Chocolate and hazelnut cake

Chocolate cake with caramelized hazelnuts and pralines: A decadent delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

The delicious history of chocolate cake with hazelnuts is a story of culinary art that combines tradition and innovation. This dessert has been reinvented by pastry masters like Pierre Hermé, a name that shines in the gastronomic world. Inspired by refined techniques and quality ingredients, this cake becomes an unforgettable culinary experience.

Before we start cooking, let’s discuss the benefits of hazelnuts. These little superfoods are not only delicious but also provide numerous health benefits. Hazelnuts are an excellent source of vitamin E, fiber, and essential minerals, with properties that help maintain cardiovascular health and good digestion.

Now that we are familiar with the ingredients and benefits of this dessert, let’s get to work!

Ingredients

For the cake:
- 100 g soft butter (at room temperature)
- 80 g powdered sugar
- 2 eggs
- 100 g flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 25 g cocoa powder (use quality cocoa for an intense flavor)
- 75 g milk chocolate with hazelnuts (chopped into small pieces)
- 2 tablespoons crushed pralines (if unavailable, you can substitute with caramelized and crushed hazelnuts)

For the glaze and decoration:
- 100 g dark chocolate (make sure it’s good quality)
- Crushed pralines (optional for decoration)
- 8-10 caramelized hazelnuts (for a spectacular look)

Step by Step

1. Preheating the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 200°C. This is an essential step to ensure even baking.

2. Preparing the batter:
- In a medium bowl, beat the soft butter with the powdered sugar until you get a creamy and airy mixture. This mixture will give your cake a light texture.
- Add the eggs one at a time, continuing to mix. Make sure each egg is well incorporated before adding the next.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and cocoa powder. Add this mixture to the bowl, gently mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon. Do not overmix; just enough to combine the ingredients.
- Finally, fold in the chopped milk chocolate and crushed pralines, mixing carefully to avoid breaking the chocolate pieces.

3. Baking:
- Grease a loaf pan with butter and pour the batter into it. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes at 200°C, then lower the temperature to 165°C and bake for another 20 minutes. Check with a toothpick if it’s done; it should come out clean.

4. Cooling the cake: Once the cake is baked, let it cool completely in the pan. This step is important to allow the flavors to develop and to achieve the perfect texture.

5. Preparing the caramelized hazelnuts:
- In a small saucepan, add 4 tablespoons of sugar and let it caramelize. Watch for the color; when the sugar turns golden and forms threads, it’s ready.
- Dip the hazelnuts in the caramel, then stand them upright on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, allowing the caramel to harden.

6. Glazing:
- Melt the 100 g of dark chocolate in a bain-marie or microwave, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the cake, covering the sides as well. This layer will provide not only an attractive appearance but also an explosion of flavor.

7. Decorating:
- Sprinkle the crushed pralines and carefully place the caramelized hazelnuts on top for an impressive visual effect.
- Place the cake in the refrigerator for a few minutes to allow the glaze to set.

Serving Suggestions

This chocolate cake with caramelized hazelnuts pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a portion of flavored whipped cream. Additionally, a sweet red wine or a strong espresso can enhance the tasting experience.

Tips and Variations

- Vary the ingredients: You can experiment with different types of nuts or substitute the milk chocolate with white chocolate for a sweeter flavor.
- Make it vegan: Replace the butter with a plant-based substitute and the eggs with banana puree or a mixture of flaxseed and water.
- A dash of extra flavor: Add a bit of vanilla essence or even a pinch of sea salt to intensify the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other types of chocolate?
Yes, you can replace the milk chocolate with dark or white chocolate, depending on your preferences.

- How do I store the cake?
This cake stores well in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it to preserve it for a longer time.

- What other desserts can I try?
If you enjoy this cake, I recommend trying the chocolate brownies or a chocolate mousse cake, both being delicious and easy to prepare.

Enjoy this chocolate cake with caramelized hazelnuts, a true treat for the taste buds that will not go unnoticed! Bon appétit!