Name: Gooey Chocolate Hazelnut Caramel Layer Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature; 1 teaspoon instant coffee (optional); 1 cup granulated sugar (for caramel filling); 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (for caramel filling); 1/2 cup heavy cream (for caramel filling); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for caramel filling); 1 cup hazelnut spread (like Nutella); 1 pinch of salt (for caramel filling); 8 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate (for ganache); 1 cup heavy cream (for ganache); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for ganache); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for ganache); 1/2 cup chopped toasted hazelnuts (for garnish); Additional caramel sauce (for drizzling); Chocolate shavings (optional)

Description

A decadent layer cake featuring rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and creamy hazelnut spread that will impress any guest.

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature
1 teaspoon instant coffee (optional)
1 cup granulated sugar (for caramel filling)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (for caramel filling)
1/2 cup heavy cream (for caramel filling)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for caramel filling)
1 cup hazelnut spread (like Nutella)
1 pinch of salt (for caramel filling)
8 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate (for ganache)
1 cup heavy cream (for ganache)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for ganache)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for ganache)
1/2 cup chopped toasted hazelnuts (for garnish)
Additional caramel sauce (for drizzling)
Chocolate shavings (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans.
Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
In another bowl, beat eggs, sugar, and butter until fluffy. Mix in milk, sour cream, and vanilla. Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients, then add boiling water.
Pour batter into pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Let cool.
For the caramel filling, heat sugar until golden, then add butter. Stir in cream, remove from heat, add hazelnut spread and vanilla. Let cool.
For the ganache, heat cream, pour over chopped chocolate, stir in butter and vanilla until smooth.
Assemble cake: Level cake layers, spread caramel between layers, cover with ganache, and garnish with hazelnuts and caramel sauce.
Chill to set, slice, and serve.

Notes

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for smoother batter. Chilling time is important for ganache to set properly.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 450
Sugar: 38g
Sodium: 220mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: cake, chocolate, hazelnut, caramel, dessert, celebration