If you’re on the hunt for your next favorite treat, the Heavenly Hazelnut Cake will absolutely steal your heart (and maybe a few compliments, too). Moist, nutty, and layered with delightful chocolatey swirls, this cake takes the classic combination of hazelnut and chocolate and gives it a homemade upgrade. Every bite wraps you in a blanket of comforting, toasted flavors that somehow feel both indulgent and familiar—whether you’re sharing it with friends or sneaking a slice as a midnight snack, the Heavenly Hazelnut Cake is a true showstopper you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about the Heavenly Hazelnut Cake is its impressively simple ingredient list. Each component plays its own essential part—adding richness, softness, sweetness, or that iconic hazelnut crunch, leaving you with a dessert that’s so much more than the sum of its parts.
- All-purpose flour: This forms the sturdy yet tender base that lets other flavors shine.
- Ground hazelnuts: The star ingredient gives the cake depth and unmistakable nutty flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Just the right sweetness to balance the richness of nuts and butter.
- Baking powder: Added for a gentle lift, making the crumb light and fluffy.
- Baking soda: Works with the baking powder for perfect rise and golden color.
- Salt: Just a touch to enhance flavors and balance the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Adds creamy richness and melt-in-your-mouth texture—don’t rush this step!
- Large eggs: For binding everything together and delivering that classic cake structure.
- Vanilla extract: Its warmth marries the nuts and chocolate for that cozy, bakery-style aroma.
- Whole milk: Makes the batter smooth and adds extra moisture to every bite.
- Nutella (or other hazelnut spread): Swirled in for a ribbon of creamy, chocolatey decadence.
How to Make Heavenly Hazelnut Cake
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Start the Heavenly Hazelnut Cake journey off right by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan generously with butter or line it with parchment paper. This quick prep ensures that your cake releases easily, with those beautiful swirls perfectly intact.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, ground hazelnuts, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients now helps distribute the leaveners and salt evenly, so your cake gets a consistent rise and flavor throughout.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a larger bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is pale and fluffy—this can take a few minutes, but it’s absolutely worth the effort. Creaming really introduces air, setting you up for a Heavenly Hazelnut Cake that’s tender and airy rather than dense.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully mixed before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and watch the batter take on a gorgeous pale gold hue, brimming with anticipation for those next steps.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Now, alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to your butter mixture—starting and ending with the dry mix. Go gently here, mixing just until the batter comes together; overmixing can toughen your Heavenly Hazelnut Cake, and nobody wants that.
Step 6: Swirl in the Nutella
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Warm the Nutella for just a few seconds in the microwave, then drizzle it right over the batter. Take a knife and gently swirl the Nutella through the batter for that signature marbled effect—it doesn’t need to look perfect, just luscious.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Pop the cake in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (with maybe a streak or two of Nutella—yum!). Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. The wait may be tough, but smelling the toasted hazelnut aroma is half the fun!
How to Serve Heavenly Hazelnut Cake
Garnishes
Dress up your Heavenly Hazelnut Cake with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of chopped toasted hazelnuts, or a few chocolate curls on top. If you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of melted Nutella will make it look irresistibly special for celebrations (or just because).
Side Dishes
A slice of this cake is lovely with a side of fresh berries for tart balance or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for complete decadence. Enjoy with a strong coffee, cold milk, or even a hazelnut latte to echo those toasty notes all through your snack or dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn the Heavenly Hazelnut Cake into a centerpiece by serving it on a pretty cake stand surrounded by hazelnuts and chocolate chips. For parties, try baking it in a bundt pan for visual appeal or slice it into small bars for a crowd-pleasing finger food option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, the Heavenly Hazelnut Cake will stay moist and flavorful for up to three days—perfect for impromptu tea breaks!
Freezing
The Heavenly Hazelnut Cake freezes beautifully. Slice it first for easy grabs, wrap individual pieces well, and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight on the counter before enjoying, and you’ll have instant homemade comfort, any day.
Reheating
If you love a slightly warm, gooey cake, just pop a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. That Nutella swirl will melt ever so slightly, making the Heavenly Hazelnut Cake taste fresh and delightful once again.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought hazelnut meal instead of grinding my own?
Absolutely! Store-bought hazelnut meal saves time and delivers wonderful flavor and texture. Just make sure it’s finely ground for the silkiest cake crumb.
Is there a substitute for Nutella?
You can use any hazelnut chocolate spread you like, or even try almond or peanut butter spreads for a twist. If you want to keep the classic “Heavenly Hazelnut Cake” vibe, hazelnut spread is definitely the way to go.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend. The cake’s nutty base makes it especially forgiving and still delicious if you’re skipping gluten.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Look for golden edges and a toothpick inserted into the center coming out mostly clean, with maybe a little Nutella. Don’t overbake—checking at the 30-minute mark is ideal.
Can I double the recipe for a larger gathering?
Definitely! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan, keeping in mind it may need a little extra time in the oven. You’ll have plenty of Heavenly Hazelnut Cake to share.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cake that’s as cozy as it is impressive, the Heavenly Hazelnut Cake is waiting for you in your kitchen. Give it a try—whether for a special get-together or a quiet coffee break—and see why this cake earns a spot in your go-to dessert lineup!