Nutella and Hazelnut Cake
Nutella and Hazelnut Cake
If you're looking for a quick and simple dessert that combines the rich flavor of chocolate with the crunchy texture of hazelnuts, this Nutella and hazelnut cake is the perfect choice. A recipe that will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of warmth to your home. Let's discover together how to prepare this treat!
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 50-60 minutes
Number of servings: 8
Ingredients:
- 175 g butter (at room temperature)
- 175 g brown powdered sugar
- 3 eggs
- 200 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons milk
- 4 tablespoons Nutella
- 50 g hazelnuts, coarsely chopped
History:
The cake has a long history, being appreciated in various forms over time. Its origins can be found in country kitchens, where it was made with simple yet nourishing ingredients. Over the years, the cake has evolved, becoming a favorite among dessert lovers. Today, the combination of chocolate and hazelnuts has become a classic, and our recipe pays homage to this delicious tradition.
Preparation:
1. Preparing the oven and the pan: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. This is the ideal temperature for the cake to bake evenly and develop a beautifully browned crust. Meanwhile, grease and line a round 23 cm diameter cake pan with parchment paper. This step is essential to prevent the cake from sticking to the pan.
2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the softened butter and brown powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until it becomes a fluffy, light-colored cream. This step is crucial as the incorporated air will help achieve a light texture for the cake.
3. Adding the eggs: Continue by adding the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This step will help emulsify the ingredients and create a uniform base.
4. Incorporating the dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. These dry ingredients will add flavor and structure to the cake. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix gently until you obtain a homogeneous and slightly thicker batter.
5. Adding Nutella: Now comes the fun part! Pour about half of the batter into the prepared pan, then add the 4 tablespoons of Nutella on top. Use a knife to create a swirled pattern in the batter so that the Nutella is evenly distributed. This is when your cake will take on a decadent chocolate note.
6. Finalizing the batter: Pour the remaining batter over the Nutella layer and smooth the surface with a spatula. This will ensure even baking and an attractive appearance.
7. Adding the hazelnuts: Sprinkle the coarsely chopped hazelnuts on top of the batter. These will provide a crunchy texture and delicious flavor, perfectly complementing the chocolate.
8. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and let the cake bake for 50-60 minutes. Do the toothpick test to ensure it is baked: it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If you notice that the surface of the cake is browning too much, cover it lightly with aluminum foil.
9. Cooling: Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn it out onto a rack and let it cool completely. It is important to give it the necessary time to cool so that the texture is perfect when served.
Serving suggestions:
This Nutella and hazelnut cake is delicious served plain, but you can enhance it with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on the side. Additionally, a cup of aromatic coffee or herbal tea will perfectly complement the dessert.
Tips and variations:
- You can experiment with other types of nuts, such as pecans or almonds, to add a distinct flavor.
- Substitute Nutella with another chocolate cream or hazelnut spread to vary the flavors.
- Add some dark or white chocolate chunks to the batter for an extra chocolate boost.
Nutritional benefits:
This cake is not only delicious but also contains ingredients that bring benefits. Hazelnuts are rich in healthy fats, proteins, and vitamins, while chocolate is known for its positive effects on mood.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use margarine instead of regular butter?
Yes, but the flavor of the cake may be less rich. We recommend using butter for the best results.
2. What can I do if I don’t have hazelnuts?
You can replace hazelnuts with other nuts or seeds, such as walnuts or sunflower seeds.
3. How do I keep the cake fresh?
You can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or in the fridge for a longer duration.
Now that you have all the necessary information, you have no excuses! Get your hands on the ingredients and enjoy a Nutella and hazelnut cake that will impress everyone. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 175 g butter, 175 g brown sugar, powdered, 3 eggs, 200 g flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 4 tablespoons milk, 4 tablespoons Nutella, 50 g hazelnuts, chopped coarse