A decadent chocolate hazelnut cake with silky ganache, edible gold flakes, and toasted hazelnuts, plated elegantly on a black ceramic dish.

Indulge in the decadence of Chocolate Hazelnut Cake, a rich and velvety dessert that combines dark chocolate, toasted hazelnuts, and a touch of espresso for depth of flavor. Each layer is enveloped in a silky chocolate ganache, with a final flourish of 24K edible gold flakes for an opulent, fine-dining presentation.

This elegant cake is perfect for celebrations, gourmet dessert tables, or an indulgent treat that turns any moment into a luxury experience.

Let’s walk through the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to create this showstopping plated dessert.


Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these premium-quality ingredients to achieve the most indulgent chocolate hazelnut experience.

For the Cake:

  • 1 ½ cups finely ground hazelnuts (toasted)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cocoa powder (Dutch-processed for richness)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup dark brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup espresso or strong brewed coffee
  • ½ cup whole milk

For the Chocolate Ganache:

  • 8 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa), finely chopped
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp hazelnut liqueur (optional, for depth)

For the Garnish:

  • Toasted hazelnuts, crushed
  • 24K edible gold flakes
  • Chocolate curls or shards

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

A perfectly balanced cake starts with a rich hazelnut and cocoa base.

Ingredients Used in This Step:

Ground hazelnuts, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, butter, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, espresso, milk

Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
  2. Toast the hazelnuts: Spread whole hazelnuts on a baking sheet and toast for 8–10 minutes until fragrant. Once cooled, finely grind them in a food processor.
  3. Mix the dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together ground hazelnuts, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Cream the butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, beat butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  5. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  6. Alternate dry and wet ingredients: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with espresso and milk, starting and ending with dry.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

💡 Pro Tip: Using espresso instead of water enhances the chocolate depth without making the cake taste like coffee.


Step 2: Bake the Cake to Perfection

Ingredients Used in This Step:

Cake batter

Method:

  1. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  2. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

💡 Pro Tip: Let the cake cool completely before adding ganache to prevent melting.


Step 3: Make the Silky Chocolate Ganache

A smooth and glossy ganache is the key to this cake’s luxurious finish.

Ingredients Used in This Step:

Dark chocolate, heavy cream, butter, hazelnut liqueur (optional)

Method:

  1. Heat the heavy cream: In a small saucepan, bring heavy cream to a gentle simmer (do not boil).
  2. Pour over chopped chocolate: Place the finely chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl and pour the warm cream over it. Let sit for 1–2 minutes.
  3. Whisk until smooth: Stir in the butter and hazelnut liqueur, mixing until fully incorporated.
  4. Let it cool slightly: The ganache should be pourable but thick enough to coat the cake evenly.

💡 Pro Tip: Use high-quality chocolate (at least 70% cocoa) for a deeply rich flavor.


Step 4: Assemble & Decorate

The final touch is a luxurious presentation worthy of fine dining.

Ingredients Used in This Step:

Chocolate ganache, toasted hazelnuts, edible gold flakes, chocolate curls

Method:

  1. Pour the ganache over the cooled cake, letting it drip naturally over the sides. Smooth the top with an offset spatula.
  2. Sprinkle toasted crushed hazelnuts along the edges for a rustic yet refined look.
  3. Add delicate chocolate curls or shards for an elegant contrast.
  4. Finish with edible gold flakes: Gently place small flecks of 24K gold on top for a truly opulent touch.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep the gold application minimal yet impactful—a few flakes on the surface create a stunning effect.


Why You’ll Love This Dessert

✨ Indulgent & Rich – A moist, nutty chocolate cake paired with silky ganache for a balanced depth of flavor.

✨ Visually Stunning – The contrast of dark chocolate, golden accents, and textured hazelnuts makes it Pinterest-perfect.

✨ Luxury in Every Bite – Edible gold flakes elevate this cake into a fine-dining masterpiece.


Pairing Suggestions

Enhance the flavors of this Chocolate Hazelnut Cake with:

🍷 Red Wine – A glass of Ruby Port or aged Merlot complements the chocolate and hazelnuts beautifully.

🥂 Champagne or Prosecco – The bubbles contrast with the richness of the cake, making each bite feel lighter.

☕ Dark Roast Coffee or Espresso – The slight bitterness balances the sweet ganache and toasted hazelnuts.

For a non-alcoholic option, pair with hazelnut hot chocolate or vanilla almond milk for a comforting sip.


Share Your Creation

We’d love to see your take on this Chocolate Hazelnut Cake! Share your plated masterpieces on Pinterest or Instagram using #BeyondEveryBite, and you might be featured in our next article.


Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Hazelnut Cake with Edible Gold is the definition of indulgence, blending rich flavors, velvety textures, and stunning presentation. Whether for a birthday, anniversary, or luxurious gathering, this dessert is guaranteed to impress.

✨ Plate with precision, savor each bite, and experience chocolate like never before. ✨

Bon appétit! 🍫✨