Chocolate and hazelnut cake

Cocoa and Hazelnut Cake – a quick and delicious dessert

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Looking for a quick and simple dessert that will impress? This cocoa and hazelnut cake is the perfect solution! The combination of chocolate, crunchy nuts, and a decadent glaze transforms this dessert into a true delicacy. Whether it's for a special occasion or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, this recipe is easy to make and full of flavor.

A brief history of the cake

The cake has a rich and diverse history, being a traditional dessert in many culinary cultures. Originally created as a way to use available ingredients, the cake has evolved into various forms and surprising combinations. Today, it is a favorite in many households due to its versatility. Each recipe is unique, but they all have one thing in common: they are easy to make, making them ideal for those starting to explore the art of cooking.

Ingredients

For the cake:
- 8 tablespoons of flour
- 8 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 2 eggs
- 6 tablespoons of sparkling water
- 6 tablespoons of oil
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa (for glaze)
- 50 g hazelnuts (chopped)
- A pinch of salt

For the glaze:
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 50 g butter
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa
- Finely chopped hazelnuts (for decoration)

Preparing the cake

1. Preparing the ingredients – Start by gathering all the ingredients. It is essential to have everything on hand before you begin cooking to avoid any inconveniences. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.

2. Mixing the ingredients – In a large bowl, add flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix the dry ingredients well with a whisk to combine them evenly.

3. Adding the wet ingredients – Add the eggs, sparkling water, and oil to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix everything with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3-4 minutes, until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy.

4. Including the hazelnuts – Finally, fold in the chopped hazelnuts, gently mixing with a spatula to distribute them evenly in the batter.

5. Preparing the baking pan – Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a pan with oil and dust it with flour to prevent sticking. You can also use a baking dish, which will give your cake a rustic touch.

6. Baking – Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check if it's done using the toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is baked.

7. Cooling – Let the cake cool completely in the pan, then turn it out onto a plate.

Preparing the glaze

1. Caramelizing the sugar – In a small pot, place the sugar and let it cook on low heat to caramelize. Be careful not to burn it, watching the color closely.

2. Adding the ingredients – Once the sugar is fully caramelized, add the cocoa and butter. Mix well until the butter is completely melted and you achieve a smooth glaze.

3. Including the hazelnuts – Finally, add a few finely chopped hazelnuts for added texture and flavor.

4. Glazing the cake – Pour the warm glaze over the completely cooled cake, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

Serving and variations

Serve the cake with a cup of coffee or hot tea, perfect for a relaxing afternoon. This dessert pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you want to add a more exotic note, you can sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla essence in the batter for extra flavor.

Variations:
- Instead of hazelnuts, you can use walnuts, almonds, or even raisins.
- Add a splash of rum essence to the batter for a richer flavor.
- You can experiment with different types of cocoa, choosing a more intense one or even a vanilla-flavored one.

Nutritional benefits

This cake is not only delicious but also contains ingredients that bring nutritional benefits. Hazelnuts are an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants. Additionally, cocoa has beneficial effects on cardiovascular health and improves mood.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, using whole wheat flour will add a note of flavor and texture, but you may need to adjust the liquid amount.

2. What if I don't have hazelnuts?
You can replace hazelnuts with any other type of nuts or seeds, depending on your preferences.

3. How can I store the cake?
Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for a longer duration.

Conclusion

This cocoa and hazelnut cake is more than just a simple recipe; it is a culinary experience that brings joy and comfort. Whether you prepare it for yourself or for your loved ones, the result will always be a delicious and comforting cake. So, put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and enjoy every step of this gastronomic adventure!