If you're searching for a rich, impressive dessert that’s actually doable at home, this Ultimate Chocolate Hazelnut Cake Recipe is it. It’s a moist chocolate layer cake packed with hazelnut flavor, finished with a chocolate hazelnut frosting that will win over chocolate lovers every time.

Chocolate Hazelnut Cake Sift your dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, hazelnut meal, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a large mixing bowl. Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment beat the oil and sugar together on medium speed for about a minute.

Add eggs one at a time, fully mixing between each addition. Add the vanilla extract and sour cream, and mix until just combined. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and hot coffee to the wet mixture

Evenly divide your cake batter into the prepared pans. Bake two cakes at a time if needed to avoid uneven baking. Bake for 45–60 minutes. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the cake pans and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Chocolate Hazelnut Frosting Beat the unsalted butter with the whisk attachment until it’s light and creamy, about 1 minute. Add the hazelnut spread and mix until smooth.

Sift in the powdered sugar and cocoa powder slowly to avoid a sugar cloud. Mix on low, then increase the speed until your frosting is fluffy. Add the vanilla and salt, then beat for another 1–2 minutes.

Assemble Once your cakes are completely cool, trim the top of the cake layers if needed to make them flat and even. Spread a third of the chocolate hazelnut spread on top of the cake. Sprinkle 1/3 cup chopped hazelnuts evenly over the spread, then press them gently into place. Add a thin layer of frosting over the hazelnuts to help the second layer stick.

Place the second layer and repeat. Apply a crumb coat—a thin layer of frosting around the whole cake to trap crumbs. Chill the cake for 15–20 minutes to set it. Add an extra layer of frosting on top of the crumb coat. To finish, press chopped hazelnuts into the sides of the cake by hand.