Chocolate and hazelnut cake

Here's a delicious recipe for a Chocolate and Hazelnut Cake that you might enjoy. This classic English dessert combines the rich flavors of chocolate and the nutty goodness of hazelnuts.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups granulated sugar

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

1 cup whole milk

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup boiling water

For the Hazelnut Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

4 cups powdered sugar

1/4 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts

For Decoration (optional):

Additional chopped hazelnuts

Chocolate shavings

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed using an electric mixer for about 2 minutes until well combined.

Stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but that's okay. It will make the cake moist and tender.

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, remove the cakes from the pans and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

While the cakes are cooling, prepare the hazelnut frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth.

Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, while continuing to beat. Once all the sugar is incorporated, add the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Stir in the chopped hazelnuts.

Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of hazelnut frosting evenly over the top.

Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining hazelnut frosting.

If desired, decorate the cake with additional chopped hazelnuts and chocolate shavings.

Refrigerate the cake for a short while to allow the frosting to set before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Chocolate and Hazelnut Cake! It's a delightful treat that's perfect for any occasion.