Perfect Nutella Cake: Chocolate Mousse & Nutty Mascarpone Magic

Ingredients

For the Cake

200 grams (1 cup) sugar
225 grams (1.5 cups) all-purpose flour
90 grams (1 cup) unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1.5 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
240 ml (1 cup) whole milk
120 ml (0.5 cup) vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
240 ml (1 cup) boiling water

For the Nutella Mousse

240 ml (1 cup) heavy cream
150 grams (0.5 cup) Nutella
50 grams (0.5 cup) chocolate chips

For the Two-Chocolate Cream

100 grams (0.5 cup) dark chocolate
100 grams (0.5 cup) white chocolate
300 grams (1.5 cups) Nutella

For the Nut-Chocolate Cream Cheese

150 grams (0.5 cup) Nutella
450 grams (2 cups) mascarpone cheese

Equipment

Two 9-inch round baking pans
Ensure they are well greased and floured for easy cake release. 🍰
Large mixing bowls
You'll need separate bowls for dry and wet ingredients. Whisk away! 💪
Electric mixer
A stand mixer or hand mixer will work wonders in achieving the perfect batter consistency. 🚀
Spatula
For folding and scraping, nothing beats a handy spatula. 🥄
Wire racks
These are essential for cooling your cake layers evenly. 🆒
Piping bag
To make your Nut-Chocolate Cream Cheese layer look professional. 🎨

Instructions

Step 1

Make the Cake

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).

Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.

In a large bowl, stir together sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.

Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin).

Pour batter into prepared pans.

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool in pans for 10 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 2

Make the Nutella Mousse

Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

Gently fold in Nutella until well combined.

Fold in chocolate chips.

Step 3

Make the Two-Chocolate Cream

Melt the dark chocolate and white chocolate in separate bowls.

Fold Nutella into each bowl until well combined.

Step 4

Make the Nut-Chocolate Cream Cheese

Beat Nutella and mascarpone cheese together until light and fluffy.

Step 5

Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate.

Spread Nutella mousse evenly over the cake.

Place the second cake layer on top.

Cover the cake with two-chocolate cream.

Pipe or spread nut-chocolate cream cheese over the top and sides.

Servings

Now that you have your delicious Nutella Layer Cake ready, let's talk about serving suggestions to make this dessert the star of your table. 🎉

Slice the cake into generous portions and serve it with a dollop of whipped cream on the side for an extra touch of indulgence. 🍰✨ Another delightful idea is to serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream; the cold creaminess perfectly complements the rich, chocolaty layers.

If you’re planning a fancy gathering, why not add some edible gold leaf to the top of your cake? This touch of luxury will undoubtedly impress your guests. 💛🍴

Finally, keep a pot of freshly brewed coffee or tea ready to serve alongside your cake. The warm, comforting flavors of coffee or tea make for a wonderful pairing with the decadent Nutella layers. ☕🍂

Variations

Looking to make a gluten-free or vegan version of this delightful cake? We've got you covered! 🌱💖

Gluten-Free: Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are certified gluten-free as well. The rest of the recipe remains the same, and you’ll have a cake that everyone can enjoy. 🍰✨

Vegan: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water for each egg required). Use almond or soy milk instead of whole milk, and opt for dairy-free heavy cream and mascarpone substitutes. Choose a vegan-friendly Nutella alternative, and you’re all set for a plant-based version of this heavenly dessert. 🌿💚

Faq

Can I use a different size of baking pans?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the baking time. Keep an eye on the cakes and test for doneness with a toothpick.
Do I need an electric mixer for this cake?
No, while an electric mixer makes it easier, you can mix by hand. Just ensure the batter is well combined and smooth.
How do I prevent my cake from sticking to the pan?
Grease and flour your pans thoroughly before adding the batter. For extra insurance, you can also line the bottom with parchment paper.
Can I make the components ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers and prepare the creams a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble.
How long does this cake stay fresh?
If kept in an airtight container in the fridge, your Nutella Layer Cake will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
What if my Nutella mousse is too runny?
Make sure your heavy cream is whipped to stiff peaks before folding in the Nutella. You can also refrigerate the mixture for a bit to help it firm up.