I’m excited to share with you my perfected recipe for an Ultra-Juicy Nut Cake that you can whip up in just 10 minutes of preparation time. This isn’t just any cake; it’s a rich, moist, and deeply satisfying treat that combines the nutty warmth of hazelnuts with the indulgence of dark chocolate.
What makes this cake truly special is its incredible moistness and dense, nutty texture. The generous amount of ground hazelnuts not only provides a delightful flavor but also contributes to the cake’s ultra-juicy quality. The simple chocolate glaze adds a touch of elegance and a perfect counterpoint to the nutty base.
As we dive into this recipe, I’ll guide you through each step, sharing insider tips and techniques I’ve honed over years of perfecting this dish. By the end, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to create a cake that will become a beloved weekly tradition in your household.
Ingredients
For this delectable Ultra-Juicy Nut Cake that serves 12-16, you’ll need:
For the cake:
- 220g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 pinch of salt
- 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (15g or 1 tablespoon) baking powder
- 250g (2 1/2 cups) hazelnuts, finely ground
- 125ml (1/2 cup) milk
For the icing:
- 200g (7 oz) dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 tsp vegetable oil
- Caramel candies, chopped (optional, for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
Let’s start by setting up our baking environment:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). If using a fan-forced oven, reduce the temperature to 160°C (320°F).
- Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan or springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. Make the Cake Batter
Now, let’s create our luscious cake batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together 220g of softened butter, 200g of sugar, and a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures a smooth, well-emulsified batter.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 250g of flour and 1 packet of baking powder.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with 125ml of milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined after each addition.
- Fold in 250g of finely ground hazelnuts using a rubber spatula. Be gentle to maintain the air you’ve incorporated into the batter.
3. Bake the Cake
Time to transform our batter into a delicious cake:
- Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 60 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- If the top of the cake starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
- Once done, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, turn the cake out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Chocolate Icing
While the cake is cooling, let’s make our simple yet decadent chocolate icing:
- Create a double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Make sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water.
- Add 200g of chopped dark chocolate and 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil to the bowl.
- Stir occasionally as the chocolate melts, ensuring it melts evenly and doesn’t overheat.
- Once the chocolate is fully melted and smooth, remove it from the heat.
5. Finish and Decorate
Now for the final touches:
- Once the cake has cooled completely, place it on a serving plate or cake stand.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the top of the cake, using an offset spatula to spread it evenly and let it drip down the sides if desired.
- If using, sprinkle chopped caramel candies over the top of the chocolate icing while it’s still wet.
- Allow the icing to set at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition Information
This Ultra-Juicy Nut Cake is a rich, indulgent treat. Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (assuming 16 servings):
- Calories: 420
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 80mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 22g
- Protein: 7g
Please note that these values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve just created an Ultra-Juicy Nut Cake that’s sure to become a cherished weekly tradition. This cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of rich, nutty flavors and moist, tender texture that will delight your taste buds and comfort your soul.
What makes this cake truly special is its perfect balance of ingredients. The generous amount of ground hazelnuts not only provides a delightful flavor but also contributes to the cake’s incredible moistness. The simple chocolate glaze adds a touch of elegance and a perfect counterpoint to the nutty base.
Remember, the key to this cake’s success lies in not overmixing the batter once you add the flour. This ensures a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. And don’t be tempted to skimp on the ground hazelnuts – they’re what give this cake its distinctive texture and flavor.
This Ultra-Juicy Nut Cake is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for a weekday treat with your afternoon coffee, but it’s also elegant enough to serve at a dinner party. It keeps well for several days, making it ideal for busy households who want a homemade dessert without daily baking.
As you enjoy a slice of this delightful cake, take a moment to appreciate the layers of flavor and texture you’ve created. The moist, nutty crumb is perfectly complemented by the smooth, rich chocolate topping. It’s a testament to the magic that can happen in your kitchen with just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of love.
So whether you’re baking for your family, friends, or just treating yourself, this Ultra-Juicy Nut Cake is sure to bring joy and satisfaction. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a weekly ritual that celebrates the simple pleasures of home baking. Happy baking, and even happier eating!