What Is Nutella Cake? A Decadent Chocolate-Hazelnut Treat
Nutella cake is a rich, moist dessert infused with creamy Nutella and topped with toasted hazelnuts for texture and flavor. Its appeal lies in the harmonious blend of tender crumb, bold Nutella flavor, and crunchy hazelnut topping, creating a treat that’s both indulgent and versatile. Whether enjoyed during birthdays, family gatherings, or as an everyday indulgence, this cake satisfies cravings with its luxurious taste. Its adaptability ensures it caters to various dietary preferences, including gluten-free or dairy-free options, ensuring everyone can indulge. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, Nutella cake proves that great desserts don’t require hours of prep.
Why You’ll Love This Nutella Cake Recipe
This Nutella cake recipe stands out for its unique appeal: tender crumb, bold Nutella flavor, and crunchy hazelnut topping in every bite. It’s ideal for holidays, potlucks, or gifting during special occasions, providing a satisfying experience for any event. The adaptability of this dish ensures it fits seamlessly into low-sugar, vegan, or nut-free diets, making it inclusive for diverse needs. Whether you’re serving it as a show-stopping dessert or preparing it for a cozy gathering, this recipe offers a delightful experience. With its ease of preparation and irresistible flavors, Nutella cake proves that homemade baked goods can still rival gourmet creations.
Key Ingredients for Making Perfect Nutella Cake
To create the ultimate Nutella cake, gather these essentials: For the base, use unsalted butter (225 g), caster sugar (225 g), medium eggs (4), self-raising flour (225 g), and Nutella (150 g). For the topping, toast hazelnuts (75 g) until golden and sprinkle them over additional Nutella (100 g) spread on top. Optional add-ins include cocoa powder, vanilla extract, or chocolate chips for added variety. Dietary substitutions like plant-based butter, gluten-free flour, or dairy-free Nutella alternatives cater to specific needs without compromising taste. Each component ensures a cake that’s rich, flavorful, and utterly irresistible.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Nutella Cake
Making Nutella cake is simple with this clear guide. Preheat oven to 160°C fan/180°C/Gas Mark 4 and grease and line a cake tin. Beat unsalted butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gently stir in self-raising flour until combined. Remove one-third of the batter into another bowl and stir in 150 g of Nutella until fully incorporated. Spread two-thirds of the plain batter into the prepared tin. Add Nutella-flavored batter side by side, lengthwise down the tin. Swirl batters together using a knife. Bake for about 1 hour, checking for doneness at 45 minutes. While the cake bakes, toast hazelnuts in the oven until golden. Once cool, slather remaining Nutella on top and sprinkle with toasted hazelnuts. This straightforward process ensures flawless results every time.
Tips for Achieving the Best Texture and Flavor in Nutella Cake
Achieving the best results with Nutella cake involves using room-temperature eggs for smoother batter, ensuring an authentic texture. Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a light, fluffy texture, creating visually appealing layers. Warm Nutella slightly before folding into batter for easier incorporation, enhancing the overall presentation. These expert tips guarantee a cake that’s consistently flavorful, visually stunning, and ready to impress with every bite. With minimal effort, you can elevate your baking game and create a dessert that’s both comforting and gourmet-worthy, perfect for any occasion.
How to Customize Your Nutella Cake for Unique Twists
Customizing your Nutella cake opens up endless possibilities for flavor exploration. For a low-sugar option, reduce sugar or use natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit, catering to health-conscious preferences. Create a vegan version by swapping butter with plant-based margarine and using flax eggs, ensuring inclusivity for diverse diets. Add cinnamon, cardamom, or orange zest for a spiced upgrade, bringing warmth and intrigue to the dish. Incorporate white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or caramel drizzle for added variety, adding a unique flair to the classic recipe. These creative ideas cater to diverse tastes while maintaining the cake’s signature rich texture, ensuring a delightful experience every time.
Serving Suggestions: Pairing Nutella Cake with Drinks or Desserts
Nutella cake pairs beautifully with complementary drinks and desserts, creating a complete and satisfying treat. Enjoy it with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy experience, enhancing its rich, indulgent flavors. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for indulgence, elevating its sweet taste. Complement its savory notes with beverages like sparkling water, red wine, or fruity cocktails, adding refreshment to your spread. These thoughtful pairings ensure Nutella cake remains a versatile and crowd-pleasing addition to any dining occasion.
Storage Tips: How to Store and Freeze Leftover Cake
To keep your Nutella cake tasting fresh, store leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap cooled slices in plastic wrap and aluminum foil; freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature; avoid reheating to maintain texture. These storage and reheating techniques guarantee a cake that remains flavorful, convenient, and ready to enjoy whenever cravings strike, ensuring no bite goes to waste.
See Also:
Frequently Asked Questions About Nutella Cake
Q: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of self-raising flour?
A: Yes, but add 2 teaspoons of baking powder to mimic self-raising flour.
Q: What can I substitute for hazelnuts?
A: Almonds or pecans work well for similar results.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: It can be made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free flour.
Q: How do I prevent the cake from being too dense?
A: Avoid overmixing the batter and ensure eggs are at room temperature.
Q: Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
A: Yes, assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; bake just before serving.
Why Nutella Cake Is a Must-Try for Any Occasion
Nutella cake stands out for its rich texture, bold flavors, and ease of preparation, making it ideal for snacks, desserts, or gifting during gatherings. Whether served as part of a casual meal or as a standout treat during celebrations, it brings joy and satisfaction to any occasion. Experiment with variations and presentations to make it your own, ensuring a delightful experience every time. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this recipe proves that homemade baked goods can still rival gourmet creations. Try it today it might just become your new go-to way to elevate any gathering or celebration.
Print
Nutella Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 cake (8–10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Nutella Cake is a rich, moist dessert infused with creamy Nutella and topped with toasted hazelnuts for extra flavor and crunch. This indulgent yet simple recipe combines a tender crumb with bold chocolate-hazelnut notes, making it perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or casual desserts. Easy to make and even easier to love, this cake delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 225 g unsalted butter, softened
- 225 g caster sugar
- 4 medium eggs
- 225 g self-raising flour
- 150 g Nutella
For the Topping:
- 100 g Nutella (for spreading)
- 75 g toasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 50 g chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 160°C fan / 180°C / Gas Mark 4. Grease and line a cake tin.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Gently fold in the self-raising flour until fully combined.
- Remove one-third of the batter to a separate bowl and stir in 150 g Nutella until smooth.
- Spread two-thirds of the plain batter into the prepared tin. Add spoonfuls of Nutella batter on top and swirl gently with a knife for a marbled effect.
- Bake for 45–60 minutes, checking for doneness at 45 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the cake bakes, toast hazelnuts until golden.
- Once cooled, spread 100 g Nutella over the top of the cake and sprinkle with toasted hazelnuts.
Notes
- Warm Nutella slightly before folding into the batter for easier mixing.
- Avoid overmixing to keep the texture light and fluffy.
- Substitute butter with plant-based margarine and eggs with flax eggs for a vegan version.
- Add orange zest or cinnamon for a flavor twist.
- Store tightly covered to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 31 g
- Sodium: 125 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg

