Hazelnut tea cake

Ingredients

Tea Cake

150 grams (5.3 ounces) butter
140 grams (4.9 ounces) brown sugar
2 large eggs
45 grams (1.5 ounces) milk
80 grams (2.8 ounces) hazelnut praline
180 grams (6.3 ounces) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
35 grams (1.2 ounces) almond flour

Glaze

100 grams (3.5 ounces) milk chocolate
50 grams (1.8 ounces) hazelnuts

Equipment

Mixing Bowl
Essential for combining all your ingredients. Opt for a large, deep bowl to prevent splashes. Pro tip: stainless steel bowls keep mixtures cool and are easy to clean.
Electric Mixer
Whip up butter and sugar effortlessly. A hand mixer works, but if you have a stand mixer, it's a major time-saver.
Spatula
Great for scraping every bit of batter from the bowl. Silicone spatulas are flexible yet sturdy, making them perfect for the job.
Baking Pan
A must-have to bake your tea cake. Use a non-stick or line it with parchment paper for easy cake removal.
Oven
Preheat it to 338°F (170°C) and ensure the temperature is accurate with an oven thermometer.
Skewer
Perfect for testing cake doneness. Insert into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is done.

Instructions

Step 1

Step 1: Heat the milk with the hazelnut praline just until the praline dissolves, but do not let the mixture become too hot. Stir constantly to ensure a smooth mixture.

Step 2

Step 2: In a large bowl, whip the butter and brown sugar together until light and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation.

Step 3

Step 3: Pour the milk mixture into the butter mixture and blend well. Continue to mix until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 4

Step 4: Slowly add the flour, baking powder, and almond flour into the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth. Ensure you do not overmix to keep the cake fluffy.

Step 5

Step 5: Preheat the oven to 338°F (170°C) and then bake the tea cake for 45-55 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a skewer into the center of the cake; it should come out clean. Avoid opening the oven frequently to prevent the cake from collapsing.

Step 6

Step 6: Let the tea cake cool completely before adding the glaze.

Step 7

Step 7: Roast the hazelnuts and chop them finely with a knife. Roasting enhances the nutty flavor and crunch.

Step 8

Step 8: Melt the milk chocolate and stir in the chopped hazelnuts. Use a double boiler or microwave in short intervals to melt the chocolate without burning.

Step 9

Step 9: Carefully spread the glaze over the cooled tea cake. Let the glaze set before serving for a clean presentation.

Servings

Talk about a fabulous finish! Once your tea cake is beautifully baked and glazed, here are some serving suggestions to make it extra special:

Simple Elegance: Serve a slice of tea cake with a hot cup of tea or coffee. ☕ The nutty, sweet flavors marry wonderfully with a robust drink.

Fruity Twist: Add a handful of fresh berries on the side. 🍓 The tartness from the berries adds a lovely contrast to the sweet, nutty cake.

Ice Cream Pairing: Treat yourself by pairing the cake with a scoop of vanilla or hazelnut ice cream. 🍨 The creamy ice cream complements the moist cake perfectly.

Festive Flair: Drizzle extra melted chocolate on top and sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts. 🎉 This not only adds crunch but also makes it look super fancy for any occasion!

Variations

Want to make this delicious tea cake gluten-free or vegan? We've got you covered:

For a gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in a 1:1 ratio. Ensure it includes xanthan gum for better texture. 🌾

To make it vegan, use plant-based butter and replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg). Opt for your favorite plant-based milk instead of dairy milk. 🥥🍃

Faq

Beginner Question: How do I know if my cake is done?
Insert a skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done!
Beginner Question: Can I substitute another type of nut for hazelnuts?
Yes, you can use almonds, pecans, or walnuts. Adjust according to your taste preference.
Intermediate Question: What can I do if my glaze is too thick?
Gently warm the glaze and add a splash of milk, stirring until it reaches your desired consistency.
Intermediate Question: How can I make my cake extra moist?
Ensure you don't overbake the cake and consider adding a tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt to the batter.
Experienced Question: How can I infuse more hazelnut flavor?
Try adding a teaspoon of hazelnut extract to the batter or topping the cake with finely chopped toasted hazelnuts.
Experienced Question: Can I use this recipe for cupcakes?
Absolutely! Simply divide the batter into a lined muffin tin and reduce the baking time to about 20-25 minutes.