Hazelnut cake typically contains between 380 and 480 calories per slice, depending on portion size and ingredients. Its calorie content is higher than many traditional cakes because hazelnuts are naturally rich in healthy fats, which significantly increase energy density. This article explains where hazelnut cake calories come from, how they compare to other cakes, and what factors most influence the total calorie count.
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How Many Calories Are in Hazelnut Cake?
On average, hazelnut cake contains between 380 and 480 calories per slice, depending on the recipe, portion size, and additional ingredients such as chocolate, cream, or frosting. When measured by weight, hazelnut cake typically provides around 400 to 450 calories per 100 grams, placing it in the category of calorie-dense desserts.
The calorie content of hazelnut cake is significantly influenced by its core ingredient: hazelnuts. Hazelnuts are naturally high in fat, which contributes substantially to total calorie count. Unlike lighter sponge cakes that rely heavily on air incorporation, hazelnut cake is more compact, meaning each bite contains more energy.
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Hazelnut Cake Calories per Serving Size
Calories per Slice of Hazelnut Cake
A standard slice of hazelnut cake from a bakery usually weighs between 100 and 120 grams. At this size, the calorie range typically falls between 380 and 480 calories per slice. Slices that include frosting, ganache, or cream fillings may exceed this range.
Smaller homemade portions may contain fewer calories, but the density of hazelnut cake means even modest slices deliver significant energy.
Calories per 100g of Hazelnut Cake
When standardized to weight, hazelnut cake averages:
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400–450 calories per 100g
This figure makes hazelnut cake comparable to other nut-based or chocolate-rich desserts and notably higher than plain vanilla sponge cake, which often contains closer to 260–300 calories per 100g.
Calories per Whole Hazelnut Cake
A full hazelnut cake can range widely in total calories:
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Small cake (6–8 slices): 2,500–3,200 calories
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Large cake (10–12 slices): 3,500–4,500+ calories
This highlights the importance of portion awareness when consuming calorie-dense desserts.
Hazelnut Cake Nutrition Facts Overview
Calories
Calories in hazelnut cake come primarily from fats and carbohydrates. Unlike low-fat desserts, hazelnut cake derives much of its energy from natural nut oils, making it more filling per serving.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates in hazelnut cake come mainly from sugar and, when used, flour. On average, a slice contains 35–50 grams of carbohydrates, depending on sweetness level and recipe style.
Fat Content
Hazelnut cake is relatively high in fat, typically providing 20–30 grams of fat per slice. Importantly, a significant portion of this fat comes from monounsaturated fats, which are the same type found in olive oil and are generally considered healthier than saturated fats.
Protein
Thanks to hazelnuts and eggs, hazelnut cake offers moderate protein content, averaging 6–9 grams per slice, which is higher than many standard cakes.
Sugar Content
Sugar content varies widely. Lightly sweetened versions may contain 18–22 grams of sugar per slice, while chocolate-filled or frosted versions may exceed 30 grams.
Fiber Content
Hazelnuts contribute dietary fiber, meaning hazelnut cake typically contains more fiber than plain cakes, though still less than whole-food snacks.
Why Hazelnut Cake Calories Are Higher Than Regular Cake
Hazelnut cake calories are higher than those of many traditional cakes for several reasons:
First, hazelnuts are calorie-dense. Just 100 grams of hazelnuts contain over 600 calories due to their fat content. When ground hazelnuts replace part of the flour, calorie density increases significantly.
Second, hazelnut cake is structurally denser. Unlike airy sponge cakes, nut-based cakes hold more solid matter per volume, meaning fewer air pockets and more calories per bite.
Third, hazelnut cake often includes butter, chocolate, or cream, all of which add additional calories.
Hazelnut Cake Calories vs Other Cakes
Hazelnut Cake vs Chocolate Cake Calories
Chocolate cake calories vary widely, but a standard chocolate cake slice often contains 350–450 calories. Hazelnut cake usually falls at the higher end of this range, especially when chocolate is also included.
Hazelnut Cake vs Vanilla Cake Calories
Vanilla sponge cake typically contains 250–300 calories per slice, making hazelnut cake significantly higher in calories by comparison.
Hazelnut Cake vs Almond Cake Calories
Almond cake and hazelnut cake are nutritionally similar. Both are nut-based and calorie-dense, though hazelnut cake often has slightly more fat due to hazelnuts’ oil profile.
Hazelnut Cake vs Carrot Cake Calories
Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting can exceed 500 calories per slice, meaning it may be more calorie-heavy than some hazelnut cakes.
Calories in Different Types of Hazelnut Cake
Classic Hazelnut Cake Calories
A simple hazelnut cake without frosting typically contains 380–420 calories per slice.
Chocolate Hazelnut Cake Calories
Chocolate hazelnut cake often reaches 450–520 calories per slice, especially when ganache or chocolate layers are included.
Flourless Hazelnut Cake Calories
Flourless hazelnut cake is dense and rich, averaging 420–480 calories per slice. Despite being gluten-free, it is not lower in calories.
Hazelnut Cake with Frosting Calories
Buttercream, chocolate glaze, or cream filling can increase calories dramatically, sometimes pushing a slice beyond 550 calories.
Are Hazelnut Cake Calories Healthy or Unhealthy?
Whether hazelnut cake calories are considered “healthy” depends on perspective. From a strictly caloric standpoint, hazelnut cake is energy-dense. However, calorie quality matters, not just quantity.
Hazelnut cake provides:
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Healthy fats
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Moderate protein
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Some micronutrients such as vitamin E
Compared to desserts made solely with refined flour and sugar, hazelnut cake offers greater satiety, meaning it may help people feel fuller with smaller portions.
Hazelnut Cake Calories and Weight Management
For those focused on weight control, hazelnut cake calories require mindful consumption. Because it is dense and rich, small portions are often satisfying. Occasional consumption within daily calorie needs is generally more sustainable than complete avoidance.
Hazelnut Cake Calories and Diet Types
Low-Carb Diets
Hazelnut cake is generally not low-carb, due to sugar and flour content, even in flourless versions.
Gluten-Free Diets
Flourless hazelnut cake fits gluten-free diets, but calorie levels remain high.
Active Lifestyles
For physically active individuals, hazelnut cake calories can serve as a quick energy source, particularly due to fat and carbohydrate content.
How Ingredients Influence Hazelnut Cake Calories
Ingredients have a major impact on calorie levels:
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More hazelnuts = higher fat calories
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Chocolate significantly increases energy density
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Cream-based fillings add both fat and sugar
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Lower flour ratios increase calorie concentration
Frequently Asked Questions About Hazelnut Cake Calories
How many calories are in one slice of hazelnut cake?
Most slices contain 380–480 calories, depending on size and ingredients.
Is hazelnut cake high in calories?
Yes, compared to basic sponge cakes.
Are hazelnut cake calories mostly from fat?
A large portion comes from fat, particularly healthy monounsaturated fats.
Is hazelnut cake healthier than chocolate cake?
Nutritionally, hazelnut cake offers better fat quality, but total calories are often similar.
Can hazelnut cake fit into a balanced diet?
Yes, when consumed in moderation and with portion awareness.
Final Thoughts on Hazelnut Cake Calories
Hazelnut cake calories reflect the richness of its ingredients rather than excessive processing. While it is undeniably calorie-dense, hazelnut cake also provides nutritional elements that many desserts lack. Understanding its calorie structure, portion size, and nutritional profile allows consumers to enjoy hazelnut cake more mindfully, without unnecessary guilt or misinformation.
