A hazelnut cake recipe is the perfect choice for anyone who enjoys desserts with deep flavor, moist texture, and a slightly rustic elegance. Unlike traditional cakes that rely primarily on flour and sugar, hazelnut cake uses ground hazelnuts or hazelnut flour to create a richer taste and more satisfying crumb. This makes hazelnut cake a favorite in European baking and a standout dessert for both everyday enjoyment and special occasions.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about making a perfect hazelnut cake from scratch, including ingredient selection, preparation techniques, baking tips, variations, and answers to the most frequently asked questions about hazelnut cake recipes.
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What Is a Hazelnut Cake?
A hazelnut cake is a nut-based cake in which hazelnuts are the primary flavor and structural ingredient. The nuts are typically toasted and ground, then incorporated into the batter to replace part of the flour or, in some cases, all of it. This results in a cake that is naturally moist, slightly dense, and full of nutty aroma.
Hazelnut cake is especially popular in Italian, French, and Austrian desserts, where nuts play a central role in traditional baking.
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Ingredients for Hazelnut Cake Recipe
Hazelnuts for Hazelnut Cake
Hazelnuts are the foundation of this recipe. They can be used as:
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Whole hazelnuts (toasted and ground)
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Hazelnut meal
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Hazelnut flour
Toasting hazelnuts before grinding enhances their natural oils and intensifies flavor.
Dry Ingredients
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All-purpose flour (used sparingly for structure)
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Baking powder for lift
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Salt to balance sweetness
Wet Ingredients
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Eggs for structure and richness
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Butter for flavor and moisture
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Granulated or brown sugar for sweetness
Optional Flavor Enhancers
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Vanilla extract for warmth
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Espresso powder to deepen nut flavor
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Orange or lemon zest for brightness
How to Prepare Hazelnuts for Hazelnut Cake
Proper hazelnut preparation is key to success. Toasting the nuts releases aroma and reduces bitterness. After roasting, rubbing the hazelnuts in a towel removes most of the skins, which improves texture and flavor. Grinding should be done carefully to avoid turning the nuts into paste.
Step-by-Step Hazelnut Cake Recipe
This simplified hazelnut cake recipe focuses on clear, essential steps while preserving the rich nutty flavor and moist texture that define a classic hazelnut cake.
Step 1: Prepare the Oven, Pan, and Hazelnuts
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Preheat the oven to 170–175°C (340–350°F).
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Grease and line a cake pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
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Toast hazelnuts for 10–12 minutes until fragrant, then rub off loose skins and grind into a fine meal.
Toasting the hazelnuts enhances their natural oils, creating a deeper, more aromatic hazelnut cake flavor.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together:
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Ground hazelnuts
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Flour (if used)
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Salt
Combining dry ingredients separately ensures even distribution and prevents uneven rising during baking.
Step 3: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Eggs
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Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
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Stir in vanilla extract or other flavor enhancers.
This step builds the cake’s structure and contributes to a tender, balanced crumb.
Step 4: Combine Batter and Bake
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Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface.
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Bake for 40–50 minutes, until the cake is golden and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
Avoid overmixing to keep the hazelnut cake soft rather than dense.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
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Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
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Allow to cool completely before slicing or frosting.
Hazelnut cake develops deeper flavor as it cools, making it ideal for serving slightly rested.
Hazelnut Cake Baking Tips for Best Results
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Always toast hazelnuts
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Measure ground nuts accurately
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Avoid overmixing
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Let the cake rest before serving
Hazelnut Cake Frosting & Topping Ideas
Hazelnut cake can be served:
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Plain with powdered sugar
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With chocolate ganache
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With hazelnut buttercream
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With whipped cream or mascarpone
Hazelnut Cake Variations
Hazelnut cake is highly adaptable, making it easy to adjust the recipe to suit different dietary needs, flavor preferences, and serving styles. Below are the most popular hazelnut cake variations, along with clear explanations of how each version differs from the classic hazelnut cake recipe.
Chocolate Hazelnut Cake Recipe
Chocolate hazelnut cake combines the deep nuttiness of hazelnuts with the richness of cocoa or melted chocolate, creating a more indulgent dessert.
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Cocoa powder adds a bold, slightly bitter chocolate note that balances the natural sweetness of hazelnuts.
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Melted dark chocolate creates a denser, fudgier texture, especially when paired with ground hazelnuts.
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This variation pairs well with chocolate ganache, whipped cream, or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Chocolate hazelnut cake is ideal for those who enjoy a richer, dessert-style cake rather than a light tea cake.
Flourless Hazelnut Cake Recipe
Flourless hazelnut cake relies entirely on ground hazelnuts for structure, resulting in a naturally gluten-free dessert.
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The absence of flour produces a moist, slightly dense texture with a pronounced nut flavor.
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Eggs play a crucial role in providing structure and stability in this version.
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The cake often benefits from slow baking at a slightly lower temperature to prevent over-browning.
This variation highlights the pure flavor of hazelnuts and is popular in traditional European baking.
Gluten-Free Hazelnut Cake Recipe
Gluten-free hazelnut cake uses alternative flours while maintaining a balanced crumb.
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Almond flour, oat flour, or a gluten-free flour blend can replace wheat flour.
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Ground hazelnuts help retain moisture and prevent the cake from becoming dry or crumbly.
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A small amount of baking powder improves lift and texture.
This version is suitable for those avoiding gluten while still wanting a classic hazelnut cake experience.
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Vegan Hazelnut Cake Recipe
Vegan hazelnut cake replaces animal-based ingredients with plant-based alternatives without sacrificing flavor.
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Vegetable oil or plant-based butter provides moisture and richness.
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Egg substitutes such as flaxseed meal, applesauce, or aquafaba help bind the batter.
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Plant-based milk enhances softness and balances the nutty profile.
Vegan hazelnut cake tends to have a softer, more tender crumb and works well as a simple loaf or layered cake.
Hazelnut Loaf Cake Recipe
Hazelnut loaf cake is designed for easy slicing and everyday serving.
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The batter is baked in a loaf pan, producing a slightly tighter crumb.
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This format is ideal for breakfast, snacks, or afternoon tea.
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Hazelnut loaf cake often benefits from simple toppings like glaze, nuts, or powdered sugar.
This variation emphasizes practicality and versatility while preserving the signature hazelnut flavor.
FAQs – Hazelnut Cake Recipe
How do you make hazelnut cake from scratch?
By using toasted ground hazelnuts combined with eggs, butter, sugar, and minimal flour.
Can I make hazelnut cake without flour?
Yes, flourless hazelnut cake is a popular variation.
Is hazelnut cake gluten-free?
Only if made without wheat flour.
Why is my hazelnut cake dry?
Overbaking or too much flour is usually the cause.
Can hazelnut cake be frozen?
Yes, it freezes very well when wrapped properly.
Final Thoughts on This Hazelnut Cake Recipe
A well-made hazelnut cake recipe delivers richness, depth, and elegance using simple ingredients and proven techniques. Whether you choose a classic version or a modern variation, hazelnut cake remains a timeless dessert that highlights the natural beauty of nuts in baking.
