Heavenly Chocolate Hazelnut Drip Cake – The Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion

Introduction

Indulge in the luxurious flavors of chocolate and hazelnut with this Heavenly Chocolate Hazelnut Drip Cake! Featuring layers of rich chocolate cake, smooth hazelnut frosting, and a glossy chocolate ganache, this cake is both a visual and flavorful delight. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a treat-yourself day, this recipe is your step-by-step guide to creating a dessert that everyone will rave about.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (85g) cocoa powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 ¼ cups (450g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• ½ cup (120ml) hot espresso or coffee (for enhanced flavor)

For the Hazelnut Frosting:

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (280g) hazelnut spread (e.g., Nutella)
• 5 cups (625g) powdered sugar
• 3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (170g) dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 tbsp light corn syrup or butter (for extra shine)

For Decoration:

• Whole hazelnuts
• Chocolate truffles or pralines
• Chocolate shards or curls
• Chopped hazelnuts

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 8-inch (20cm) round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients and buttermilk, alternating between the two, and mix until just combined. Stir in the hot espresso for a smooth batter with a deep chocolate flavor.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the pans and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Allow the cakes to cool completely before removing them from the pans.

Step 2: Prepare the Hazelnut Frosting

1. Beat the butter and hazelnut spread together until creamy and smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
3. Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whip until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache

1. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour it over the chopped chocolate.
2. Let it sit for 2–3 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy. Add corn syrup or butter for extra shine.
3. Allow the ganache to cool slightly until it reaches a pourable consistency.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Level the cake layers if necessary. Spread a generous layer of hazelnut frosting between each layer.
2. Apply a thin crumb coat around the outside of the cake to seal in crumbs. Chill for 15–20 minutes, then apply a smooth final coat of frosting.
3. Carefully drizzle the cooled ganache around the edges of the cake using a spoon or piping bag, letting it drip naturally. Spread any remaining ganache over the top for a polished finish.

Step 5: Decorate

1. Top the cake with whole hazelnuts, chocolate truffles, and chocolate shards for an elegant look.
2. Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts around the base for added texture and flavor.

Baking Tips

• For a stronger hazelnut flavor, toast whole hazelnuts in the oven and grind them into a fine powder to add to the frosting or cake batter.
• If you don’t have buttermilk, substitute with 1 cup of milk mixed with 1 tbsp of lemon juice or vinegar.
• Chill the cake briefly after applying the ganache to make decorating easier.

Conclusion

This Heavenly Chocolate Hazelnut Drip Cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate and hazelnut lovers alike. Its rich, decadent flavors and elegant appearance make it a perfect centerpiece for any celebration. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, this cake is sure to impress. Share your creation with us and let us know how it turned out!

Happy baking, and enjoy this indulgent masterpiece!