Perfect Nutella Cake: Simple Steps for a Delicious Treat

Ingredients

Ingredients for the Cake Layers

6 eggs
350 grams (1.5 cups) sugar
4 tablespoons honey
Pinch of salt
100 grams (1 cup) cocoa powder
180 grams (0.75 cups) unsalted butter
2 teaspoons baking soda
700 grams (5.5 cups) all-purpose flour

Ingredients for Custard Cream

3 egg yolks
150 grams (0.75 cups) sugar
500 milliliters (2 cups) milk
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Ingredients for Cream 2

1 can sweetened condensed milk
300 grams (1.5 cups) unsalted butter
Vanilla extract

Equipment

Double Boiler
If you don’t have a double boiler, improvise with a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. It prevents the mixture from burning.
Electric Mixer
An electric mixer saves time and ensures your creams are perfectly smooth. A handheld mixer works just as well.
Oven
Your oven should be preheated to 180°C (350°F). An oven thermometer helps verify the temperature.
Parchment Paper
Use parchment paper to roll out your dough. It’s easier to transfer and keeps your baking sheets clean.

Instructions

Step 1

Instructions for Cake Layers

Mix together the eggs, salt, sugar, butter, cocoa powder, and honey in a pot. Place the pot over a double boiler and stir until it's all melted and combined.

Pour the mixture into a large bowl and add baking soda. The mixture should double in size.

Add the flour gradually and knead until you get a soft dough. Divide the dough into 6 equal balls (each about 290 grams).

Poke holes in each dough ball with a fork before rolling them out on parchment paper.

Bake the layers in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-6 minutes each.

Step 2

Instructions for Custard Cream

Mix the egg yolks, sugar, milk, cornstarch, and flour in a saucepan.

Cook the mixture over medium heat until it thickens. Let it cool completely.

Step 3

Instructions for Cream 2

Beat the sweetened condensed milk, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Add the cooled custard cream and mix until well combined.

Chill the cream in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes.

Step 4

Assemble the Cake

Layer the cake layers with the chilled cream.

Let the assembled cake sit in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before serving.

Servings

Serving Suggestions and Ideas

🍫 **Chocolate Heaven**: Serve each slice with a **drizzle of chocolate sauce** for that extra chocolatey kick. A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance.

🍓 **Berry Delight**: Top your cake with **fresh berries** like strawberries and raspberries. The tartness of the berries balances the rich chocolate flavors beautifully.

🍨 **Ice Cream Pairing**: What’s better than a pastry and ice cream duo? Pair it with a scoop of **vanilla or mint chocolate chip ice cream** 🍦 for a refreshing contrast.

☕ **Coffee Lover’s Dream**: Serve with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy latte. The combination is a match made in heaven for coffee aficionados.

🌹 **Elegant Presentation**: Decorate the top layer with **edible flowers** or gold leaf for a stunning presentation that will wow your guests.

Variations

Gluten-Free and Vegan Variations

🌾 **Gluten-Free Option**: Substitute the all-purpose flour with **gluten-free flour**. Ensure your baking soda and cornstarch are gluten-free as well.

🌱 **Vegan Delight**: Replace the eggs with **flax eggs** (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg). Use **plant-based butter** and **vegan condensed milk** for the creams. Opt for **almond milk** or any plant milk for the custard cream.

🍯 **Honey Substitution**: For vegans, replace honey with **maple syrup** or **agave nectar** to keep the sweetness while adhering to dietary preferences.

Faq

Do I need to use a double boiler?
Yes, using a double boiler helps melt and combine the ingredients without burning them. If you don’t have one, you can improvise with a heatproof bowl over simmering water.
How do I know when the custard cream is thick enough?
Cook the custard cream over medium heat until it coats the back of a spoon. It should be able to hold its shape without being runny.
Can I prepare the cake layers in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Assemble the cake when you’re ready to serve it.
What if my cream isn’t smooth?
Ensure the butter and condensed milk are at room temperature before mixing. Beat them well to get a smooth consistency. If lumps form, pass the cream through a fine mesh sieve.
How can I make the layers evenly sized?
Use a kitchen scale to weigh out each dough ball to ensure they are of equal size. This helps maintain uniformity in your cake layers.
Can I add flavors to the cream?
Sure! Feel free to incorporate flavors like **orange zest** or **coffee essence** into the cream for a unique twist. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.