Chocolate Hazelnut Strawberry Cake Recipe

If you are craving a dessert that perfectly balances rich, nutty flavors with fresh, fruity notes, you have to try this Chocolate Hazelnut Strawberry Cake. This cake is an irresistible celebration of textures and tastes, combining moist chocolate layers with luscious hazelnut buttercream, silky ganache drips, and fresh strawberries that bring brightness to every bite. It’s not just a cake—it’s a showstopper that brings gourmet indulgence right to your kitchen, making any occasion feel extra special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this stunning dessert. The list is refreshingly simple, but each item plays a crucial role in building the flavor, texture, and visual appeal of the Chocolate Hazelnut Strawberry Cake.

• 1 and 1/2 cups all purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cake, ensuring a tender but sturdy crumb.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps create moisture balance in the finished cake.
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder: Adds deep chocolate richness with a slightly bittersweet edge.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Acts as the leavening agent to give the cake lift and fluffiness.
• 1/2 cup milk: Keeps the batter moist for that perfect tender bite.
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Infuses moisture and richness without overpowering the chocolate flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the chocolate and hazelnut notes with its warm, sweet aroma.
• 2 cups chocolate hazelnut buttercream frosting: The star frosting that layers the cake with creamy, nutty goodness.
• 1/2 cup chocolate ganache for dripping: Adds a glossy, decadent finish with a luscious chocolate drip effect.
• 1/2 cup crushed hazelnuts: Provides crunch and a nutty texture contrast along the cake’s base.
• 4 fresh strawberries: Offer fresh, fruity brightness and beautiful color atop the cake.
• 4 hazelnut chocolate truffles: Give a luxurious, fancy touch with an extra burst of decadent chocolate and hazelnut.
• 4 rolled wafer cookies: Add a crunchy, elegant garnish that’s perfect for nibbling alongside.

How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Strawberry Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s ready when your batter is mixed. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and baking soda—this dry mix brings together the foundational flavors. Then whisk in the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the batter is silky smooth. This step is key to achieving the perfect consistency that will bake into moist, tender cake layers.

Step 2: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide your batter evenly between two round cake pans lined with parchment or lightly greased. Slide the pans into the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely on a wire rack; this prevents the frosting from melting when you assemble your masterpiece.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

Once cooled, place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread a generous layer of the chocolate hazelnut buttercream frosting on top. Carefully set the second cake layer over it and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. This buttercream is what makes the Chocolate Hazelnut Strawberry Cake so irresistibly creamy and rich, so don’t be shy with it!

Step 4: Add Ganache and Decorations

Pour the chocolate ganache slowly over the edges of your frosted cake to create that beautiful dripping effect—this step elevates your cake’s look to gourmet levels. Next, pipe a neat row of frosting swirls down the center top for an elegant base. Then artfully arrange the fresh strawberries, hazelnut chocolate truffles, and rolled wafer cookies on top. Finally, press the crushed hazelnuts around the bottom base to finish with crunchy texture and a nutty aroma that pulls everything together.

How to Serve Chocolate Hazelnut Strawberry Cake

Garnishes

Fresh strawberries and hazelnut chocolate truffles are not just decorations; they complement the cake’s rich flavors and give a fresh, juicy contrast to the creamy buttercream and dense chocolate layers. Rolled wafer cookies add a beautiful textural variation that completes each forkful with a sweet crunch.

Side Dishes

Serving your Chocolate Hazelnut Strawberry Cake alongside a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can enhance the lusciousness, while a handful of fresh berries on the side brings a refreshing pop of color and acidity that balances the richness. For a grown-up twist, a glass of raspberry liqueur or a strong espresso pairs wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching presentation, serve this cake on a rustic wooden board adorned with scattered crushed hazelnuts and whole strawberries. You can also slice it and place each piece on elegant dessert plates with a drizzle of extra ganache and a whole wafer on the side. It’s a cake that loves to be the centerpiece, so don’t hesitate to get creative and make it shine at any gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Chocolate Hazelnut Strawberry Cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container, and refrigerate it. The frosting and ganache hold up well in the fridge and will stay moist and flavorful for 3 to 4 days. Bring slices to room temperature before serving for the best taste experience.

Freezing

If you want to prepare in advance or save some for later, this cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Though fresh strawberries are best added right before serving, the cake and frosting keep their delicious quality well.

Reheating

Chocolate Hazelnut Strawberry Cake is perfect enjoyed cool or at room temperature, so reheating is not usually necessary. However, if you prefer a slightly warmer slice, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes rather than microwaving, to preserve the texture and avoid melting the frosting too much.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut instead of hazelnuts?

Absolutely! While hazelnuts are classic for this recipe, you can substitute with almonds, pecans, or walnuts depending on your preference. Keep in mind, the flavor will shift slightly but remain delicious.

Is the chocolate hazelnut buttercream hard to make from scratch?

Not at all! It’s a simple mix of butter, powdered sugar, cocoa, and hazelnut spread. It just needs a few minutes of beating to become fluffy and perfectly smooth, making it an easy and rewarding frosting to whip up.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour, you can keep the cake just as moist and tasty. Just check that your other ingredients like baking soda and cocoa powder are gluten-free certified.

How do I get the perfect ganache drip?

The trick is to let the ganache cool slightly so it’s not too runny but still pourable. Start by spooning it around the edges and gently pushing it over to create drips. Practicing with a small cake or using a squeeze bottle can help you perfect the look.

Can I make this cake ahead for a party?

Definitely! You can bake and frost the cake a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Add the fresh strawberry and wafer decorations just before serving to keep them looking vibrant and crisp.

Final Thoughts

If you want to impress friends or treat yourself to a truly special dessert, the Chocolate Hazelnut Strawberry Cake is an absolute must-make. It’s a beautiful harmony of rich chocolate, nutty warmth, and fresh strawberry brightness that comes together in a cake in no time. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back to this enchanting recipe again and again.

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