If you have a sweet tooth and love the decadent combination of chocolate and hazelnut, the Ferrero Rocher Cake Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. This luscious cake layers rich chocolate sponge with a creamy, nutty filling packed with chopped Ferrero Rocher chocolates and toasted hazelnuts, all wrapped up in a silky chocolate buttercream. It’s the perfect celebration cake that feels both elegant and comforting, promising every bite to be a dreamy escape into chocolate heaven. Whether for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this cake dazzles with its classic flavors and impressive presentation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Ferrero Rocher Cake Recipe lies in its use of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create complex, irresistible flavors and textures. Each component plays a crucial role, from the moist chocolate cake base to the smooth hazelnut filling and crunchy chopped Ferrero Rocher bits that add that signature crunch.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender and well-structured cake crumb.
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a moist texture.
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep color.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures the cake rises perfectly fluffy.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda: Adds extra lift and lightness to the batter.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Adds moistness and a subtle tanginess for depth.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake tender and moist.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the batter and enrich the texture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors.
- 1 cup hot coffee: Intensifies the chocolate notes and makes the cake extra moist.
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate-hazelnut spread (Nutella): The star ingredient for that iconic creamy and nutty filling.
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream: Whipped into a luscious cream to lighten the Nutella filling.
- 12 Ferrero Rocher chocolates (chopped, plus extra for topping): Add crunch and bursts of hazelnut-chocolate bliss.
- 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts (toasted): Bring toasty flavor and texture contrast.
- 2 cups chocolate buttercream frosting: For smooth, decadent outer coverage.
How to Make Ferrero Rocher Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and lining them with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients—flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt—until well combined. Then add the wet ingredients: buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix these together until the batter is completely smooth and creamy. Finally, slowly whisk in the hot coffee, which will thin the batter slightly but intensify the chocolate flavor.
Step 2: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Place them in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cakes should be moist but fully cooked. Allow the cakes to cool completely before assembling; this step is crucial for your frosting and filling to spread smoothly without melting.
Step 3: Make the Nutella Filling
While the cakes cool, it’s time for the luscious Nutella filling. In a large mixing bowl, beat the chocolate-hazelnut spread together with the heavy cream until the mixture is silky and slightly airy. Gently fold in the chopped Ferrero Rocher chocolates and toasted hazelnuts to add texture and bursts of nutty indulgence. This filling is where the magic really happens, infusing every bite with those signature crunchy and creamy notes.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on your serving plate, then spread a generous amount of the Nutella filling over it. Top with the second cake layer and spread the chocolate buttercream frosting all over the outside of the cake, smoothing it evenly. Finally, decorate the top with whole Ferrero Rocher chocolates and a sprinkle of toasted hazelnuts for a stunning and irresistible finish.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
For best results, chill your Ferrero Rocher Cake Recipe in the refrigerator for at least one hour before slicing. This helps the filling and frosting set beautifully, making every slice neat and perfect.
How to Serve Ferrero Rocher Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To make your cake truly shine, garnish with extra Ferrero Rocher chocolates and a sprinkle of toasted hazelnuts on top. Some delicate chocolate shavings or a light dusting of cocoa powder can also add an elegant touch that makes the dessert as beautiful as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the rich chocolate and hazelnut flavors. A cup of espresso or a creamy cappuccino can also complement the cake perfectly, creating a café-style dessert experience at home.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the cake as individual slices with a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce or hazelnut syrup for an elevated touch. For gatherings, cut into bite-sized squares and arrange on a decorative platter, topped with mini Ferrero Rocher chocolates, making them irresistible party treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover Ferrero Rocher Cake covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to three days without sacrificing moisture or flavor. Just make sure it’s well-wrapped to avoid absorbing any other aromas from your fridge.
Freezing
This cake freezes well if you want to prepare in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight and bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
Since this is a chilled, creamy cake, it’s best served at room temperature rather than reheated. Simply remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving to get the perfect softness and flavor.
FAQs
Can I substitute the buttermilk with something else?
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to one cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. This will give you the same tangy acidity that buttermilk provides, helping the cake rise beautifully.
Is this Ferrero Rocher Cake Recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this cake is vegetarian-friendly since it uses no animal-derived gelatin or other non-vegetarian ingredients. Just double-check your chocolate and Nutella if you have strict dietary requirements, as ingredients can vary by brand.
Can I use a different frosting instead of chocolate buttercream?
Of course! While chocolate buttercream complements this cake brilliantly, you can try a whipped Nutella frosting or even a cream cheese frosting for a slightly tangier twist. Just keep in mind it may change the flavor balance a bit.
How do I make sure my cake layers turn out moist and fluffy?
Careful measuring of ingredients and using fresh baking powder and baking soda is key. Also, mixing the wet and dry ingredients just until combined helps avoid a dense cake. The hot coffee adds moisture and enhances the chocolate flavor, so don’t skip it!
Can I prepare this cake a day ahead?
Definitely! In fact, making it a day in advance gives all those flavors time to meld beautifully. Just cover and refrigerate it overnight, then let it come to room temperature before serving for that perfect texture and taste.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to wow your friends and family with a dessert that tastes as luxurious as it looks, I can’t recommend the Ferrero Rocher Cake Recipe enough. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that combines familiar flavors in a way that feels truly special. So go ahead, try it out, and get ready for all the compliments to start rolling in!
Print
Ferrero Rocher Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes plus chilling
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this decadent Ferrero Rocher Cake, a luscious chocolate hazelnut layer cake filled with creamy Nutella and chopped Ferrero Rocher chocolates, frosted with rich chocolate buttercream. Perfect for celebrations, this cake combines the smooth depth of cocoa and coffee with the crunch and flavor of toasted hazelnuts, creating a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s both elegant and irresistible.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee
Filling and Frosting
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate-hazelnut spread (Nutella)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 12 Ferrero Rocher chocolates, chopped (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts, toasted
- 2 cups chocolate buttercream frosting
Instructions
- Prepare the pans and oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: Add buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Stir them together until the batter is smooth and uniform.
- Add hot coffee: Slowly pour the hot coffee into the batter while whisking continuously. This will thin the batter and enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Bake the cake layers: Divide the thin batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Place them in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes: Allow the cake layers to cool completely in their pans before removing to avoid breaking them.
- Make the filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the chocolate-hazelnut spread (Nutella) together with the heavy cream until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the chopped Ferrero Rocher chocolates and toasted hazelnuts to add texture and flavor.
- Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on your serving plate, spread half of the Nutella filling evenly on top. Carefully add the second cake layer and spread the remaining filling between the layers.
- Frost the exterior: Use the chocolate buttercream frosting to cover the entire outside of the cake evenly, smoothing the sides and top.
- Decorate the cake: Garnish the top of the cake with extra Ferrero Rocher chocolates and toasted hazelnuts for a beautiful, festive finish.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least one hour to firm up before slicing. For best texture, allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving.
Notes
- For an added depth of flavor, brush the cooled cake layers with hazelnut liqueur before assembling the cake.
- This cake can be prepared a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator to enhance the flavors.
- Serve the cake at room temperature to enjoy the best texture and richness.
