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Gooey Chocolate Hazelnut Caramel Layer Cake

An irresistible dessert featuring rich chocolate layers, a luscious hazelnut caramel filling, and smooth chocolate ganache, perfect for special occasions.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Baking
Keyword: Caramel Cake, Chocolate Cake, Hazelnut Cake
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 500kcal

Ingredients

Cake Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Provides the backbone of this cake's structure.
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder Adds rich chocolate flavor.
  • 2 cups granulated sugar Sweetens the cake to perfection.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder Helps the cake rise.
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda Ensures a fluffy texture.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Balances the sweetness.
  • 2 large eggs Binds the ingredients together.
  • 1 cup whole milk Keeps the cake moist.
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil Adds tenderness.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Enhances the cake's flavor.
  • 1 cup hot coffee Deepens the chocolate flavor.

Filling Ingredients

  • 1 cup hazelnuts, toasted and chopped Offers a delightful crunch and nutty essence.
  • 1 cup caramel sauce Adds sweetness and gooeyness.

Ganache Ingredients

  • 1 cup heavy cream Essential for a rich ganache.
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips Forms the base of the chocolate ganache.
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter Makes the ganache glossy.

Decoration Ingredients

  • 1 cup whole hazelnuts For decoration.
  • 1 cup chocolate shavings Gives an elegant finish.
  • to taste caramel drizzle A final touch of sweetness.

Instructions

Preparation

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
  • Stir in hot coffee until the batter is silky and free of lumps.
  • Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.

Baking

  • Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Filling Assembly

  • Mix chopped hazelnuts with caramel sauce in a bowl.
  • Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of hazelnut caramel filling. Repeat with remaining layers.

Ganache Preparation

  • Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until simmering, then remove from heat.
  • Add chocolate chips and let sit for a minute, then stir until smooth. Mix in butter until ganache is shiny.

Decoration

  • Pour ganache over the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
  • Decorate with whole hazelnuts, chocolate shavings, and drizzle with caramel sauce.

Chilling

  • Chill the finished cake for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt over the ganache for contrast. You can also layer bananas or strawberries between cake layers for freshness.