Capricorn Chocolate Hazelnut Cake

Name: Capricorn Chocolate Hazelnut Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup finely chopped hazelnuts; 1 cup heavy cream; 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped; 2 tbsp powdered sugar; ½ cup crushed hazelnuts for garnish

Highlighted under: Sweet Cravings Bakery

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of our Capricorn Chocolate Hazelnut Cake, perfect for any special occasion or a delightful treat.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2025-12-20T09:01:50.534Z

This delightful Capricorn Chocolate Hazelnut Cake combines the rich flavors of chocolate and the nutty crunch of hazelnuts, creating a dessert that's sure to impress.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh hazelnut crunch
Moist texture that delights your palate
A stunning centerpiece for gatherings and celebrations

      

A Perfect Match of Flavors

The Capricorn Chocolate Hazelnut Cake is a true celebration of flavors. The rich chocolate is beautifully complemented by the nutty crunch of hazelnuts, creating a dessert that is both indulgent and satisfying. This combination not only tantalizes the taste buds but also adds a delightful texture that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re a chocolate lover or a fan of nuts, this cake offers a harmonious blend that is hard to resist.

The use of high-quality cocoa powder enhances the chocolate experience, ensuring that each bite is rich and flavorful. Additionally, the finely chopped hazelnuts provide a pleasant contrast that elevates this cake from ordinary to extraordinary. With every slice, you’ll discover a new layer of flavor, making it the ideal dessert for special occasions or a cozy night in.

A Moist and Heavenly Texture

One of the standout features of the Capricorn Chocolate Hazelnut Cake is its moist texture. Achieving a cake that is both fluffy and dense is an art, and this recipe nails it perfectly. The combination of unsalted butter and eggs contributes to the cake’s tenderness, while the addition of baking powder and baking soda ensures it rises beautifully without being dry.

Each forkful melts in your mouth, creating a delightful experience that is sure to impress. The cake’s moisture is further enhanced by the rich chocolate and the crunch of hazelnuts, making it a dessert that is satisfying and indulgent. This moist texture is what keeps the cake fresh for days, allowing you to savor every moment.

An Eye-Catching Centerpiece

Not only does the Capricorn Chocolate Hazelnut Cake taste divine, but it also makes for a stunning centerpiece at any gathering. The glossy chocolate frosting paired with the vibrant crushed hazelnuts creates an eye-catching display that will have your guests marveling at your baking skills. Presentation is key when it comes to entertaining, and this cake truly delivers.

When you slice into the cake, the layers are beautifully revealed, showcasing the moist interior and inviting texture. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or simply gathering with friends, this cake is bound to be the highlight of the table. It’s a dish that encourages sharing and connection, making every occasion feel special.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious cake:

For the Cake

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup finely chopped hazelnuts

For the Frosting

1 cup heavy cream
8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
2 tbsp powdered sugar
½ cup crushed hazelnuts for garnish

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Capricorn Chocolate Hazelnut Cake:

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

In another bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped hazelnuts.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch round cake pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until just simmering. Remove from heat and add the chopped dark chocolate. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth. Stir in powdered sugar.

Allow the frosting to cool until it thickens slightly.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cake is completely cool, spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake. Garnish with crushed hazelnuts.

Slice the cake and serve it with your favorite beverage!

Tips for the Perfect Bake

To ensure your Capricorn Chocolate Hazelnut Cake comes out perfectly every time, consider using room temperature ingredients. This helps achieve a smooth batter and a consistent bake. If you forget to take your butter and eggs out in advance, a quick 10-second blast in the microwave for the butter can help, but be careful not to melt it completely.

Another important tip is to accurately measure your dry ingredients. Using a kitchen scale can help achieve precision, especially with flour and cocoa powder. This attention to detail will result in a cake that rises beautifully and has the perfect texture.

Storing Your Cake

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, storing your Capricorn Chocolate Hazelnut Cake properly is essential to maintain its moistness and flavor. Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it, but make sure to allow it to come to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best texture and taste.

For longer storage, this cake can also be frozen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let it thaw in the fridge overnight, and then bring it back to room temperature before serving.

Variations to Try

While the Capricorn Chocolate Hazelnut Cake is delightful as is, don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors. You can add a hint of espresso powder to the cake batter for an enhanced chocolate flavor or try incorporating orange zest for a citrus twist that complements the hazelnuts beautifully.

For the frosting, consider using a ganache made with milk chocolate for a sweeter finish, or add a splash of liqueur, such as Frangelico, to the frosting for an adult twist. These variations can make the cake your own while maintaining the rich, decadent base that everyone loves.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different nuts?

Yes, you can substitute hazelnuts with walnuts or almonds if desired.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and frost it the day you plan to serve it.

→ Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

You can use a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free.