Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Layer Cake Recipe

If you are craving a dessert that’s indulgent yet thoughtfully crafted, the Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Layer Cake is here to steal your heart and your taste buds. Imagine layers of rich, moist chocolate sponge lovingly fused with creamy hazelnut buttercream and finished with a glossy, luscious ganache—each bite a perfect blend of deep cocoa and toasted hazelnut notes. This cake isn’t just a treat; it’s an experience, divine in elegance and utterly unforgettable, all while being completely plant-based. Once you try it, this Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Layer Cake will be your go-to showstopper dessert for any celebration or cozy night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of simple, accessible ingredients, this cake manages to deliver big on flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role, from the cocoa powder that deepens the chocolate flavor, to the hazelnut butter that adds a rich, nutty creaminess giving the cake its signature character.

• 2 cups flour: The essential base for our soft cake layers, providing structure without weighing it down.
• ½ cup cocoa powder: Adds intense chocolate richness and color to create that irresistible dark sponge.
• 1 cup coconut sugar: A natural sweetener with a subtle caramel note, perfectly balancing the bittersweet chocolate.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise beautifully and become light and airy.
• 1 cup almond milk: Moisturizes the batter, ensuring it stays tender and dairy-free.
• ½ cup hazelnut butter: This ingredient infuses the cake with its signature nutty flavor and velvety texture.
• ½ cup coconut oil: Adds richness and moisture while keeping the cake vegan and deliciously soft.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors, giving a warm, aromatic lift.
• Frosting Ingredients: ½ cup hazelnut butter, ½ cup vegan butter, and 2 cups powdered sugar—these combine to make a creamy, dreamy buttercream that’s as decadent as the cake itself.

How to Make Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Layer Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Start by whisking the dry ingredients—flour, cocoa powder, coconut sugar, and baking soda—in a large bowl until they are well combined and free of lumps. This ensures an even distribution of flavor and helps your cake rise consistently. In a separate bowl, blend the almond milk, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and hazelnut butter until smooth. Slowly mix the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring gently but thoroughly to create a smooth, rich batter that promises moist and flavorful layers.

Step 2: Bake the Cake Layers

Preheat your oven to 175°C, and grease two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper. Divide the batter evenly between the pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the layers cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely—cooling is key to avoid melting the frosting later.

Step 3: Make the Hazelnut Buttercream Frosting

In a mixing bowl, combine the hazelnut butter, vegan butter, and powdered sugar. Beat them together on medium speed until the mixture is fluffy, creamy, and perfectly spreadable. This frosting is the heart of the Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Layer Cake, bringing a silky, nutty richness that beautifully contrasts the deep chocolate sponge.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Select one cake layer and spread a generous amount of frosting evenly across the surface. Place the second layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. For an elegant finish, melt some vegan chocolate and drizzle it over the top—this glossy ganache adds an extra touch of indulgence. Finally, sprinkle chopped or crushed hazelnuts over the ganache to enhance texture and that irresistible nutty aroma.

How to Serve Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Layer Cake

Garnishes

Garnishing this luscious cake is an opportunity to highlight its nutty character. Sprinkling toasted hazelnuts over the shiny ganache not only boosts the texture but also creates a visually stunning presentation. You can also add a dusting of cocoa powder or some fresh berries on the side for contrasting colors and a burst of freshness.

Side Dishes

The rich flavors of the Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Layer Cake pair wonderfully with light, refreshing sides. Serve a simple mixed green salad with a balsamic glaze for a surprising balance, or complement the cake with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream to add creamy coldness alongside the warm cake.

Creative Ways to Present

For celebrations, slice the cake into petite squares and serve on delicate dessert plates with a drizzle of hazelnut liqueur or vegan caramel sauce. You could also deconstruct the cake into parfait jars layering crumbled sponge, frosting dollops, and crushed hazelnuts for a playful yet elegant presentation that guests will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Layer Cake stays fresh when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep it covered to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other fridge odors. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply slice and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake to preserve it longer without sacrificing texture or flavor. Wrap the assembled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or freeze individual slices in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for the best experience.

Reheating

To enjoy the cake warm, allow slices to come to room temperature and gently warm them in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This enhances the gooey chocolate and softens the frosting without melting it completely. Avoid overheating to preserve the beautiful texture of the Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Layer Cake.

FAQs

Can I use other nut butters instead of hazelnut butter?

Absolutely! While hazelnut butter gives this cake its signature flavor, almond or cashew butter can be used for a slightly different but equally delicious result. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will shift slightly depending on the nut butter chosen.

Is this cake allergen-friendly besides being vegan?

This cake is dairy-free, egg-free, and vegan, but it does contain tree nuts in the form of hazelnut butter. If you have nut allergies, consider substituting with sunflower seed butter, but note that the flavor and texture will change.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The chocolate and hazelnut flavors will remain just as rich and satisfying, making it a great option for those avoiding gluten.

What’s the best way to melt vegan chocolate for the ganache?

Use a double boiler or a microwave in short bursts, stirring often to avoid burning. Gently melting the chocolate ensures a smooth ganache that can be drizzled perfectly over your cake layers.

How do I make sure my cake layers are evenly baked?

Dividing the batter evenly and using pans of the same size ensures consistent bake times. Keep an eye toward the end of baking and use a toothpick test to check doneness; every oven varies slightly, so don’t rely only on time.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you’ve made the Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Layer Cake, it will become one of your favorite desserts to share with family and friends. It perfectly marries the richness of chocolate with the nutty warmth of hazelnut, creating a cake that’s both elegant and surprisingly simple to make. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you, and your dessert table will never look better!