Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Drip Cake – A Rich and Indulgent Dessert for Chocolate Lovers

Introduction

Are you a chocolate lover looking for the ultimate dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth? This Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Drip Cake is a dream come true! With its moist chocolate layers, creamy hazelnut frosting, and a stunning chocolate drip, this cake is perfect for any celebration or special treat. Follow this step-by-step recipe to recreate this indulgent masterpiece in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (85g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• ½ cup (120ml) hot water

For the Hazelnut Frosting:

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (280g) hazelnut spread (e.g., Nutella)
• 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Drip:

• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate

For Decoration:

• Whole hazelnuts
• Chocolate truffles
• Chocolate shards or chunks
• Crushed hazel nuts

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch (20cm) round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, mixing until just combined. Stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Allow the cakes to cool completely before removing them from the pans.

Step 2: Make the Hazelnut Frosting

1. Beat the butter and hazelnut spread together until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well. Add heavy cream and vanilla extract, and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Drip

1. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer.
2. Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate chips. Let it sit for 2–3 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
3. Allow the mixture to cool slightly to a pourable consistency.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Level the cake layers if needed. Spread a generous layer of hazelnut frosting between each cake layer.
2. Frost the outside of the cake with a thin crumb coat and chill for 15 minutes. Then, apply a final smooth layer of frosting.
3. Carefully drizzle the chocolate ganache around the edges of the cake using a spoon or piping bag, letting it drip naturally. Spread the remaining ganache over the top.

Step 5: Decorate

1. Arrange whole hazelnuts, chocolate truffles, and chocolate shards on top of the cake, as shown in the image.
2. Sprinkle crushed hazelnuts around the base of the cake for an elegant finish.

Tips for Success

• Use high-quality chocolate for the ganache to achieve a rich, glossy finish.
• Chill the cake layers for 15 minutes before frosting to make assembly easier.
• Adjust the consistency of the ganache by adding a teaspoon of warm cream if it becomes too thick.

Conclusion

This Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Drip Cake is guaranteed to steal the spotlight at any event. With its rich chocolate flavor and luxurious hazelnut frosting, it’s a dessert worth savoring. Don’t forget to share your creation on social media and tag us – we’d love to see your version of this indulgent masterpiece!

Happy baking, and enjoy every bite of this chocolate lover’s delight!