If you love the rich taste of chocolate combined with the nutty aroma of hazelnuts, this Italian gluten-free cake is the perfect treat for you! Moist, fudgy, and full of deep flavors, this dessert is a dream come true for chocolate lovers. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free since it contains no flour, making it even more intense in taste and wonderfully light in texture.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a homemade treat, this cake is a surefire way to impress. Serve it with a cup of coffee or tea, and get ready for a truly divine experience!
Why You’ll Love This Cake
✔ Gluten-Free & Naturally Delicious – Perfect for those with gluten intolerance or anyone looking for a flourless dessert.
✔ Rich Chocolate & Hazelnut Flavor – The ultimate combination for an indulgent, nutty, and deep cocoa taste.
✔ Quick & Easy to Make – Requires just a few ingredients and simple steps for a stunning result.
✔ Moist & Fudgy Texture – A melt-in-your-mouth delight with every bite.
Ingredients (for a 20 cm / 8-inch cake pan)
For the Cake:
- 200 g (7 oz) dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa)
- 100 g (3.5 oz) unsalted butter
- 100 g (3.5 oz) hazelnut meal (or finely ground hazelnuts)
- 3 large eggs
- 100 g (½ cup) sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
For Topping (Optional):
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Chopped toasted hazelnuts
- Melted chocolate drizzle
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Melt the Chocolate & Butter
- Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F).
- In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate and butter together using a double boiler (or microwave in short intervals). Stir until smooth and let cool slightly.
2. Whisk the Eggs & Sugar
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until pale and slightly frothy.
- Gently fold in the melted chocolate mixture.
3. Add the Hazelnut Meal
- Stir in the hazelnut meal and a pinch of salt, mixing until fully incorporated.
4. Bake the Cake
- Grease and line a 20 cm (8-inch) cake pan with parchment paper.
- Pour in the batter and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is just set but still slightly soft for a fudgy texture.
5. Let Cool & Decorate
- Let the cake cool completely before removing it from the pan.
- Dust with powdered sugar, sprinkle with chopped toasted hazelnuts, or drizzle with melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is divine on its own, but you can elevate it with:
🍨 A scoop of vanilla ice cream for contrast.
☕ A cup of espresso or tea for a perfect pairing.
🍓 Fresh berries for a refreshing twist.
Storage & Tips
Storage: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing: Freeze slices for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Tip for Extra Flavor: Lightly toast the hazelnut meal before adding it to the batter for a deeper, nuttier taste.
There you have it—a luxurious, fudgy, and gluten-free Italian Chocolate & Hazelnut Cake that will impress anyone lucky enough to taste it. Now, grab your ingredients and start baking! 🍫✨