Best 10 Chocolate Hazelnut Cake With Praline Chocolate Crunch Recipes

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Indulge in the symphony of flavors with our delectable Chocolate Hazelnut Cake adorned with Praline Chocolate Crunch. This extraordinary cake is a masterpiece of culinary artistry, featuring layers of moist chocolate sponge, luscious hazelnut buttercream, and a captivating praline chocolate crunch that adds a symphony of textures and flavors. Discover the secrets behind crafting this magnificent dessert through our comprehensive guide, which includes detailed recipes for each element of this extraordinary cake. Embark on a culinary journey that will leave your taste buds tantalized and your loved ones craving for more.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CHOCOLATE HAZELNUT CAKE WITH PRALINE CHOCOLATE CRUNCH



Chocolate Hazelnut Cake with Praline Chocolate Crunch image

Yield: serves 10-12

Provided by Maryanne Cabrera

Number Of Ingredients 21

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups blanched hazelnuts, toasted
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
4 oz milk chocolate, chopped
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
2 cups puffed rice cereal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
8 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar, divided
2 Tablespoons light corn syrup
1/3 cup brandy
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup ground roasted hazelnuts
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temp, cut into tablespoons
4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
1 cup hazelnut praline paste (reserved from praline chocolate crunch)
5 Tablespoons unsalted butter, room temp, cubed
1 3/4 cup heavy cream, cold, divided

Steps:

  • Stir sugar and 1/3 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Increase to high heat and cook without stirring until light amber in color, about 6 minutes. Stir in hazelnuts, then pour onto a parchment lined sheet tray, separating nuts. Let cool.
  • Transfer candied nuts to a food processor. Add vegetable oil and puree until smooth to make praline paste.
  • Place both chocolates and 4 Tbsp of praline paste in a medium bowl. Reserve remaining praline paste for mousse. Set bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (bain-marie) and stir until chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
  • Remove from heat and stir in salt and cereal. Spread out a thin layer (between 1/8" to 1/4") on a parchment lined sheet tray. Chill until set, about 20-30 minutes.
  • Preheat over to 375 degrees F. Line a 17x11x1" sheet pan with a butter parchment paper.
  • Sift together flour and cocoa powder twice and set aside.
  • Separate 4 eggs, placing yolks in a large bowl and whites in a medium bowl. Beat yolks with 1/2 cup sugar on medium speed in a stand mixer until thick and pale in color. Add the remaining whole eggs, one at a time, blending well between additions.
  • In another bowl, beat egg whites with remaining 1/2 cup sugar and corn syrup until slightly thickened and frothy. Add egg whites to yolk mixture and beat to beat.
  • Add flour-cocoa mixture and fold to blend. Spread out on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center of cake comes out clean. Let cool completely and then invert cake a peel off parchment. Brush cake with brandy.
  • Bring cream to a boil in a small saucepan. Puree hot cream, ground hazelnuts, and salt in a food processor. Let cool to room temperature.
  • With machine running, add butter 1 tablespoon at a time. Puree until smooth. Cover and chill until ready to use. Return to room temperature before use.
  • Combine chocolate, praline paste, and butter in a medium bowl.
  • Bring 3/4 cup cream to a boil and pour over chocolate mixture. Let stand for 1 minute before stirring. Stir until melted and mixture is smooth.
  • Beat remaining cup of chilled cream to soft peaks. Fold whipped cream into slightly cooled chocolate mixture. Cover and chill until ready to use.
  • Spread hazelnut ganache over soaked cake and chill in freezer for 15 minutes.
  • Spread praline mousse over set ganache and chill in freezer for another 15 minutes until set.
  • Cut cake crosswise into thirds. Stack layers on top of each other. Trim edges. Place in refrigerator and chill overnight.
  • Let cake stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving. Break up praline chocolate crunch into large shards and arrange on top of cake.

HAZELNUT CRUNCH CAKE WITH MASCARPONE AND CHOCOLATE



Hazelnut Crunch Cake with Mascarpone and Chocolate image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories     dessert

Time 2h

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 box chocolate cake mix
1 cup (about 4 1/2-ounces) hazelnuts, toasted and skinned
2/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup water
Two 8-ounce containers mascarpone cheese, room temperature
1 cup cream
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup bittersweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon orange zest

Steps:

  • For the cake:
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Butter and flour two 8-inch cake pans. Prepare the cake mix according to package instructions. Divide the batter between the 2 cake pans and bake according to package instructions. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.
  • For the crunch:
  • Place the toasted nuts close together in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir the sugar mixture until dissolved. Bring to a boil and let cook until the sugar is light brown, about 8 minutes. Let the bubbles subside then pour the caramelized sugar over the nuts. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and let the sugar nut mixture cool until hard, about 30 minutes. When the sugar nut mixture is hard and cool, top with another piece of parchment paper and pound into small pieces, or place the sugar nut mixture on a cutting board and cut into small pieces. Set aside.
  • For the filling:
  • Put the mascarpone cheese, cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla into a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer whip the cream mixture to soft peaks. Fold the Crunch mixture into the whipped cream.
  • For the topping:
  • Place the chocolate, sugar and zest in a food processor. Process the mixture until the chocolate is finely ground.
  • To assemble the cake:
  • Put 1 cake on a serving plate. Top with 1-inch of the whipped cream crunch mixture. Top with the second layer of cake and continue frosting the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream crunch mixture. Sprinkle the top and sides of the cake with the ground chocolate. Serve.

HAZELNUT CAKE WITH PRALINE AND MILK CHOCOLATE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING



Hazelnut Cake with Praline and Milk Chocolate Buttercream Frosting image

This decadent hazelnut-chocolate layer cake from baker John Barricelli's "The SoNo Baking Company Cookbook" is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser: Serve for an elegant birthday dessert or showstopping end to any meal.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cake Recipes

Yield Makes one 9-inch three-layer cake

Number Of Ingredients 17

1/4 cup whole hazelnuts
3/4 cup sugar
9 tablespoons cake flour
6 tablespoons cornstarch
3 large eggs, at room temperature
3 large egg yolks, at room temperature
3/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1 tablespoon almond extract
3/4 cup vegetable oil
5 large egg whites
1 1/3 cups sugar
Pinch of coarse salt
1 pound unsalted butter, firm but not chilled, cut into cubes
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
8 ounces milk chocolate, finely chopped
2 tablespoons Dutch-processed unsweetened cocoa powder mixed with 2 tablespoons water
1/4 cup praline paste

Steps:

  • Place an oven rack in the middle position. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 9-by-3-inch round cake pan with vegetable spray. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick silicone baking mat; set aside.
  • Make the sponge cake: Grind the hazelnuts in a food processor with 1/4 cup sugar. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cornstarch, and hazelnut mixture; set aside.
  • In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the whole eggs, the yolks, remaining 1/2 cup sugar, salt, and almond extract on high speed until thick and pale yellow in color, and mixture holds a thick ribbon when whisk is lifted from bowl, 7 to 8 minutes. Remove bowl from mixer; gently and quickly fold in flour mixture. Gradually drizzle in oil, while folding.
  • Pour batter into prepared cake pan. Set on prepared baking sheet, and bake until a tester comes out clean when inserted into the center of the cake, about 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from oven and turn cake out immediately onto a wire rack. Let cool for at least 1 hour.
  • Make the buttercream: In the heatproof bowl of an electric mixer set over (but not touching) simmering water, whisk egg whites, sugar, and salt until warm to the touch, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer bowl to mixer fitted with whisk attachment and beat until stiff peaks form. With the mixer running, gradually beat in butter, piece by piece. When all the butter has been added, mixture will break but it will become smooth as you continue to beat. Beat in vanilla. Divide buttercream in half, returning one half to the mixer bowl to make the chocolate flavor and setting aside the remaining half for the praline buttercream.
  • Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over (but not touching) simmering water. Slowly beat into buttercream in mixer. Add cocoa mixture and beat until buttercream is cooled; set aside.
  • Using a small offset spatula, spread praline paste onto a clean work surface. Smooth paste with a spatula, working out any lumps. Add 1/2 cup reserved buttercream to praline paste and fold it into buttercream. Once the paste and buttercream are fully combined and there are no lumps, fold praline mixture into remaining reserved buttercream.
  • Using a serrated knife, trim top of cake to make level. Cut cake horizontally into even thirds. Place four strips of parchment paper around perimeter of a serving plate or lazy Susan. Place the first layer on the cake plate and top with a 1/3- to 1/2-inch layer of praline buttercream. Place second layer on top; top with remaining praline buttercream. Top with remaining layer.
  • Spread a thin layer of the chocolate buttercream over the tops and sides of the cake to cover, creating a "crumb" layer. Transfer to refrigerator for 15 minutes to set. Spread tops and sides of cake with remaining chocolate buttercream; serve.

HAZELNUT PRALINE



Hazelnut Praline image

Use this topping when making our Rich Chocolate Heart Cakes.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes

Yield Makes about 1 cup

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 cup (5 ounces) hazelnuts
Canola oil, for pan
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees with rack in center. Spread nuts on a rimmed baking sheet, and toast them in the oven until they are fragrant, about 8 minutes. Transfer nuts to a clean kitchen towel, and rub nuts in towel vigorously between your hands to remove the brown skins. Lightly brush an 8-by-12-inch rimmed baking pan with the oil. Spread the peeled nuts in the pan.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, brushing down sides of pan with a damp pastry brush to remove any sugar crystals that may form, until mixture is amber, about 9 minutes; do not stir. (Pan may be swirled gently about halfway through to incorporate any uncooked sugar.) Pour directly over nuts to create a thin layer. Set aside to cool, at least 30 minutes.
  • Place half the praline in the bowl of a food processor; process until the praline is very fine with no sharp pieces. Cut the remaining praline into small pieces for decoration.

CHOCOLATE AND HAZELNUT CRUNCH CAKE



Chocolate and Hazelnut Crunch Cake image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     dessert

Time 1h55m

Number Of Ingredients 11

14 ounces of semisweet chocolate
1 ounce of bittersweet chocolate
3 eggs, separated
4 ounces sugar
1 3/4 cups of heavy cream
6 ounces Giandujia chocolate
3 ounces hazelnut paste
6 ounces royaltine chips
1/4 cups peanut oil
8 ounces couverture chocolate
8 ounces cocoa butter

Steps:

  • Combine both chocolates and melt them over a double boiler. Whisk the yolks and 1/2 of the sugar in a mixer equipped with a whisk, set aside at room temperature. In a separate bowl, whisk the whipping cream to the soft peak stage and set aside, refrigerated. Combine the 3 egg whites with the remaining sugar and whip to a soft peak stage. Pour the melted chocolate into the yolk and sugar mixture and whip at high speed until the mixture begins to pale and increase in volume. Fold in the whipped egg whites and then the whipped cream until smooth and homogenous. Pour into individual 3-inch diameter plastic round bottom (about 1/2 cup capacity) molds and freeze.
  • Combine and melt the Gandujia and the hazelnut paste over a double boiler until smooth. Set aside at room temperature. Add the royaltine chips and the peanut oil and fold into the chocolate mixture until smooth. While the mixture is still warm, spread it on a sheetpan in a 1/2-inch layer, evening the surface with the aid of an offset spatula. Refrigerate until solid and then cut into 3-inch circles and refrigerate. These circles will serve as the base for the mousse cakes.
  • Combine both of the ingredients over a double boiler and melt until smooth. Allow to cool to a warm stage and fill a container of an electric spray gun with the mixture. The spray gun should be new or has never been used for any purpose other than food.
  • To assemble cakes: Remove the crunchy 3-inch discs from the refrigerator and place on plates. Remove mousse molds and unmold on top of the disc. These should be kept frozen until ready to spray with the chocolate mist. Remove mousse cakes from the freezer and spray the chocolate domes liberally to create a velour type finish, while still frozen. Refrigerate until set. Serve the mousse cakes with chocolate sauce and chocolate decorations of your choice.

DEVIL'S FOOD CAKE WITH HAZELNUT PRALINE



Devil's Food Cake With Hazelnut Praline image

The best thing about chocolate cake is that it doesn't really need a specific season or, arguably, a specific reason to be made. The malted cream and hazelnut praline make this cake what you could call "pure joy" in dessert form. You'll make more smooth praline than you need; keep any extra in a jar in the fridge to spread onto toast, or to mix with cocoa powder for a Nutella-esque experience. You surely won't regret it.

Provided by Yotam Ottolenghi

Categories     cakes

Time 1h30m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

5 1/3 ounces/150 grams sunflower oil (by weight not by volume), plus more for greasing the pan
3/4 cup/75 grams unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups/192 grams all-purpose flour (plain flour)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup/200 grams superfine sugar (caster sugar) or granulated sugar
1/2 lightly packed cup/100 grams dark brown sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon/150 grams plain kefir (or buttermilk)
3/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons/220 grams very hot coffee, plus 1 tablespoon/14 grams at room temperature, for brushing
1 1/2 cups/200 grams blanched hazelnuts
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons/180 grams superfine sugar (caster sugar) or granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups/300 grams cold heavy cream (double cream)
1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon/95 grams mascarpone
2 tablespoons malted milk powder, such as Horlick's
1/4 cup plus 2 teaspoons/30 grams confectioners' sugar (icing sugar)
Tiny pinch of salt

Steps:

  • Heat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius (nonfan)/375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line the bottom of 2 (20-centimeter/8-inch) cake pans (tins) with a removable base with parchment paper and grease the sides. Alternatively, grease the bottoms and sides of 2 (20-centimeter/8-inch) regular cake pans, line with parchment, and grease the parchment.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together cocoa, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sugars. In a separate bowl, add the oil, eggs and kefir, and whisk just to combine. Add to the dry mixture and use a spatula to gently fold through. Add the 3/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons/220 grams hot coffee and mix gently to combine. It'll look very runny at first, but will soon come together into a glossy, pourable batter.
  • Divide the batter evenly between the two cake pans, about 21 ounces/600 grams per pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean. Set aside to cool for about 30 minutes, then slide a butter knife along the sides to help release the cake. Brush the tops lightly with the remaining 1 tablespoon/14 grams extra coffee (discard any extra).
  • Invert one cake onto a board, remove the parchment, then invert it again onto a cake stand or the platter you intend to serve it on (domed side up now). Invert the other cake onto a board (don't remove the paper). Invert it again, onto a plate, so that it's paper side down. (This will help prevent it from sticking.) Set both cakes aside to cool completely.
  • Make the praline: With the oven still at 200 degrees Celsius/375 degrees Fahrenheit, spread the hazelnuts onto a parchment-lined medium baking sheet (tray) and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until deeply golden, shaking the pan halfway through baking. Set aside, keeping the tray and parchment paper. You'll use them again later.
  • Place a large saucepan over a medium-high heat and, once quite hot, sprinkle in a third of the caster sugar to cover the base. It should immediately start to melt at the sides but not brown too quickly. Swirl the sugar in the pan a little, then add another third of the sugar, allowing it to melt a little before adding the remaining third. Turn the heat down to medium and cook until the sugar is an amber caramel, stirring with a spatula just a couple times (but not much more). Add the hazelnuts and 1/4 teaspoon salt, stirring to coat, then quickly transfer the mixture to your parchment-lined tray and leave to cool completely.
  • Once cool, roughly break apart the praline and add it to a food processor. Pulse a few times until you have very coarse crumbs, then measure out about 1/2 cup/75 grams of the mixture and transfer to a bowl. Blitz the remaining mixture in the food processor for about 5 minutes or until it turns into the consistency of a smooth nut butter, stopping to scrape the inside of the bowl as necessary. Transfer this to a separate bowl.
  • Make the mascarpone cream: Add all the ingredients to a stand mixer and beat on medium-high speed for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, or until you have medium peaks. Refrigerate if not assembling right away (you want it nice and cold).
  • When ready to assemble, top the cake on your cake stand with half the cream mixture. Spoon over about 2 tablespoons of the smooth praline and gently swirl it through the cream with your spatula. Top with another 2 tablespoons of the praline, this time without swirling. Sprinkle with half the praline crumble. Carefully invert the other cake on top now, removing the paper. Top with the remaining cream and repeat the same process with the smooth praline and praline crumble. Serve right away, or refrigerate overnight to firm up the cream before serving. (The cake will keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.)

TRIPLE HAZELNUT CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING



Triple Hazelnut Cake with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     dessert

Time 4h10m

Yield 8 generous servings

Number Of Ingredients 29

Shortening, for greasing pans
2 tablespoons cake flour, plus 3 1/3 cups, divided
4 large eggs, at room temperature, lightly beaten
1/3 cup hazelnut-flavored liqueur (recommended: Frangelico)
1 teaspoon hazelnut extract
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
1 cup peeled, toasted and finely chopped or ground hazelnuts
3 sticks (24 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup sour cream, at room temperature
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup peeled, toasted and finely chopped hazelnuts
1/4 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
1 tablespoon hazelnut-flavored liqueur (recommended: Frangelico)
1 teaspoon hazelnut extract
2 tablespoons finely chopped bittersweet chocolate or chocolate disks
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped or chocolate disks
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup egg whites, at room temperature (from 7 to 8 large eggs)
4 sticks (32 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 teaspoon hazelnut extract
2 cups peeled, toasted and finely chopped hazelnuts
8 whole peeled, toasted hazelnuts
8 milk chocolate curls

Steps:

  • To make the cake, grease 2 (9 by 2-inch) round cake pans with shortening and line bottoms with parchment rounds. Grease parchment and dust each pan with 1 tablespoon flour, shaking out excess. Set pans aside.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • In a medium bowl whisk together the eggs, liqueur, and hazelnut extract until blended and set aside.
  • In a large bowl of an electric stand mixer, gently combine on low speed 3 1/3 cups flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and hazelnuts until blended. Add the butter and sour cream and beat on low speed until dry ingredients are moistened.
  • Increase speed to medium and beat for 2 1/2 minutes, scraping the sides of the bowl occasionally. In 3 separate additions, add the egg mixture to the batter, beating for 30 seconds after each addition. Divide batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake on the center rack for 40 to 45 minutes or until a cake tester inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes. Remove from pans, discard parchment and cool cakes completely on wire racks, 1 to 2 hours.
  • To make the hazelnut filling, in a medium saucepan melt the butter over medium heat.
  • Sprinkle with flour and whisk until smooth. Reduce heat to medium-low, add the sugar and cream and cook, whisking constantly, for 7 to 10 minutes or until mixture is thickened. Stir in the hazelnuts, salt, liqueur, hazelnut extract, and chocolate and cook just until chocolate melts. Set aside in a bowl and cool completely.
  • To make the chocolate buttercream frosting, melt chocolate in the top of a double boiler over medium heat until smooth. Set aside, off the heat, and cool completely. In a large bowl whisk together the sugar and egg whites until blended. Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water and whisk until mixture reaches 140 degrees F.
  • Remove mixture to a large bowl of a stand mixture with a whisk attachment and beat on low speed for 1 minute to cool slightly. Increase speed to high and beat for 4 minutes or until mixture is cool to the touch and doubled in volume. Reduce speed to low and add the softened butter 1 tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition, until all of the butter has been added. Continue to beat until mixture looks smooth. Fold in the melted chocolate and the hazelnut extract and beat until fluffy.
  • To assemble the cake, split each cake layer horizontally in half to make 4 separate layers. Spread equal amounts of the hazelnut filling between each layer and frost top and sides of cake with the buttercream. To garnish, press chopped hazelnuts onto the sides of the cake. Using a pastry bag fitted with a star tip, pipe rosettes around the top rim using remaining frosting. Place whole hazelnuts and chocolate curls on the top of the cake.
  • Tip: To make this cake an easier undertaking, take the time to search out hazelnuts that have already been peeled. If peeled nuts are unavailable, working in batches, boil nuts in 2 cups water along with 2 tablespoons baking soda for 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Run nuts under water and slip off skins. Dry the nuts well and toast on a baking sheet in a 350 degree F oven for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cool and finely chop and proceed with recipe. If you purchase the nuts already peeled, toast in a 350 degree F oven for only 15 minutes.

CHOCOLATE HAZELNUT PRALINE CAKE



Chocolate Hazelnut Praline Cake image

Tender, moist and fudgy chocolate cake filled with hazelnut praline ganache, crunchy praline crumble and silky smooth espresso French buttercream

Provided by Ashley

Categories     Dessert

Number Of Ingredients 23

2/3 cup (100g) chopped hazelnuts, skinned
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
8 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
8 oz heavy cream
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 ¼ cup (480g) light brown sugar, packed
2 ½ cups (328g) all purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons espresso powder
1 cup (120g) cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
4 large eggs
2 cups (454g) buttermilk, room temperature
1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup (60g) mayo, room temperature
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
12 large (168g) egg yolks
1 ½ cups (150g) granulated sugar
3 cup (678g) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/3 cup (76g) brewed espresso, room temperature
1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt

Steps:

  • Place the hazelnuts in a dry skillet on the stove over medium-high heat. Toast for about 5-7 minutes, until they start to turn golden brown. Set aside to cool.
  • Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or a piece of parchment paper.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and 1 1/2 tablespoons water. Cook over medium-high heat swirling the pan occasionally to evenly distrute heat. Cook until the sugar has melted and turns a deep amber color. Do not stir.
  • Stir in the hazelnuts. Pour the caramel onto the lined baking sheet in an even, thin layer.
  • Allow the praline to cool and harden completely. Cut into smaller shards with a sharp knife.
  • Reserve 3 tablespoons of praline for sprinkling. Place the remaining praline into a small food processor.
  • Process the praline mixture until it forms a fine powder. After 5 -7 minutes, it will start forming a paste. If it doesn't, after blending a while, add 1 teaspoon of canola oil to help it get it going.
  • Blend the paste until smooth.
  • Pour the finished hazelnut praline paste into an air-tight container to store and set aside while preparing the ganache.
  • Place the chopped chocolate into a medium size bowl. Set aside.
  • Heat the heavy cream and salt in a small sauce pan over medium-low heat on the stove until the mixture begins to simmer.
  • Pour the hot cream over the chocolate. Let the mixture sit for a minute to allow the chocolate to melt. Gently whisk the chocolate and cream until smooth.
  • Stir in the praline paste.
  • Let the ganache cool to room temperature. It will thicken as it cools, to a peanut butter like consistency.
  • Preheat the oven to 350F. Butter the bottoms and sides of 2 - 8" x 2" round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment. Create a parchment collar to go around the sides of the pans.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the flour, espresso powder, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Whisk to combine
  • In a measuring cup, combine the buttermilk and vanilla. Whisk to combine.
  • Place the softened butter and the brown sugar into the bowl of a stand mixer. Using the paddle attachment, cream the butter and the brown sugar on medium speed until it is very light in color and super fluffy, about 6-8 minutes.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined. Scrape the bottom and sides of bowl with spatula after each addition.
  • Add one third of the flour mixture to the bowl and mix on low until just combined. Pour half of the buttermilk mixture into the bowl and mix on low until just combined.
  • Remove the bowl from the mixer. Scrape the bowl to make sure the ingredients are incorporated. The mixture might look curdled at this point, but it will come back together.
  • Add an additional one third of the flour mixture and mix until just combined. Add the remaining buttermilk mixture and mix just until combined.
  • Add the remaining flour mixture and mix until just combined. Remove the bowl from the mixer. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to make sure there are not any pockets of butter or flour remaining.
  • Add the mayo. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to make sure the ingredients are incorporated.
  • Combine the baking soda and vinegar in a small bowl. Pour the mixture into the cake batter and mix on low for an additional 10 seconds.
  • Remove the bowl from the mixer. Portion the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
  • Bake the cakes on the center rack of the oven for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few crumbs. You will want to start watching for the cakes to be done, when the tops dome and start to crack a bit.
  • Remove the baked cakes from the oven. If they have domed at all, use a tea towel to gently press down the domes. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
  • Run a butter knife around the edge of the pans, remove the parchment collar and turn the cakes out onto a wire rack. Cool to room temperature.
  • Wrap the cakes tightly with a couple layers of plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to chill completely before assembling.
  • The cakes will keep tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a zip top bag in the refrigerator for up to three days. The cake layers can also be frozen, wrapped well in plastic wrap and placed in a zip top bag. I personally don't like to freeze longer than a week, but you can freeze these layers for up to three weeks. Defrost the layers in the refrigerator before using.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the egg yolks on high speed until extremely light in color.
  • Combine the sugar and 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) water in a small saucepan and heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture boils. Stop stirring, and continue boiling the mixture until it reaches 238 F (115 C) on a candy thermometer. Remove immediately from the heat.
  • Pour a small quantity of syrup over the yolks with the mixer turned off. Beat on high speed for 5 seconds, then stop the mixer and add a larger quantity of syrup. Beat on high speed for another 5 seconds. Add the remaining syrup, and continue beating until the mixture is completely cool. Add the butter a few pieces at a time, and beat until the mixture is completely smooth.
  • Add in the cooled espresso and salt and beat until well combined.
  • Work with chilled cake layers. Using a long serrated knife torte the layers, cutting them evenly in half. You will have four cake layers total. The tops of the cakes will be the center two layers of your cake.
  • Put one of the cake layers, cut side up onto an 8" cake board or directly onto a cake stand.
  • Spread a thin, even layer of the ganache on the cake layer with an offset spatula. Sprinkle 1/3 of the praline on top.
  • Spread about one cup of the buttercream on top of the ganache using an offset spatula to evenly distribute the buttercream. You're looking for the buttercream to be about 1/4 inch thick.
  • Place another cake layer on top, top up, and press down gently so that the layer is adhered to the buttercream. Repeat the previous two steps, applying the ganache and buttercream.
  • Place the third layer cake layer, top up, and press down gently so that the layer is adhered to the buttercream.
  • Add the final ganache layer. Add the final buttercream layer. Place the final cake layer (the bottom of one of the cakes) bottom side up on the buttercream, pressing gently to adhere.
  • Frost the cake with the remaining espresso French buttercream. Decorate. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE-HAZELNUT CAKE



Flourless Chocolate-Hazelnut Cake image

Small wedges of this luscious, superchocolaty cake go a long way.

Provided by Jill Silverman Hough

Categories     Cake     Milk/Cream     Chocolate     Egg     Dessert     Bake     Quick & Easy     Frangelico     Chill     Hazelnut     Bon Appétit     Kidney Friendly     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield Makes 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

12 ounces 60% cacao bittersweet chocolate, chopped
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into chunks
6 large eggs
1 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
1/2 cup Frangelico or other hazelnut liqueur, divided
1 cup finely ground hazelnuts (ground in processor; about 5 ounces)
1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
1 cup chilled heavy whipping cream
Chopped toasted hazelnuts

Steps:

  • Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 350°F. Butter 9-inch-diameter springform pan. Line bottom of pan with parchment paper round. Wrap outside of pan tightly with 3 layers of heavy-duty foil. Combine chocolate and butter in medium metal bowl; set bowl over saucepan of simmering water. Whisk until mixture is melted and smooth. Remove bowl from over water.
  • Whisk eggs, golden brown sugar, and 1/4 cup Frangelico in large bowl to blend. Add chocolate mixture and whisk until smooth. Stir in ground hazelnuts and 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt. Transfer batter to prepared pan. Place springform pan in large roasting pan. Pour enough hot water into roasting pan to come halfway up sides of springform pan. Place in oven and tent springform pan loosely with foil. Bake until cake is set in center and top is dry to touch, about 1 1/2 hours (top of cake will remain shiny). Remove cake from roasting pan; remove foil from top and outside of pan. Cool cake in pan on rack. Chill cake until cold, about 3 hours. DO AHEAD: Can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and keep chilled.
  • Using electric mixer, beat whipping cream and remaining 1/4 cup Frangelico in medium bowl until soft peaks form. Run knife around pan sides to loosen cake. Release pan sides. Cut cake into wedges. Transfer to plates. Top with whipped cream; sprinkle with chopped toasted hazelnuts.

CHOCOLATE & HAZELNUT PRALINE TART



Chocolate & hazelnut praline tart image

A pure, unadulterated chocolate hit, made extra-special with crunchy hazelnut praline

Provided by Barney Desmazery

Categories     Dessert, Treat

Time 1h

Yield Cuts into 10 slices

Number Of Ingredients 12

140g butter
100g golden caster sugar
225g plain flour
50g ground almond
1 egg , beaten
85g blanched hazelnut
50g golden caster sugar
200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
100g butter
splash Frangelico liqueur or brandy
1 egg
3 egg yolks

Steps:

  • Make the pastry. Cream together the butter and sugar, then add flour and almonds. Bring everything together with the egg. If the pastry is very soft, chill for 20 mins. If not, roll out to fit a deepish 23cm fluted flan tin; if the pastry breaks, press scraps of pastry into the gaps, leaving a slight overhang. Chill for 20 mins.
  • Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Line the case with baking parchment and baking beans, then bake for 10 mins. Remove beans and cook for another 10 mins until golden.
  • Meanwhile, toast the nuts in a dry pan until starting to brown. Scatter over 4 tbsp of sugar, cook until it caramelises, then tip nuts onto a baking tray lined with parchment. Leave to cool, then roughly chop. Over a pan of barely simmering water, melt the chocolate, butter and alcohol together, then set aside to cool slightly. Over the same pan, beat the egg, yolks and remaining sugar until pale and fluffy. Take off the heat, then fold in the chocolate mix.
  • When case is cooked, remove from oven and turn the heat down to 160C/fan 140C/gas 3. Scatter most of the hazelnuts over the base, then tip in the chocolate mix, pressing it down slightly. Cook the tart for 15-20 mins until the chocolate has almost set. Leave to cool, then serve scattered with the remaining nuts. Can be made up to 1 day ahead.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 582 calories, Fat 40 grams fat, SaturatedFat 18 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 50 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 29 grams sugar, Fiber 3 grams fiber, Protein 9 grams protein, Sodium 0.43 milligram of sodium

Tips:

  • For a richer chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate with a cocoa content of at least 70%.
  • Toast the hazelnuts before using them to enhance their flavor.
  • To make sure the cake is cooked through, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is done.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting it. This will help the frosting to set properly.
  • For a smoother frosting, use a stand mixer or hand mixer to beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  • To make the praline chocolate crunch, use a heavy saucepan and stir constantly to prevent the sugar from burning.
  • Once the praline chocolate crunch is made, let it cool completely before using it. This will help it to set and harden.

Conclusion:

This chocolate hazelnut cake with praline chocolate crunch is a delicious and decadent dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The cake is moist and fluffy, with a rich chocolate flavor. The hazelnut buttercream frosting is creamy and smooth, and the praline chocolate crunch adds a delightful crunch. This cake is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.

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