Chocolate cake with hazelnuts

Chocolate Hazelnut Cake – A Homemade Delight

If you're looking for a dessert that impresses with both taste and appearance, chocolate hazelnut cake is the perfect choice. This delicious recipe combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the crunchy texture of hazelnuts, creating an unforgettable culinary experience. Whether you want to celebrate a special occasion or simply indulge yourself, this cake is ideal. Let's get started!

Preparation Time:
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Servings: 12

Necessary Ingredients:

*For the base:*
- 8 eggs
- 200 g brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons oil
- 8 tablespoons flour
- 4 tablespoons cocoa powder (preferably high quality)
- A pinch of salt
- 100 g roasted and ground hazelnuts
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Rum essence
- Grated orange zest (optional, but recommended for added flavor)

*For the cream:*
- 400 g milk chocolate
- 50 g butter
- 400 g heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon rum
- 1 teaspoon rum essence

*For the syrup:*
- 500 ml water
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- Vanilla (to taste)
- Rum essence
- 1 tablespoon rum

*For the glaze:*
- 200 g dark chocolate
- 100 ml milk

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preparing the Base:
Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt and the brown sugar until you achieve a firm and glossy mixture. This step is essential for a fluffy base.

In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the oil until creamy. Add the rum essence and vanilla, mixing well. Then, gently fold this mixture into the egg white foam.

2. Adding the Dry Ingredients:
Sift the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder, then gradually add them to the mixture. Don't forget to include the ground hazelnuts. Gently fold with a spatula to avoid losing the air from the egg whites.

3. Baking the Base:
Pour the mixture into a cake pan lined with parchment paper and bake at 180°C for 40 minutes or until the base is golden and passes the toothpick test. Baking times may vary, so be sure to check the base.

4. Cooling the Base:
Once baked, let the base cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. When fully cooled, cut it into three equal layers.

5. Preparing the Cream:
In a saucepan, bring the heavy cream to a boil, then remove it from heat and add the butter and chopped milk chocolate. Mix well until you achieve a smooth cream. Add the rum and rum essence. Allow the cream to cool, then whip it until airy and fluffy.

6. Preparing the Syrup:
Heat the water with the sugar, vanilla, and rum essence until the sugar dissolves completely. Let the syrup cool.

7. The Glaze:
Heat the milk and melt the dark chocolate in it. Once the chocolate is fully melted, let it cool slightly before using it to glaze the cake.

8. Assembling the Cake:
On a serving platter, place the first layer of the base and soak it well with the syrup. Spread a layer of cream, then repeat the process with the second layer of the base. Place the final layer, soak it, and pour the dark chocolate glaze on top. Decorate the edges with ground hazelnuts for an attractive look.

9. Cooling and Serving:
Allow the cake to sit in the refrigerator overnight for the cream to set and the flavors to meld. Serve it with joy alongside your loved ones, perhaps with a scoop of ice cream for a delicious combination.

Practical Tips:
- Choose high-quality chocolate, as it will significantly influence the cake's flavor.
- You can experiment with different types of nuts, such as pecans or pistachios, to add a personal touch.
- If you don't have rum essence, you can use vanilla or orange essence to adapt the recipe to your preferences.

Nutritional Benefits:
This cake is an excellent source of energy thanks to the chocolate and hazelnuts, which contain healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants. When consumed in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use 70% cocoa chocolate?
Yes, you can use chocolate with a higher cocoa content for a more intense flavor, but make sure to adjust the sugar in the cream accordingly.

2. How can I keep the cake fresh?
The cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I recommend consuming it within 3-4 days to enjoy its freshness.

3. Is this cake suitable for vegans?
No, but you can adapt the recipe using flaxseed or chia eggs and plant-based cream to create a vegan version.

Serving Suggestions:
For a temperature contrast, serve the cake with warm berry sauce or vanilla ice cream. These will perfectly complement the rich flavors of chocolate and hazelnuts.

Enjoy making and savoring this chocolate hazelnut cake! Remember, cooking is an art, and every recipe is a story worth sharing. Bon appétit!