Name: Easy Chocolate Hazelnut Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 100 grams plain / all-purpose flour; 80 grams hazelnut meal; 60 grams unsweetened cocoa powder; 1.5 teaspoons baking powder; 0.5 teaspoon baking soda; 1 pinch fine table salt; 3 large eggs; 150 grams light brown sugar; 120 grams unsalted butter (melted); 240 ml natural / plain yogurt; 50 grams skinned hazelnuts (roughly chopped) (plus extra for topping); 50 grams dark chocolate chunks (plus extra for topping, optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a cake that combines chocolatey indulgence with a nutty twist, look no further—this Easy Chocolate Hazelnut Cake is about to become your new favorite dessert! Imagine a rich, moist crumb with crunchy hazelnut bites and pockets of melted chocolate, all ready in just under an hour. Did you know that the irresistible pairing of chocolate and hazelnuts was made famous by Italian confectioners striving for affordable luxury? This cake delivers that decadence without the cost or effort—no fancy equipment or elaborate steps needed.

What’s extra special about this recipe is its simplicity and crowd-pleasing results, making it perfect for weekday treats or festive weekends alike. It whips up faster than our popular One-Bowl Chocolate Fudge Cake, and offers a nutty upgrade for those seeking something just a little bit different. Simple enough for beginners, yet impressive enough for guests—get ready to impress your family (and maybe yourself) with this supremely easy, thoroughly delicious bake!

What is Easy Chocolate Hazelnut Cake?

Why do we call it “Easy Chocolate Hazelnut Cake”? Well, let’s face it—life’s hard enough, so when a cake makes things easier, it deserves the name! “Easy” means no complicated steps, no special mixers, and minimal cleanup. And “Chocolate Hazelnut” speaks for itself—is there a more beloved pairing in the baking world? Legend has it, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and with this cake, you’ll find your way to everyone’s! Wondering what’s so magical about this combo? Try it for yourself—once you do, you’ll never look at plain chocolate cake the same way again.

Why You’ll Love This

First, the star of the show: a super-moist, fluffy chocolate cake loaded with hazelnut flavor in every bite. The combination of dark chocolate chunks and toasted hazelnuts gives you a delightful mix of gooey, crunchy, and creamy textures. You’ll also love how wallet-friendly it is compared to artisan bakery cakes—no need to splurge on store-bought slices when you can whip up the whole cake at home for a fraction of the price. Finally, those special touches—like the hazelnut meal and melty chocolate chunks—elevate this from a basic bake to something absolutely crave-worthy.

If you’ve enjoyed my Chocolate Moist Sheet Cake, you’ll definitely adore the nutty twist in this one! Take the deliciousness up a notch and share it with your family—once you slice into it, you won’t want to stop baking and sharing. Try making this cake at home and see just how easy gourmet baking can be!

How to Make

Quick Overview

This Easy Chocolate Hazelnut Cake brings together simple pantry ingredients in a recipe that’s as straightforward as it is delicious. With minimal hands-on time (just a few mixing bowls and a whisk), you’ll achieve a cake that’s moist, rich, and brimming with hazelnut and chocolate flavor. You don’t need expert skills—just 20 minutes to prepare, then about 45 minutes in the oven. It’s a reliable recipe for novices or seasoned home bakers alike!

Ingredients

100 gr plain / all-purpose flour
80 gr hazelnut meal
60 gr unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 pinch fine table salt
3 large eggs
150 gr light brown sugar
120 gr unsalted butter (melted)
240 ml natural / plain yogurt
50 gr skinned hazelnuts (roughly chopped, plus extra for topping)
50 gr dark chocolate chunks (plus extra for topping, optional)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius / 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line the bottom of a 22 cm / 8-inch springform pan with baking paper and lightly grease the sides.
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, hazelnut meal, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until well blended.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and light brown sugar for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is thick and pale.
Add the melted butter and yogurt to the egg mixture. Whisk until everything is smooth and fully combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined—be careful not to over-mix.
Fold in the chopped hazelnuts and dark chocolate chunks.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. If desired, sprinkle extra hazelnuts and chocolate chunks over the top for added texture and visual appeal.
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing and serving.

What to Serve With

Pair this Easy Chocolate Hazelnut Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-luxurious dessert. A fresh fruit salad made from strawberries, raspberries, or orange segments cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing contrast. For drinks, pair it with your favorite coffee or a frothy cappuccino—the nutty notes will shine alongside a warm beverage. If you’re serving it for a celebration, a glass of dessert wine or even hot chocolate makes a special, indulgent treat.

Top Tips for Perfecting

For an ultra-tender crumb, don’t over-mix the batter once you add the dry ingredients—gentle folding is key!
Try toasting the hazelnuts lightly in a dry pan before chopping them; this enhances their flavor and adds a pleasant crunch.
No hazelnut meal? You can process whole skinned hazelnuts in a food processor until finely ground.
Substitute Greek yogurt for regular yogurt if you prefer a slightly denser cake.
Be sure to check your cake around the 40-minute mark; ovens can vary, and overbaking will dry out the cake.
For a chocolate-hazelnut spread vibe, swirl a spoonful of Nutella on top before baking!

Storing and Reheating Tips

To keep your cake fresh and moist, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days—bring it to room temperature or gently warm slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving.

If you want to freeze the cake, wrap individual slices in cling film and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw slices at room temperature for an hour or pop them in the microwave for a quick treat.

FAQs

Can I use a different nut instead of hazelnuts?
Absolutely! Almonds or walnuts work well, though the flavor profile will change slightly. Hazelnuts offer the best classic pairing with chocolate, but feel free to experiment.

What’s the best way to melt the butter?
Microwave the butter in short bursts until just melted but not hot. You can also melt it in a small saucepan on low heat.

Can I use self-raising flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but if you do, omit the baking powder and baking soda from the recipe, as self-raising flour already contains leavening agents.

My cake turned out dry—what went wrong?
Most likely, it was baked for too long or at too high a temperature. Always check your cake a few minutes before the recommended time and remember that slightly underbaked is better than overbaked; the residual heat will finish it off.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for a plant-based substitute and use your favorite dairy-free yogurt. The result will be a bit different, but still delicious.

Conclusion

If you’re in the mood for a rich, crowd-pleasing chocolate dessert with a nutty twist, this Easy Chocolate Hazelnut Cake will be your new go-to. With just a handful of everyday ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up a bakery-worthy cake in your own kitchen—no experience needed. Whether you serve it for a cozy family night, a celebratory gathering, or just because, this cake is guaranteed to spark joy with every bite. Don’t wait—gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to wow everyone with this simply irresistible treat! And if you love this recipe, don’t forget to explore other delicious bakes here on the blog—happy baking!