helps the hazelnut praline
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract – a touch more vanilla
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt – balances sweetness
- Powdered sugar – for the glaze
- Melted butter – for the glaze
- Cocoa powder – for the chocolate glaze variation
- Hazelnut crumbs – for decorating the sides
- Chocolate sauce (optional) – for an extra drizzle of decadence
How to Make the Perfect Hazelnut Chocolate Hazelnut Cake
Crafting this beautiful cake is a rewarding process. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll be rewarded with a truly spectacular dessert that makes for a memorable Rich Hazelnut Chocolate Cake Recipe.
- Step 1: Start by preheating your oven to 170°C (340°F). Prepare two round cake pans by lining them with baking paper. Spread your cup of toasted hazelnuts onto a baking tray and roast them for about 20 minutes, until they turn a lovely golden brown. Once they’ve cooled, you’ll process half of them into coarse crumbs for later.
- Step 2: For the pastry cream, whisk together the corn starch, caster sugar, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, and fine salt in a saucepan. Add the egg yolks and gradually whisk in the warm whole milk. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens beautifully. Remove from heat and stir in the unsalted butter and dark cooking chocolate until everything is smooth and glossy. This creates the rich chocolate pastry cream.
- Step 3: Now for the hazelnut praline. In a separate clean saucepan, caramelize the granulated sugar with a splash of water until it reaches a beautiful golden hue. Stir in the toasted hazelnuts and bicarbonate soda – it will fizz up! Mix this thoroughly, then let it cool completely. Once cooled, blend this mixture into a smooth paste. This praline adds an intense hazelnut flavor, making it a key part of this Rich Hazelnut Chocolate Cake Recipe.
- Step 4: Prepare the dacquoise. In a clean, dry bowl, whip the egg whites until stiff, glossy peaks form. Gently fold in the prepared hazelnut flour and the all-purpose flour until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Step 5: Pipe the dacquoise mixture evenly into your prepared cake pans. Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the layers are set and lightly golden.
- Step 6: Assemble your masterpiece. Once the dacquoise layers have cooled completely, place one layer into a springform pan. Spread a generous amount of the chocolate pastry cream over it. Carefully place the second dacquoise layer on top, and spread the remaining pastry cream over it and the sides of the cake.
- Step 7: Create the glazes. Mix powdered sugar with melted butter to make a simple vanilla glaze. Reserve a portion of this and mix it with cocoa powder to create a chocolate glaze.
- Step 8: Pour the glazes over the assembled cake, allowing them to drip down the sides for a stunning effect. Chill the cake for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set perfectly.
- Step 9: Before serving, coat the sides of the cake with any reserved pastry cream and then generously sprinkle with the hazelnut crumbs for that extra touch of elegance. If you like, a drizzle of chocolate sauce adds a final flourish to this amazing Rich Hazelnut Chocolate Cake Recipe.
Crafting the Hazelnut Dacquoise Layers
The key to the dacquoise is whipping the egg whites to stiff peaks and gently folding in the flours. Baking them until set, but not browned, preserves their delicate texture. The toasted hazelnuts folded into the batter provide a wonderful nutty foundation.
Creating the Rich Chocolate Pastry Cream
This pastry cream is the heart of the cake’s richness. Cooking the corn starch, sugar, cocoa, and egg yolks with milk until thickened is crucial. Stirring in the butter and dark chocolate at the end gives it that luxurious, glossy finish and deep chocolate flavor. For more pastry cream tips, check out this guide to pastry cream.
Assembling Your Decadent Hazelnut Chocolate Hazelnut Cake
Layering is simple: dacquoise, pastry cream, dacquoise, pastry cream. Ensure the pastry cream is spread evenly to create distinct layers. Chilling is vital for the cake to set properly, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The hazelnut praline paste adds an incredible depth that makes this cake truly special. Learn more about baking techniques to perfect this step.
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Pro Tips for the Best Hazelnut Chocolate Hazelnut Cake
Elevate your baking with these insider tips for a truly spectacular Hazelnut Chocolate Hazelnut Cake. These little tricks ensure perfection every time!
- Always toast your hazelnuts; it unlocks their full nutty flavor and aroma, which is essential for this cake.
- Don’t overmix the dacquoise batter once the flour is added – this keeps the layers light and airy.
- Chill the assembled cake thoroughly. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures clean slices.
- For a smoother praline, ensure the caramelized sugar is fully cooled before blending.
What’s the secret to a moist Hazelnut Chocolate Hazelnut Cake?
The secret to a wonderfully moist cake lies in the rich chocolate pastry cream and the delicate dacquoise layers. Ensuring the pastry cream is cooked to the right consistency and the dacquoise isn’t overbaked keeps everything tender. You can find more information on achieving moist cakes here.
Can I make this Chocolate cake with hazelnut filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the cake up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to deepen even further, making it a perfect make-ahead option. For more make-ahead baking tips, see this article.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Hazelnut Chocolate Hazelnut Cake?
To prevent common issues, like a dry cake, ensure you don’t overbake the dacquoise layers. Also, be patient with chilling; rushing assembly or frosting can lead to a messy result. If your Hazelnut Chocolate Hazelnut Cake is dry, it’s usually due to overbaking. Understanding oven temperatures is key; learn more about oven calibration.
Best Ways to Serve Your Hazelnut Chocolate Hazelnut Cake
Presenting this exquisite Hazelnut Chocolate Hazelnut Cake is an event in itself! For a truly elegant experience, consider serving it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar. A small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream also pairs wonderfully, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and texture. If you’re looking for complementary sides, fresh raspberries or a simple berry compote can add a lovely tartness that cuts through the cake’s richness. For those seeking Hazelnut Chocolate Cake frosting ideas, a delicate chocolate ganache or a smooth vanilla buttercream would be divine additions that complement the existing flavors beautifully.
Nutrition Facts for Hazelnut Chocolate Hazelnut Cake
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per slice of this glorious Hazelnut Chocolate Hazelnut Cake. It’s a decadent treat, so we’re looking at a rich profile.
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Your Hazelnut Chocolate Hazelnut Cake
Properly storing your beautiful Hazelnut Chocolate Hazelnut Cake ensures it stays just as delightful as the day you made it. Once it has completely cooled to room temperature – this is crucial to prevent condensation – carefully transfer it to an airtight container. This will keep it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions or the entire cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and it will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, the best way to reheat it is gently. If it’s slightly chilled, a minute or two in the microwave on low power can soften the pastry cream. If it’s from frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving at room temperature for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hazelnut Chocolate Hazelnut Cake
What makes this Hazelnut Chocolate Hazelnut Cake so special?
This cake is special because of its unique layers. We combine the airy, nutty texture of hazelnut dacquoise with a luxuriously rich chocolate pastry cream. The addition of hazelnut praline paste throughout gives it an extra depth of flavor that truly makes it a standout dessert.
Can I substitute the hazelnuts in this Double Hazelnut Chocolate Cake?
While hazelnuts are the star, you could experiment with other nuts like almonds or pecans if you have allergies or can’t find them. However, the distinct flavor of hazelnuts is what defines this particular cake. For the best result, stick to toasted hazelnuts!
Why is my Hazelnut Chocolate Hazelnut Cake not setting properly?
Proper setting often comes down to chilling time and the pastry cream consistency. Ensure your pastry cream is cooked to a thick, pudding-like state and that you give the assembled cake at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to chill in the refrigerator. This allows everything to firm up beautifully.
Is this Hazelnut Chocolate Hazelnut Cake suitable for a special occasion like a birthday?
Absolutely! This cake is designed to impress. Its elegant presentation and rich, complex flavors make it perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any celebration where you want to serve something truly memorable. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Variations of Hazelnut Chocolate Hazelnut Cake You Can Try
While this recipe is spectacular as is, I love experimenting! If you’re looking for a quicker treat, try an Easy Hazelnut Chocolate Cake version by using your favorite store-bought chocolate cake mix and folding in toasted hazelnut bits and a swirl of chocolate-hazelnut spread into the batter before baking. For a dietary twist, you could adapt this into a Gluten-free Hazelnut Chocolate Hazelnut Cake by substituting the all-purpose flour with a good gluten-free baking blend, and ensuring your cocoa powder is also gluten-free. If you’re aiming for a plant-based dessert, a Vegan Hazelnut Chocolate Hazelnut Cake is achievable by using plant-based milk and butter, replacing the egg yolks with a cornstarch slurry, and using a flax egg or aquafaba for the dacquoise egg whites.
PrintHazelnut Chocolate Hazelnut Cake: 1 Divine Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A decadent Hazelnut Chocolate Hazelnut Cake featuring layers of hazelnut dacquoise and rich chocolate pastry cream, perfect for impressing guests or elevating any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Whole Milk
- 1 tablespoon Vanilla Bean Paste
- 1/4 cup Corn Starch
- 3/4 cup Caster Sugar
- 1/2 cup Dutch Processed Cocoa Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Fine Salt
- 4 large Egg Yolks
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 4 ounces Dark Cooking Chocolate
- 1 cup Toasted Hazelnuts
- 4 large Egg Whites
- 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Bicarbonate Soda
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- Powdered sugar
- Melted butter
- Cocoa powder
- Hazelnut crumbs
- Chocolate sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) and line two round cake pans with baking paper.
- Spread the hazelnuts on a baking tray and roast for about 20 minutes until golden brown. Let them cool.
- In a saucepan, whisk together the dry ingredients (corn starch, caster sugar, cocoa powder, salt) and egg yolks. Gradually add warm whole milk while stirring, then cook over medium heat until thickened. Stir in butter and dark chocolate until smooth and glossy to create the pastry cream.
- In a clean saucepan, caramelize sugar with a splash of water until golden. Stir in the toasted hazelnuts and bicarbonate soda, mixing well before letting it cool. Blend into a smooth paste to make the hazelnut praline.
- Process half of the remaining hazelnuts into coarse crumbs. Whip egg whites with sugar until glossy stiff peaks form, then gently fold in the hazelnut flour and all-purpose flour.
- Pipe the dacquoise mixture into the prepared pans and bake for about 15-20 minutes until set.
- Once the dacquoise layers are baked and cooled, place the first layer in a springform pan. Spread a generous portion of the pastry cream on top. Repeat with the second layer using the remaining pastry cream, reserving some for the sides and top.
- In a bowl, mix powdered sugar with melted butter to create a vanilla glaze. Then, combine a portion with cocoa powder to make the chocolate glaze.
- Pour the glazes over the assembled cake and let it chill for 4 hours or overnight.
- After chilling, coat the sides of the cake with the reserved pastry cream and sprinkle with hazelnut crumbs for extra elegance. Drizzle with chocolate sauce if desired.
Notes
- Allow the dacquoise layers to cool completely before assembling to maintain the cake’s structure.
- Store the finished Hazelnut Chocolate Hazelnut Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for optimal flavor.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking and Assembly
- Cuisine: Hungarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Hazelnut Chocolate Hazelnut Cake, Hazelnut Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Hazelnut Delight Cake, Nutty Chocolate Hazelnut Cake, Rich Hazelnut Chocolate Cake, Decadent Hazelnut Chocolate Cake, Double Hazelnut Chocolate Cake, Moist Hazelnut Chocolate Cake, Chocolate cake with hazelnut filling








