This Nutella Cake recipe is every Nutella lover’s dream cake! It’s a moist chocolate cake with a rich chocolate Nutella buttercream frosting smothered between each layer.
You just can’t go wrong with Nutella and dessert! Give our Nutella baklava and Nutella brioche a try!
Table Of Contents
Recipe Details
This Nutella Cake is absolutely amazing with its rich flavor and moist texture. I love serving this because everyone loves a scrumptious chocolate cake and this recipe is one of the best.
- TASTE: This cake is super chocolatey. It has a perfect mix of Nutella flavor as well. The Dutch cocoa and coffee give this cake a really intense and rich chocolate flavor.
- TEXTURE: The cake layers are soft and moist, and the Nutella buttercream is rich and satisfyingly creamy!
- TIME: This cake takes 45 minutes to make.
- EASE: The only challenging part about this cake would probably be frosting the cake when it’s done. The Nutella buttercream is very soft, making it hard to create a super smooth look.
What You’ll Need
Ingredient Notes
- Buttermilk- This adds moisture and a little tang to the cake.
- Espresso powder- This slightly bitter powder enhances the chocolate flavor of the cake.
- Large eggs- These bind the cake ingredients while adding lots of moisture.
- Dutch-processed unsweetened cocoa powder- This ingredient adds wonderfully rich chocolate flavor to the cake and frosting.
- Cream cheese- This ingredient adds richness and tanginess to the frosting.
- Nutella- This gives the frosting the most amazing chocolate hazelnut flavor.
- Powdered sugar- This sweetens the frosting while keeping it smooth. Can’t be substituted with granulated sugar.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Substitute the buttermilk- If you have no buttermilk, you can also use heavy cream. Or make your own buttermilk with lemon juice or white vinegar with milk.
- Add chocolate chips- You can add this to the cake or the frosting, and use them to decorate the top of the Nutella Cake.
- Substitute espresso powder- To get the same touch of bitterness, use instant coffee powder in the cake. You can also use brewed coffee.
- Substitute the Nutella- If you have no Nutella, you can really use any chocolate hazelnut spread. Even creamy peanut butter can work, but with a different flavor.
How to Make Nutella Cake
- Beat the eggs and sugar together. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the eggs and sugar on full speed. Then add the vanilla extract and buttermilk.
- Add the espresso and butter. Now mix the instant espresso powder with the water and pour it into the cake batter along with the melted butter.
- Sift and fold in the dry ingredients. Next, sift the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and dutch processed cocoa powder into the wet ingredients. Then gently fold the dry ingredients in using a whisk.
- Bake. Now transfer the chocolate cake batter into 3 prepared 9-inch baking pans and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Make the Nutella buttercream frosting. Place the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, Nutella, and salt into the bowl of the stand mixer, and combine using the whisk attachment. If you want to thicken it, just pop it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- Assemble the Nutella cake. Once the cake is cool, slice the tops off each with a serrated knife so they are smooth and even. Then assemble the cake by stacking the chocolate cake layers with rich Nutella ganache in between each, and spreading some more on the outside of the cake.
Pro Tip: Cake tend to get a little rounded on top as they bake and pull from the sides of the pan. Slicing off the tops will ensure that each layer is even. No lopsided Nutella cakes here!
Recipe Tips
- Spoon and level off the flour- For a moist cake like this, you don’t want to have too much flour. Instead of packing it into a measuring cup, spoon the flour in and level it off with a knife for more accuracy.
- Soften the butter and cream cheese- Always soften these ingredients so that they combine smoothly with the other frosting ingredients. If they are too cold, the buttercream will be lumpy and lose its creamy texture.
- Sift the dry ingredients- This is important to avoid any dry spots and to ensure everything combines thoroughly for a moist cake.
- Thicken the frosting if need be- If your buttercream frosting is a little thin, just place it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes and it will thicken right up.
- Reserve some frosting for the outside of the cake- Don’t forget to hold some frosting in reserve for the top and sides of the Nutella cake. Having a thick smooth layers gives this cake its elegant lines.
FAQs
Do I have to use Dutch processed cocoa?
Dutch-processed cocoa powder is cocoa that has been processed with an alkalizing agent that gives it a lower acidity. Therefore it results in more rich and dense desserts, with less bitterness and a darker color. I highly recommend it for any chocolate cake.
Why do you put coffee in chocolate cake?
Many chocolate cake recipes call for coffee or espresso in the recipe. This isn’t only because coffee tastes great with chocolate. Its because coffee enhances the richness of the chocolate.
Serving Suggestions
This Nutella Cake is moist, rich, and so decadent. You can serve it with other desserts, cakes, and coffee.
- Cookies: Serve this cake with some Easy Cream Cheese Cookies, Double Chocolate Cookies (VIDEO), White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies, or Chewy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies.
- Sweet treats: Pair this with some other desserts, like Paleo Chocolate Fudge, Chocolate Creme Brulee, Candied Pecans, or Coffee Chocolate Mousse.
- Cakes: Enjoy this Nutella Cake alongside Tiramisu Cake (VIDEO), Chocolate Honey Cake (Spartak Cake), Chocolate Mousse Cake, or New York Style Cheesecake.
- Beverages: Serve a slice of this cake with a Pumpkin Spice Latte, Iced Caramel Macchiato, Caramel Frappuccino (Starbucks Copycat), or Iced Matcha Latte.
Make This Recipe in Advance
Make ahead: This cake can be made in advance and then wrapped in plastic wrap for a day. You can also store the frosting in the fridge until you’re ready to frost and serve the hazelnut cake. Just remember to let the frosting soften before spreading.
Storing: This Nutella cake will stay fresh for up to 5 days in an airtight container or cake holder.
Freeze: You can also wrap the unfrosted chocolate cake layers in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Then thaw, assemble, and frost it when you’re ready to serve.
More Nutella Desserts!
Full Recipe Instructions
Nutella Cake
This Nutella Cake recipe is every Nutella lover's dream cake! Moist chocolate cake smothered with a rich chocolate Nutella buttercream frosting between each layer.
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Servings: 16
Calories: 748kcal
Ingredients
Ingredients for the cake
- 5 eggs
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup dutched cocoa powder
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp instant espresso powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
Ingredients for the frosting
- 16 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 cups unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups Nutella
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 2 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Place 5 eggs into the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat the eggs on high speed with the whisk attachment for about 4 minutes.
- Add 2 cups sugar to the eggs and continue beating on high speed for an additional 4 minutes.
- Add the 1 tsp vanilla and 1 cup buttermilk to the eggs. Beat again just until incorporated.
- Dissolve 2 tbsp instant espresso powder with 1 cup room temperature water. Then add it to the cake batter. Then add in the melted butter.
- Sift, 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 tsp salt, 1 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1 cup dutched cocoa powder into the egg mixture. Then gently fold the dry ingredients into egg mixture using a whisk.
- Split the cake batter amongst 3 (9 inch) cake pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of the cake.
- Meanwhile beat 16 oz softened cream cheese, 2 cups softened butter, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, 2 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, and 2 cups Nutella.
- Once the cakes are baked flip them onto cooling racks and let them cool completely. If you want your cake to have a flat top, use a serrated knife to slice the top of each cake.
- Assemble the cake by frosting the top of each cake layer. Once the last cake layer is placed, Frost the top and sides of the cake.
Notes
Tips for the best Nutella Cake
- Spoon and level off the flour- For a moist cake like this, you don’t want to have too much flour. Instead of packing it into a measuring cup, spoon the flour in and level it off with a knife for more accuracy.
- Soften the butter and cream cheese- Always soften these ingredients so that they combine smoothly with the other frosting ingredients. If they are too cold, the buttercream will be lumpy and lose its creamy texture.
- Sift the dry ingredients- This is important to avoid any dry spots and to ensure everything combines thoroughly for a moist cake.
- Slice off the tops of the cake. Cake tend to get a little rounded on top as they bake and pull from the sides of the pan. Slicing off the tops will ensure that each layer is even. No lopsided Nutella cakes here!
- Thicken the frosting if need be- If your buttercream frosting is a little thin, just place it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes and it will thicken right up.
- Reserve some frosting for the outside of the cake- Don’t forget to hold some frosting in reserve for the top and sides of the Nutella cake. Having a thick smooth layer gives this cake its elegant lines.
Nutrition
Calories: 748kcal | Carbohydrates: 88g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 30g | Cholesterol: 129mg | Sodium: 643mg | Potassium: 396mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 64g | Vitamin A: 985IU | Calcium: 102mg | Iron: 4mg
Did you make this recipe? Snap a photo of it and tag me on Instagram @simplyhomecooked or use the hashtag #simplyhomecooked so I can see it and feature it!
This recipe was originally posted on Dec 27, 2017, we’ve tweaked it a bit since then.
Hi, I’m Dina, so glad you stopped by! I believe life is too short for bad coffee and boring meals. With my easy to follow step-by-step recipes, you’ll be surprised at how quickly a wholesome and delicious meal can come together. I hope you find something you enjoy!
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Sophie says
Followed the instructions but my cake came out very dry. I wasted a lot of time and ingredients as a result.
Dina says
Hi Sophie, I am sorry to hear that. May I ask how you measured the flour? The best way to measure flour is to spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with the back of a knife. Scooping it straight into the cup can result in compacted extra flour. Which can make drier and denser baked goods.
Maureen says
The cake was great. Everyone loved it. I was wondering if anyone else had a problem getting the cake out of the cake pans? I had a terrible time. I prepared the pans like I always do, sprayed and floured. Anyone else?
Thank you.
Dina says
I am glad you enjoyed this Nutella cake Maureen! Have you tried lining the cake pans with parchment and then spraying them with cooking spray as well. I know that will definitely help! 🙂
Sherwood Frey says
Recipe sounds great! Will there be any problem if I use 8″ pans and bake a little longer?
Dina says
Hi 🙂 Technically it should work but I don’t know about the bake time. I have not tried making this recipe with 8in pans so hard to guess. A good way to check on the cake is by using the toothpick test. Also, I am not sure how much batter it will be in the 8in pan and if it will overflow or not when baking. Hope that helps. Let me know how it goes 🙂
Barb says
Can this recipe made into a 9×13 loaf pan rather than 3 Round pans?
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Barb, I am not too sure since I have never tested this out before.
Janice says
I baked this cake with my granddaughter and used yogurt in place of buttermilk and cut the frosting recipe in half and it was one of the best cakes I’ve ever had! My family absolutely loved it as well!!
simplyhomecooked says
Thank you for the wonderful feedback Janice! I am so happy that you loved this recipe 🙂
Billie Payne says
Our son loves Nutella so I decided to make this for his birthday tomorrow, and I’m laughing at my version of this cake! I made it per the directions but it’s HUGE and I have tons of frosting left! I wish I would have thickened it up more, it is sort of thin and really is piled on! But I’m sure it will taste fabulous and he is excited about it. Since my frosting wasn’t thick enough, it’s doesn’t smooth very well so I’ve gone with a big messy bun look 😂
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Billie 🙂 Glad to hear you gave this Nutella cake a try 🙂 To thicken up the frosting and to make it more workable you can place it in the fridge. Hope that helps 🙂
Joy says
I keep subscribing however, I still have not heard from you. Please response. Appreciate it. Thank you.
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Joy, thank you for reaching out to me. Where exactly did you subscribe? My email list or did you subscribe to YouTube Channel? I would love to help you!
Anamika Sugrim says
Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso?
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Anamika 🙂 Yes, however, make sure it is really strong. Espresso is stronger in flavor than instant coffee so take that into account. You still want the same amount of liquid though. I hope you love this Nutella cake! Please let me know how it goes 🙂
Michelle says
Hi, Can I make this cake and frosting in advance? If so how do I store it? Thank you.
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Michelle, yes you can! Once the frosting is whipped up, just place it into a glass bowl and cover it with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days beofer using on the cake.
Abby says
Hi….are there any metric measurement?
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Abby, unfortunately, I do not have those measurements. I know there are many websites that can calculate everything for you if you want 🙂
Lucic284 says
This cake we have not yet tried I am trying it with my mum tomorrow I’ll get back then
simplyhomecooked says
So exciting! I hope you love it 🙂
Pooja sachdev says
Hi the frosting is quite runny and not pipeable at all .. however I did keep it in the fridge for about 20 mins and it’s fine but when i piped the cake it started melting on the cake .. also I am from India and it’s quite warm and humid here .. is there anything I should try ?
simplyhomecooked says
Hi, Once you finish piping the frosting onto the cake, you need to place it in the fridge to set. I think the humidity could also be a reason why it seems runny. I hope that helps.
Stacey Sanson says
This got rave reviews at my church party tonight, but in truth, the frosting was really hard to work with, it had a good long sit in the fridge to try and thicken it but it was still far too soft to fill and cover a Cake with. It was spilling out of the sides and just collapsing without constant supervision. I’m wondering if I over whisked it?
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Stacey, the cream is a bit softer than other recipes but it shouldn’t be that runny. Sometimes if the butter is too soft that can happen. You could thicken it up by refrigerating it or adding more powdered sugar. My chocolate cream recipe has a little less powdered sugar than normal since too much can create a gritty texture. I hope that helps 🙂
Linda Barron says
I made this cake for my daughters birthday! The cake is very moist! I cut the ingredients in half and increased the powdered sugar and Nutella to the cake mix! The frosting came out great! I made a two layer 8 in. cake and left it in the oven for 16 min longer. I had to check on it to make sure it didn’t burn. This is what I did; added 1 tablespoon of Nutella to wet cake mix before I added the flour mixture. For the frosting; 1 cup butter, 1 – 8oz cream softened cream cheese, 1 cup Nutella, 1/4 cup of the cocoa, 4 1/2 cups of the powdered sugar and 1/4 tsp of salt. ( add more sugar if you need to)
Jessica says
Its possible can I make this recipe for half sheet cake pan.
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Jessica, can you please elaborate on what you mean or are trying to do. This recipe is made with a round baking pan so the measurements would be different if you were to use a rectangular baking pan.
Sheree says
Hi Dina, fantastic recipe! I even adapted it for my tins which are 2cm bigger than those you mentioned above. It was for a goodbye party and it looked amazing!
Thank you again for sharing.
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Sheree, I am so happy that you enjoyed my Nutella cake recipe! Thank you so much for your feedback 🙂 I hope you enjoy more of my recipes!