Chocolate Hazelnut Cake

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

1. All-purpose flour (2 cups)
2. Cocoa powder (3/4 cup)
3. Baking powder (2 teaspoons)
4. Baking soda (1 teaspoon)
5. Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
6. Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened)
7. Granulated sugar (2 cups)
8. Eggs (4, room temperature)
9. Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons)
10. Buttermilk (1 cup, room temperature)
11. Strong brewed coffee (1 cup, cooled)

For the Chocolate Hazelnut Frosting:

1. Hazelnut spread (1 cup)
2. Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened)
3. Powdered sugar (2 cups, sifted)
4. Cocoa powder (1/4 cup)
5. Heavy cream (1/4 cup)

For Garnish (Optional):

1. Toasted hazelnuts (chopped)

Preparation Steps:

Cake:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Sift Dry Ingredients:
   • In a bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   • In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
   • Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk and coffee. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Divide and Bake:
   • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops.
7. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool:
   • Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Chocolate Hazelnut Frosting:

1. Prepare Hazelnut Frosting:
   • In a bowl, beat together hazelnut spread, softened butter, sifted powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and heavy cream until smooth and creamy.

Assembly:

1. Layer and Frost:
   • Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of chocolate hazelnut frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second layer on top.
2. Frost Entire Cake:
   • Frost the entire cake with the remaining chocolate hazelnut frosting, creating a smooth and even surface.
3. Garnish (Optional):
   • If desired, garnish the cake with chopped toasted hazelnuts.
4. Chill (Optional):
   • For a firmer frosting, refrigerate the cake for a few hours before serving.
5. Slice and Enjoy:
   • Slice the Chocolate Hazelnut Cake and relish the divine combination of chocolate and hazelnuts in every bite.

This Chocolate Hazelnut Cake is a delightful creation that combines rich flavors and a velvety texture, making it a perfect indulgence for chocolate and hazelnut enthusiasts.