Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Layer Cake

This Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Layer Cake is a luxurious treat featuring moist chocolate cake layers, a creamy hazelnut filling, and a glossy chocolate ganache, finished with crunchy hazelnuts. Perfect for special occasions or indulgent desserts!

Ingredients:

• For the Cake:
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water
• For the Hazelnut Filling:
  • 1 cup hazelnut spread (e.g., Nutella)
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chopped toasted hazelnuts
• For the Chocolate Ganache:
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
• For Decoration:
  • ½ cup whole toasted hazelnuts

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Make the Batter: In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla; beat on medium speed until smooth. Carefully stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Divide batter evenly among pans.
3. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
4. Prepare Filling: In a bowl, whisk hazelnut spread with heavy cream until smooth. Fold in chopped hazelnuts. Set aside.
5. Assemble Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half the hazelnut filling over it. Add the second layer and spread the remaining filling. Top with the third layer.
6. Make Ganache: Heat cream until simmering, pour over chocolate chips, and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth, then add vanilla. Let cool slightly, then pour over the cake, letting it drip down the sides.
7. Decorate: Press whole hazelnuts around the top edge of the cake. Let the ganache set for about 30 minutes.
8. Serve: Slice and enjoy! Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Enjoy this Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Layer Cake! Let me know if you’d like adjustments or pairing ideas.