Irresistible Chocolate Hazelnut Celebration Cake – A Delight for Every Chocolate Lover

Introduction

Take your dessert game to the next level with this Irresistible Chocolate Hazelnut Celebration Cake! Rich, moist chocolate layers paired with creamy hazelnut frosting and a luxurious chocolate ganache drip make this cake a true masterpiece. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a decadent treat, this cake will steal the show. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring this stunning dessert to life!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (65g) cocoa powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 ½ cups (500g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• ½ cup (120ml) hot water or coffee (to enhance the chocolate flavor)

For the Hazelnut Buttercream:

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (200g) hazelnut spread (e.g., Nutella)
• 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk or heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (170g) dark or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 tbsp butter (optional, for shine)

For Decoration:

• Whole hazelnuts
• Chocolate truffles
• Crushed hazelnuts or almonds
• Chocolate curls or shards

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch (20cm) cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir in the hot water or coffee until the batter is smooth.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Hazelnut Buttercream

1. Beat the softened butter and hazelnut spread together until light and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Add milk or heavy cream and vanilla extract, then beat until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache

1. Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour it over the chopped chocolate.
2. Let sit for 2–3 minutes, then stir until smooth. Stir in butter for extra shine if desired.
3. Allow the ganache to cool to a pourable consistency.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Level the cake layers if necessary. Place the first layer on a cake stand and spread a generous amount of hazelnut buttercream on top. Repeat with the remaining layers.
2. Apply a thin crumb coat to the outside of the cake and chill for 15 minutes. Frost the cake with a smooth final layer of buttercream.
3. Drizzle the cooled ganache over the edges of the cake using a spoon or piping bag, allowing it to drip naturally. Spread any leftover ganache on the top.

Step 5: Decorate

1. Arrange whole hazelnuts and chocolate truffles on top of the cake. Sprinkle crushed hazelnuts or almonds around the base for texture.
2. Add chocolate curls or shards for an elegant finishing touch.

Pro Tips

• For extra flavor, toast the hazelnuts before using them as decoration.
• Chill the cake briefly before applying the ganache to ensure smooth drips.
• If the ganache thickens too much, warm it slightly until it reaches the right consistency.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Hazelnut Celebration Cake is a showstopper that combines rich flavors with a stunning presentation. Its creamy frosting, moist layers, and glossy ganache drip make it the ultimate treat for chocolate enthusiasts. Whether you’re hosting a party or baking for a loved one, this cake is sure to impress.

Don’t forget to share your creation and let us know how it turned out in the comments below! Happy baking!