Irresistible Nutella Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: Your Ultimate Guide

Prepare to fall in love with one of the most decadent and delightful desserts you’ll ever bake: the Nutella Cake. This isn’t just any cake; it’s a moist, rich chocolate hazelnut masterpiece crowned with a luscious Nutella cream cheese frosting, and adorned with vibrant raspberries and crunchy hazelnut pirouettes. It’s the kind of cake that makes any occasion feel special, whether it’s a grand celebration or a cozy evening treat. If you’re searching for a dessert that combines incredible flavor with stunning presentation, your quest ends here.

There’s something uniquely enchanting about a homemade cake, especially one as rich and flavorful as this Nutella creation. It’s truly a cake that deserves to be on your baking rotation multiple times a year. The harmony of deep chocolate and creamy hazelnut is simply unmatched, creating a symphony of flavors that delights with every bite. The velvety texture of the cake, paired with the light yet decadent frosting, ensures a memorable dessert experience that will have everyone asking for more.

Why This Nutella Cake Recipe is a Must-Try

Every baker has a few signature recipes that bring joy to their kitchen and smiles to their loved ones’ faces. For me, this Nutella cake is one of those cherished recipes. I first created this cake for a special family occasion, a joint birthday celebration for my mom and grandmother who share their special day on February 15th. What better way to honor them than with a cake as sweet and wonderful as they are? While it almost became a Valentine’s Day tribute (having been baked on the 13th!), its true purpose was to celebrate the incredible women in my life.

The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its flavor, but also in its ability to remain incredibly moist and delicious for days. I remember enjoying slices of this cake even two days after baking, and it was still as fresh and tender as the day it came out of the oven. This remarkable moistness is a testament to a well-balanced recipe, ensuring that every bite is as delightful as the first. This cake effortlessly blends the comforting taste of homemade chocolate cake with the irresistible allure of Nutella, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

From Early Baking Adventures to Blogging Brilliance: A Culinary Journey

Looking back at the origins of this recipe brings a touch of nostalgia. Many moons ago, when my culinary adventures primarily lived on YouTube, my main concern was capturing the perfect thumbnail photo. The focus was on a close-up that would entice viewers, rather than a full, styled spread. My early efforts in food photography were humble, often capturing just the essence of the dish without much thought for the background or wider composition. You might even spot a glimpse of my old dining table or curtains in those initial shots!

As my passion evolved into blogging, my approach to food photography transformed. Now, I find myself capturing every angle, every intricate detail, and every delicious layer of my creations, striving for professional quality in every snap. While I might wish I had more elaborate photos of the inside of this specific cake from its early days, its undeniable deliciousness always shone through. The moist chocolate cake base, famously described by many as “the best chocolate cake ever,” didn’t need elaborate styling to prove its worth. It’s a journey of continuous improvement, and with each dish and every photograph, I strive to get a little better, always putting flavor first.

Unlocking the Flavors: The Perfect Blend of Chocolate and Hazelnut in Every Bite

What makes this Nutella cake so exceptionally good? It’s the masterful combination of rich, dark chocolate and the creamy, nutty notes of hazelnut, a pairing that has captivated palates worldwide. The cake itself is a robust chocolate cake, deep in flavor and incredibly tender, providing the perfect foundation. Its inherent moistness ensures that each forkful is soft and melts in your mouth, never dry or crumbly.

But the real magic happens when this rich base is generously coated with the dreamy Nutella cream cheese frosting. This frosting strikes a beautiful balance between the iconic sweetness of Nutella and the subtle tang of cream cheese, creating a truly irresistible topping that’s both light and decadent. It’s easy to spread and pipe, making decoration a joy.

The addition of fresh raspberries provides a welcome burst of tartness that beautifully cuts through the richness of the chocolate and hazelnut, adding a refreshing counterpoint to the sweetness. For an extra layer of texture and an intensified hazelnut flavor, delicate chocolate hazelnut pirouettes are carefully placed around the cake, offering a delightful crunch with every slice. These elements not only enhance the taste but also elevate the visual appeal, making the cake a true showstopper for any gathering.

The Essential Recipe: Nutella Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ready to bake your own magnificent Nutella cake? Here’s the detailed recipe to guide you through every step, ensuring a perfect result every time. This recipe is designed for both novice and experienced bakers, offering clear instructions for a smooth and enjoyable baking process. Gather your ingredients and prepare to create a truly memorable dessert.

Nutella Cake

By
Julie Maestre

This moist chocolate cake is topped with a Nutella cream cheese frosting and raspberries for a delicious cake that’s almost too pretty to eat!

Prep:
20 minutes

Cook:
30 minutes

Total:
50 minutes

Servings:
8 servings

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Ingredients

Cake

2 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup Nutella
2 cups sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup milk
1 cup boiling water
1 tsp vanilla extract

Nutella Cream Cheese Frosting

1 stick unsalted butter
8 ounces cream cheese
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
4 tbsp Nutella
2 tbsp milk
3 cups powdered sugar

For decorating

1 cup fresh raspberries
2 cans chocolate hazelnut pirouettes

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175°C).
Butter and flour two 9-inch (23 cm) cake pans, ensuring they are thoroughly coated to prevent sticking.
In a large bowl, sift together the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine evenly and set aside.
In a separate, medium-sized bowl, combine the eggs, Nutella, vegetable oil, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well-blended.
Gradually add the wet egg mixture to the dry flour mixture, mixing until just incorporated. Then, slowly pour in the boiling water while continuing to mix until the batter is smooth and lump-free. Be careful not to overmix.
Divide the cake batter evenly between your two prepared pans. Gently tap the pans on the counter a few times to release any trapped air bubbles, which helps create a more even crumb.
Bake the cakes for approximately 28-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10-15 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. This is crucial for easy frosting.
To prepare the indulgent Nutella Cream Cheese Frosting, begin by beating the softened unsalted butter in a large bowl until it’s light and fluffy. Add the cream cheese and beat until smooth.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, Nutella, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix on medium-high speed for about 3-4 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until the frosting is wonderfully fluffy and smooth.
Once the cakes are completely cooled, assemble and frost them with the rich Nutella cream cheese frosting. Decorate with fresh raspberries and chocolate hazelnut pirouettes, if desired, then slice and enjoy your magnificent homemade Nutella cake!

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

Additional Recipe Information

Author:
Julie Maestre

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Cook Time:
30 minutes

Total Time:
50 minutes

Course:
Dessert

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
8 servings

Calories:
909

Keyword:
Easy Nutella Cake, Hazelnut Cake, Moist Chocolate Cake, Nutella Frosting Recipe

Tips for Baking the Best Nutella Cake Every Time

Achieving a bakery-quality Nutella cake at home is entirely possible with a few key considerations. Follow these tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly moist, flavorful, and beautifully frosted:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs, milk, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify better, creating a smoother batter and a creamier frosting, preventing lumps.
Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting your flour and cocoa powder together before mixing prevents lumps and aerates them. This simple step leads to a lighter, more tender cake crumb and a more uniform texture.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the cake batter until just combined and smooth. Overmixing can overdevelop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough, dense, and potentially dry cake. Stop mixing as soon as the last streaks of flour disappear.
Boiling Water for Moistness: The addition of boiling water in the cake batter is a secret weapon for an incredibly moist and tender cake. It helps to bloom the cocoa powder, intensifying its deep chocolate flavor, and contributes to the cake’s wonderfully delicate crumb.
Cool Cakes Completely: This step cannot be stressed enough! Resist the urge to frost warm cake layers. Warm cakes will melt your beautiful Nutella cream cheese frosting, causing it to slide off and turn into a runny mess. Allow your cake layers to cool completely on a wire rack before even thinking about frosting them.
Softened Butter and Cream Cheese for Frosting: For the most velvety smooth frosting, make sure both your unsalted butter and cream cheese are adequately softened but not melted. This ensures they blend seamlessly, preventing lumps and creating a perfectly spreadable consistency.
Scrape the Bowl: When making both the cake batter and the frosting, periodically stop your mixer and scrape down the sides and bottom of your mixing bowl with a spatula. This ensures all ingredients are fully incorporated and prevents unmixed portions.
Quality Nutella: While there are generic chocolate hazelnut spreads available, using genuine Nutella will undoubtedly give you the best, most authentic flavor profile for this cake. Its rich, unmistakable taste is key to the recipe’s success.
Even Cake Layers: To ensure your cake bakes evenly, divide the batter precisely between the two prepared pans. Using a kitchen scale can help achieve perfectly level layers, which makes stacking and frosting much easier.

Serving and Storage Suggestions for Your Nutella Cake

Once your magnificent Nutella cake is complete, here’s how to best enjoy and store it to maintain its freshness and deliciousness:

Garnish with Style: Beyond the suggested fresh raspberries and chocolate hazelnut pirouettes, consider adding a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted hazelnuts or some elegant chocolate shavings for an extra touch of sophistication. A light dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder also adds visual appeal and a hint of bitterness. For an even more indulgent experience, serve a slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
Optimal Serving Temperature: While delicious at room temperature, the Nutella cream cheese frosting sets beautifully when chilled. For the best texture and flavor, allow the cake to sit out at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before slicing and serving. This takes the chill off the frosting, making it softer and more pleasant.
Storage Guidelines: Due to the cream cheese in the frosting, this cake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Proper storage will keep it fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is truly airtight to prevent the cake from drying out or absorbing refrigerator odors.
Freezing Instructions: You can prepare components of this cake ahead of time and freeze them. Unfrosted cake layers, once completely cooled, can be wrapped tightly in several layers of plastic wrap and then foil. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving. A fully frosted cake can also be frozen, though the texture of the frosting might change slightly upon thawing. To freeze a frosted cake, place it on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be stored for up to 1 month.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Nutella Cake

Can I make this Nutella cake into cupcakes?: Absolutely! This recipe can easily be adapted for delightful Nutella cupcakes. Line a muffin tin with paper liners and fill each cup about two-thirds full with batter. Bake for approximately 18-22 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. The yield will be around 24-30 cupcakes, depending on the size of your muffin tin.
Can I use a different type of oil in the cake?: Vegetable oil is highly recommended for this cake due to its neutral flavor, which allows the rich chocolate and hazelnut notes to shine without interference. You can also use canola oil or other neutral-flavored oils with similar results. It’s best to avoid strong-flavored oils like olive oil, as they can alter the cake’s taste.
Is there a way to make this cake less sweet?: Nutella and powdered sugar are inherently sweet components of this recipe. To slightly reduce the overall sweetness, you could try decreasing the sugar in the cake batter by about 1/4 cup. However, be cautious not to reduce it too much, as sugar plays a crucial role in the cake’s moistness and structure. For the frosting, you could start with 2.5 cups of powdered sugar and add more incrementally until you reach your desired consistency and sweetness level. The cream cheese also helps to balance the sweetness with its slight tang.
What if I don’t have fresh raspberries for decoration?: No fresh raspberries? No problem! While fresh raspberries add a wonderful pop of color and tartness, you have several excellent alternatives. Frozen raspberries can be used in a pinch, though be aware they may bleed some color into the frosting as they thaw. Other fresh berries like strawberries or blackberries, sliced or whole, would also be wonderful. Alternatively, you could simply omit the fruit and opt for a sprinkle of chopped toasted hazelnuts, a dusting of cocoa powder, or a beautiful drizzle of melted chocolate for decoration.
Can this cake be made ahead of time for an event?: Yes, this Nutella cake is perfect for making ahead! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance, allow them to cool completely, wrap them well, and store them at room temperature. The frosting can also be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator; just let it come to room temperature and give it a quick whip before frosting the cake. The assembled and frosted cake itself can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it ideal for entertaining.

This Nutella cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect blend of rich chocolate, creamy hazelnut, and fresh fruit, all coming together in a cake that’s both stunning and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply indulging in a sweet craving, this cake is guaranteed to be a hit. So, tie on your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a masterpiece that will delight your senses and impress everyone at your table. Don’t forget to leave a comment below once you’ve tried this delightful recipe!

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