If you are craving an utterly decadent dessert that combines silky chocolate cake, luscious Nutella frosting, and the unmistakable crunch of hazelnuts, you are in the right place. This is The BEST Ferrero Rocher Cake Recipe you will ever find, a true celebration of every chocolate lover’s dream. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of rich cocoa, creamy frosting, and the iconic Ferrero Rocher chocolates that inspire it. Whether it’s a special occasion or simply a sweet treat to brighten your day, this cake promises to impress and satisfy every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it relies on straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create layers of amazing flavor and texture. Each plays its part, from the moist and tender chocolate cake base to the silky, nutty Nutella frosting that envelops it, delivering an irresistible combination.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for a soft and fluffy chocolate cake.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping to keep it moist.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds that rich chocolate depth essential to Ferrero Rocher’s signature flavor.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Work together for a light, airy crumb.
- Salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness and chocolate notes.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness.
- Whole milk: Contributes to cake’s tenderness and moisture.
- Vegetable oil: Gives the cake a beautifully moist texture without overpowering its flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses a warm undertone that complements the chocolate and hazelnuts.
- Boiling water: Intensifies the cocoa flavor and ensures a smooth batter.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and tenderness, making the cake delectably moist.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Forms the creamy base for the frosting.
- Nutella: The star ingredient for frosting rich with hazelnut chocolate flavor.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
- Heavy cream: Lightens the frosting, making it spreadable and luscious.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness in the frosting.
- Ferrero Rocher chocolates: Crucial for both the filling and the decorative topping to nail that iconic taste and crunch.
- Chopped hazelnuts (optional): Add an extra crunch and nutty fragrance on top.
How to Make The BEST Ferrero Rocher Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Cake Layers
Preheat your oven, grease, and line your cake pans to ensure the layers come out clean and perfect. Mixing the dry ingredients with precision helps develop that deep chocolate flavor, while the blending of wet ingredients ensures a smooth batter that promises moistness. Adding boiling water might seem odd, but it really elevates the cocoa’s richness. Baking until a toothpick emerges clean guarantees the ideal texture for your cake layers.
Step 2: Make the Nutella Frosting
Whipping softened butter until creamy is the first magic step for a silky frosting base. Incorporating Nutella transforms it into a luscious spread packed with hazelnut chocolate goodness. Gradually adding powdered sugar ensures the frosting is sweet but not overwhelming, and the touch of heavy cream makes it light and easy to spread. A pinch of salt brings all the flavors together beautifully.
Step 3: Assemble Your Cake
Once cooled, trimming your cakes creates smooth, even layers perfect for stacking. Spread plenty of Nutella frosting on the first layer, then surprise your guests with chopped Ferrero Rocher chocolates sandwiched right inside for bursts of texture and flavor. Finally, top and cover the cake with the remaining frosting, making it a smooth, inviting canvas ready to be garnished with whole Ferrero Rocher chocolates and optional hazelnuts for that extra wow factor.
How to Serve The BEST Ferrero Rocher Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding whole Ferrero Rocher chocolates on top isn’t just decorative, it’s a must for giving an instant nod to the inspiration behind the cake. The optional sprinkling of chopped hazelnuts brings delightful texture, complementing the creamy frosting perfectly. You can also dust a little cocoa powder or shaved chocolate for an elegant finish that takes the presentation up a notch.
Side Dishes
This cake is a rich dessert that pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides. A simple dollop of whipped cream or a few fresh raspberries can brighten up each bite and add dimension. For those wanting a drink, a robust cup of coffee or a glass of chilled milk are classic companions that balance the sweet intensity.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serve slices on pretty plates garnished with extra Ferrero Rocher chocolates and a drizzle of Nutella or chocolate sauce on the side. You can also create individual mini cakes or cupcakes using the same components, perfect for making every guest feel special with their own mini indulgence. Layering this cake in a trifle bowl could be another fun twist, giving a rustic yet stunning effect.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your cake is assembled, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container to preserve moisture and freshness. Stored in the fridge, it will stay delicious for up to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy that amazing taste whenever the craving strikes.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake either before assembling (freeze the layers separately wrapped tightly) or after assembly (wrapped very well). Freezing preserves the flavor superbly and helps if you want to prepare ahead for a party. When ready to enjoy, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator to maintain its perfect texture.
Reheating
Because this is a cake best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, reheating is not recommended. However, if you prefer a slightly warmer slice, let it sit out for about 30 minutes after removing from the fridge to soften the frosting for smoother bites.
FAQs
Can I use a different nut spread instead of Nutella?
Absolutely! While Nutella gives this cake its signature flavor, you can substitute with any chocolate-hazelnut spread you love. Just ensure it’s creamy enough to whip into frosting for that smooth texture.
Do I have to use sour cream in the cake batter?
Sour cream is key for a moist, tender crumb and adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness. If you don’t have it, you can replace it with Greek yogurt or buttermilk, but the texture might vary slightly.
How many Ferrero Rocher chocolates should I use for filling versus decoration?
Generally, reserve around 6-8 chocolates chopped for the filling to sprinkle between layers, and use the remaining 6-7 whole ones for decorating the top. This balance ensures maximum flavor impact and beautiful presentation.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking. Just be sure to pick one that includes xanthan gum or another binder for the best texture results.
What if I don’t have time to make the frosting from scratch?
You can use store-bought Nutella spread to create a quick frosting by mixing it with softened butter and powdered sugar, but homemade frosting with heavy cream will always provide a lighter, fluffier finish worth the extra effort.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know exactly how to create The BEST Ferrero Rocher Cake Recipe, I encourage you to dive right in and make it for yourself or your loved ones. This cake isn’t just a treat—it’s an experience filled with rich chocolate, creamy Nutella, and the decadent crunch of Ferrero Rocher chocolates that will have everyone coming back for more. Trust me, once you’ve tasted it, it might just become your new favorite go-to dessert for celebrations or whenever you need a little slice of happiness.
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The BEST Ferrero Rocher Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Description
This Ferrero Rocher Cake is an indulgent chocolate cake layered and frosted with creamy Nutella frosting, studded with chopped Ferrero Rocher chocolates, and topped with whole Ferrero Rocher candies and optional chopped hazelnuts for extra crunch. Moist, rich, and perfectly sweet, this cake is ideal for celebrations or anytime you crave a decadent chocolate and hazelnut treat.
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Nutella Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup Nutella
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (or more if needed)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Decoration
- 12–15 Ferrero Rocher chocolates (for filling and decoration)
- 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts (optional, for extra crunch)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to ensure the cakes release easily after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to incorporate and aerate them evenly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed until the batter is smooth and well combined, ensuring no lumps.
- Incorporate Sour Cream: Mix in the sour cream fully, which adds moisture and tenderness to the cake texture.
- Add Boiling Water: Gradually pour in the boiling water while mixing gently. The batter will be thin, but this is expected and helps make the cake moist.
- Divide Batter: Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared cake pans for uniform layers.
- Bake the Cakes: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool the Cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, which is important before frosting to prevent melting.
- Make Nutella Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Add Nutella: Beat in the Nutella until fully combined and smooth.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar in half-cup increments, beating until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
- Finish Frosting: Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until light and spreadable. Adjust consistency by adding extra heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time if needed.
- Level Cake Layers: Once completely cooled, trim the tops of the cakes to create flat layers for easier stacking.
- First Layer Assembly: Place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of Nutella frosting over the top.
- Add Ferrero Rocher Pieces: Chop 6-8 Ferrero Rocher chocolates roughly and sprinkle over the frosting to incorporate surprise bites of hazelnut and chocolate inside the cake.
- Top Layer and Frosting: Place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining Nutella frosting, smoothing the sides and top.
- Decorate: Arrange the remaining whole Ferrero Rocher chocolates on top of the cake. Optionally sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts for added texture and crunch.
- Serve: Slice the cake and serve chilled or at room temperature to enjoy the rich, moist layers with creamy hazelnut frosting and crunchy chocolates.
- Enjoy: Relish the indulgent combination of chocolate, Nutella, and hazelnut flavors in every bite.
Notes
- The boiling water thins the batter and creates a moist cake texture—do not skip this step.
- Make sure cakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- You can substitute heavy cream with milk for a lighter frosting, though texture may vary.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Bring cake to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
- Optional chopped hazelnuts add a nice crunch but can be omitted if preferred.
