Nutella Cake Recipe

The Dreamiest Nutella Cake Recipe for Sweet-Tooth Satisfaction

Sweet chocolate hazelnut spreads like nutella cake have a magical way of turning ordinary desserts into extraordinary experiences.

Smooth, creamy textures melt perfectly across delicate cake layers.

Memories of childhood treats come rushing back with each decadent bite.

Passionate bakers understand how simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular.

Rich chocolate notes intertwine with delicate nutella swirls, creating an irresistible symphony of flavors.

Aromas wafting from the kitchen will make everyone’s mouth water with anticipation.

Do you dare resist this tempting slice of pure indulgence?

Nutella Cake Prep Tips You’ll Appreciate

  • Beat eggs on high speed for the full 4 minutes to create a light, airy base that helps the cake rise beautifully and maintains a soft texture.
  • Dissolve instant espresso powder completely in room temperature water to ensure even distribution and prevent bitter coffee clumps in the cake batter.
  • Allow cream cheese and butter to soften at room temperature before mixing to create a silky, lump-free Nutella frosting that spreads easily.
  • Check cake layers early and remove from oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean to maintain moisture and prevent overcooking.
  • Use a serrated knife to trim cake tops evenly, creating stable, flat surfaces for more professional-looking cake assembly and preventing wobbling when stacking layers.

Nutella Cake Stored for a Perfect Chocolate Slice Later

  • Store leftover Nutella cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Allow cake to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to soften the frosting and enhance flavor. Cold cake can taste dense and less enjoyable.
  • Wrap entire cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Avoid overheating to prevent the frosting from melting or becoming runny.

Perfect Matches For Nutella Cake

  • Pair with Rich Red Wine: Select a full-bodied, slightly sweet red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Port to complement the deep chocolate and Nutella flavors, enhancing the cake's decadent richness.
  • Serve with Espresso Martini: Create a sophisticated cocktail pairing by mixing vodka, espresso, and Kahlúa, which mirrors the cake's coffee undertones and provides a delightful alcoholic contrast.
  • Match with Hazelnut Gelato: Scoop creamy hazelnut gelato alongside the cake to amplify the Nutella's nutty profile and create a harmonious dessert experience with complementary textures.
  • Enjoy with Vanilla Bean Cappuccino: Prepare a smooth, velvety cappuccino topped with fragrant vanilla bean foam, offering a gentle, creamy counterpoint to the cake's intense chocolate and Nutella flavors.

Nutella Cake Variations

  • Gluten-Free Nutella Cake: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend containing rice flour, potato starch, and xanthan gum. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Cake: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based butter alternatives, replace cream cheese with cashew cream, and swap Nutella with dairy-free chocolate hazelnut spread made from coconut milk and cocoa.
  • Low-Sugar Nutella Cake: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of sugar, reduce total sweetener quantity, and incorporate unsweetened applesauce to maintain moisture. Select a sugar-free Nutella alternative or make a homemade version with natural sweeteners.
  • Keto-Friendly Nutella Cake: Utilize almond flour and coconut flour as base, replace sugar with erythritol, use sugar-free chocolate chips, incorporate cream cheese and heavy cream for frosting, and select a keto-approved chocolate hazelnut spread with minimal carbohydrates.

FAQs

  • Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of dutched cocoa powder?

Yes, you can substitute regular cocoa powder, but dutched cocoa provides a richer, deeper chocolate flavor and darker color to the cake.

  • Is it necessary to use a stand mixer for this recipe?

While a stand mixer makes the process easier, you can use a hand mixer or even mix by hand. The key is to beat the eggs thoroughly until they become light and fluffy.

  • How do I know if I'm mixing the batter correctly?

The batter should look smooth and slightly glossy. When you lift the whisk or beater, the mixture should form ribbons that slowly dissolve back into the batter.

  • Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature. The frosting can also be prepared a day before assembling the cake.

Nutella Cake That’s Rich And Celebration Worthy

Nutella Cake That’s Rich And Celebration Worthy
  • Quick and Simple Preparation: This cake requires minimal technical skills, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers with straightforward mixing and baking steps.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Chocolate Explosion: The rich combination of dutched cocoa, espresso, and creamy Nutella frosting creates an irresistible dessert that satisfies intense chocolate cravings for all ages.
  • Versatile Celebration Showstopper: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, potlucks, or weekend gatherings, this impressive three-layer cake delivers maximum visual and flavor impact with minimal effort.
  • Time-Efficient Baking Experience: With total preparation and baking time around 45-60 minutes, this recipe offers a quick yet decadent dessert solution for busy home cooks seeking delicious results.

Nutella Cake Baking Base

Cake Batter Base:
  • Eggs: Rich protein base for cake structure and texture.
  • Sugar: Essential sweetener providing moisture and caramelization.
  • Vanilla Extract: Classic flavor enhancer with warm, sweet notes.
  • Buttermilk: Adds tenderness and subtle tangy flavor to the cake.
Liquid and Fat Components:
  • Instant Espresso Powder: Deepens chocolate flavor and adds complexity.
  • Water: Helps dissolve espresso and adjust batter consistency.
  • Melted Butter: Provides richness and smooth texture to the cake.
Dry Ingredients and Flavoring:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Primary structural ingredient for cake's foundation.
  • Cocoa Powder (Dutched): Deep chocolate flavor with smoother taste profile.
  • Baking Soda: Helps cake rise and creates light texture.
  • Baking Powder: Additional leavening agent for even cake rise.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Frosting Elements:
  • Cream Cheese: Creamy base providing tangy richness to frosting.
  • Butter: Adds smooth, rich texture to frosting.
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet frosting consistency.
  • Nutella: Provides signature chocolate-hazelnut flavor and creamy texture.

How to Prepare Nutella Cake

How to Prepare Nutella Cake

Step 1: Create the Cake Base

Beat eggs in a stand mixer on high speed until they become light and fluffy.

Gradually add sugar and continue whipping until the mixture becomes pale and voluminous.

Pour in:
  • Vanilla extract
  • Buttermilk

Mix until everything blends beautifully.

Step 2: Infuse with Coffee Goodness

Dissolve instant espresso powder in room temperature water.

Pour the coffee mixture into the batter.

Gently fold in melted butter, creating a rich and aromatic base.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Sift together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Salt
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Dutched cocoa powder

Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, ensuring a smooth and consistent batter.

Step 4: Bake Perfectly Moist Cake Layers

Distribute the batter evenly across three 9-inch cake pans.

Slide into a preheated oven at 350°F.

Bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean, typically 15-20 minutes.

Step 5: Craft Heavenly Nutella Frosting

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Softened butter
  • Cocoa powder
  • Powdered sugar
  • Salt
  • Nutella

Whip until the frosting becomes smooth, creamy, and utterly irresistible.

Step 6: Cool and Prep Cake Layers

Transfer baked cakes to cooling racks.

Allow them to cool completely.

Use a serrated knife to level the cake tops for a professional finish.

Step 7: Assemble Your Nutella Cake Showstopper

Layer the cake with generous amounts of Nutella frosting between each tier.

Cover the entire cake with remaining frosting, creating a decadent and glossy exterior.

Print
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Nutella Cake Recipe

Nutella Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent Nutella cake promises a chocolate lover’s dream with rich, velvety layers of hazelnut-infused delight. Creamy, luscious frosting and intense cocoa notes invite you to savor each delectable bite of this irresistible dessert.


Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients:

  • 5 eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Main Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup dutched cocoa powder
  • 2 cups granulated sugar

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder

Frosting Ingredients:

  • 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups Nutella
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Whip eggs in a stand mixer at high velocity for 4 minutes until voluminous and pale, creating a fluffy base for the cake’s foundation.
  2. Gradually incorporate sugar while continuing to beat, ensuring complete integration and developing a silky, smooth mixture.
  3. Infuse the batter with vanilla extract and buttermilk, gently blending until the liquid harmonizes with the egg mixture.
  4. Dissolve espresso powder in room temperature water, introducing a rich, robust coffee essence to the cake’s flavor profile.
  5. Melt butter and fold into the liquid ingredients, creating a luxurious and moist foundation for the cake.
  6. Sift together all dry ingredients – flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and cocoa powder – ensuring a lump-free, well-distributed mixture.
  7. Delicately fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, using a whisk to maintain the batter’s airiness and prevent overmixing.
  8. Distribute the batter evenly across three prepared cake pans, creating uniform layers for consistent baking.
  9. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F, monitoring for approximately 15-20 minutes until a toothpick emerges clean when inserted.
  10. Transfer baked cakes to cooling racks, allowing them to reach room temperature completely.
  11. Trim cake tops if needed to create level surfaces for stacking.
  12. Whip cream cheese, butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, salt, and Nutella into a smooth, decadent frosting.
  13. Layer the cake, spreading Nutella frosting between each level for maximum flavor integration.
  14. Completely enrobe the cake with remaining frosting, covering top and sides for a luxurious finish.

Notes

  • Whip eggs thoroughly for maximum volume, ensuring a light and fluffy cake texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and buttermilk to create smoother, more evenly mixed batter that promotes better rising.
  • Consider reducing sugar by 1/4 cup for those watching sweetness levels, as Nutella frosting already provides significant sugar content.
  • Ensure espresso powder completely dissolves to distribute rich coffee flavor evenly throughout the cake, enhancing chocolate’s deep notes.
  • Line cake pans with parchment paper for easier cake removal and preventing potential sticking or crumbling.
  • Cool cakes completely before frosting to prevent buttercream from melting and sliding off layers.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining similar texture and structure.
  • Store cake in refrigerator, covering tightly to preserve moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 45 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 40 g
  • Saturated Fat: 25 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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