If you love the irresistible combination of rich chocolate and nutty almonds, then this Almond Nutella Cake Recipe is about to become your new obsession. It blends the delicate crumb of almond flour with the luscious, creamy goodness of Nutella and whipped cream to create an elegant dessert that feels both decadent and light. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just treating yourself, this cake’s layers of flavor and texture make every bite pure joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward baking this dreamy Almond Nutella Cake Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in building the cake’s moist texture, sweet almond flavor, and silky finish.
- Super finely ground almond flour: Provides a tender crumb and distinct almond flavor that makes this cake stand out.
- Granulated sugar: Used in two stages for balanced sweetness and to help stabilize egg whites and whipped cream.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making every element pop beautifully.
- Large egg whites: Whipped to create airy structure and lightness, ensuring that the cake is fluffy and not dense.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, complementing the chocolate and almond notes perfectly.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to soft peaks for a rich, creamy frosting that wraps the cake in silky smoothness.
- Coffee extract or almond liquor or chocolate liquor: Introduces complex undertones that amplify the Nutella flavor.
- Nutella: The star ingredient, lending its signature creamy hazelnut chocolate essence to the cake layers and frosting.
- Semisweet chocolate bar: Used for decorating, adding a lovely contrast and touch of elegance.
How to Make Almond Nutella Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Almond Cake Base
Start by preheating your oven and preparing two 8 1/2-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the finely ground almond flour, half of the granulated sugar, and salt. In a separate clean bowl, whip your room temperature egg whites until they form soft peaks. Gradually add the remaining sugar to the egg whites and continue whipping until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the almond mixture, retaining as much air as possible to keep the batter light and airy. The batter’s delicate texture here will determine your cake’s moist, tender crumb.
Step 2: Bake the Cake Layers
Divide the batter equally between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops carefully. Bake these almond layers for about 40 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely in their pans, then unwrap and set on wire racks. Be patient with the cooling; this is key before you move on to the luscious filling and frosting.
Step 3: Whip the Cream and Flavor It
In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks start to form. Slowly add the quarter cup of granulated sugar along with your choice of coffee extract, almond liquor, or chocolate liquor and the vanilla extract to give the whipped cream a sophisticated flavor boost. Continue whipping until medium peaks form. This fluffy cream will be your delicious frosting and filling, holding the layers together while keeping it light.
Step 4: Assemble the Almond Nutella Cake Recipe
Once your cake layers are completely cool, spread a generous layer of the Nutella over one cake layer. Next, dollop and spread a thick layer of the flavored whipped cream on top of the Nutella. Carefully place the second cake layer on top, then coat the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream. For the final touch, decorate with shavings or curls from the semisweet chocolate bar. The contrast of creamy Nutella, fluffy cream, and crunchy chocolate decoration brings this cake to life.
How to Serve Almond Nutella Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling toasted almond slices or a dusting of powdered sugar adds a lovely visual interest and a bit of crunch to balance the soft texture. Fresh berries like raspberries complement the chocolate notes while adding a burst of tartness.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a rich espresso. These sides elevate the dessert experience, balancing sweetness with creaminess or boldness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, slice the cake into delicate wedges and place each on individual plates with a drizzle of Nutella or chocolate sauce. Garnish with edible gold leaf or a small sprig of mint for an elegant finish that’s sure to impress guests and make any day feel like a celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Almond Nutella Cake Recipe fresh by storing it covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. A cake dome or airtight container will protect it from drying out and absorbing other fridge odors.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake layers before assembling. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil to protect against freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then assemble and frost the cake as usual for best texture.
Reheating
This cake is best served chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer, let it sit out for about 30 minutes before serving to soften the whipped cream. Avoid microwaving, as it can ruin the texture of the cream and cake.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour in this Almond Nutella Cake Recipe?
This recipe is designed around almond flour, which gives the cake its unique texture and flavor. Using regular flour will change the cake’s moisture and taste significantly, so it’s best to stick with almond flour for the classic version.
Is there a substitute for the coffee or almond liquor?
If you prefer to avoid alcohol or coffee extract, you can omit them or replace with extra vanilla extract or a splash of milk to maintain moisture and flavor balance without overpowering the Nutella.
How long does it take to prepare this cake?
The prep involves some careful steps including whipping and folding, and the baking time is around 40 minutes. Total active prep time is about 30 minutes, but including cooling and assembly, plan for around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Can I make this cake vegan or dairy-free?
This particular Almond Nutella Cake Recipe relies on eggs and heavy cream, so making it vegan would require significant substitutions like aquafaba for egg whites and coconut cream for heavy cream. Nutella also contains dairy, so look for vegan chocolate-hazelnut spreads if needed.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftover cake slices taste fantastic cold right from the fridge, or brought to room temperature. Pair with a fresh cup of coffee or tea to brighten the flavors and enjoy every last bite.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to give this Almond Nutella Cake Recipe a try. It perfectly balances nutty almond flavor with the creamy richness of Nutella, wrapped in fluffy layers that melt in your mouth. Baking this cake is a rewarding experience that brings a little luxury to your kitchen and smiles to everyone lucky enough to taste it. Happy baking and even happier eating!
Print
Almond Nutella Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 480 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 520 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (8 1/2-inch round cake)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Almond Nutella Cake is a luscious multi-layered treat combining the rich flavors of finely ground almond flour, fluffy meringue, and creamy Nutella-infused whipped cream. Perfect for special occasions, it yields a moist and airy almond cake layered with a dreamy Nutella cream, decorated with semisweet chocolate pieces for an elegant finish.
Ingredients
For the Almond Cake:
- 325 grams super finely ground almond flour (or 3 1/2 cups)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (divided: 1/2 cup and 1/4 cup)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 6 large egg whites (room temperature)
- 1/2 Tbsp vanilla extract
For the Nutella Cream:
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp coffee extract or almond liquor or chocolate liquor
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 to 1/2 of a 26.5 oz Nutella jar
For Decoration:
- Semisweet chocolate bar
Instructions
- Prepare the Almond Cake Batter: Sift the almond flour with 1/2 cup of the granulated sugar and salt into a bowl. In a separate large clean bowl, beat the 6 egg whites with a mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the sifted almond mixture and vanilla extract into the beaten egg whites, careful not to deflate the meringue. This will create a light and fluffy batter.
- Bake the Almond Cake Layers: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Divide the batter evenly between two 8 1/2-inch round springform pans lined with parchment paper. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for about 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cakes cool completely on wire racks before removing from pans.
- Prepare the Nutella Whipped Cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, 1/4 cup sugar, coffee extract (or chosen liquor), and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gently fold in 1/3 to 1/2 jar of Nutella, adjusting the amount based on your preferred sweetness and Nutella intensity. Whip a little more to combine evenly but do not overwhip to avoid curdling.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one almond cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of the Nutella whipped cream evenly over the cake. Place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining Nutella whipped cream. Decorate the cake by shaving or breaking the semisweet chocolate bar and sprinkle the pieces artistically on top. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld and cream set.
Notes
- To achieve super finely ground almond flour, pulse whole blanched almonds in a food processor until a powder forms but be careful not to turn it into almond butter.
- Ensure the egg whites are at room temperature as they whip better and produce more volume.
- If nut allergies are a concern, this recipe is not suitable due to the large amount of almond flour and Nutella.
- Adjust the amount of Nutella in the cream depending on your taste preference; more Nutella will make the filling richer and sweeter.
- For a coffee flavor, coffee extract enhances depth, but almond or chocolate liquor provides a complementary aromatic profile.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; the cake is best eaten cold.
