National Hazelnut Cake Day: A Celebration of Deliciousness

National Hazelnut Cake Day is a sweet celebration that occurs on June 1st each year. This delicious holiday is dedicated to one of the most beloved cake flavors in the world. Hazelnut cake is a decadent dessert that is made with a combination of ground hazelnuts, flour, eggs, and sugar. It is often layered with rich chocolate ganache or creamy buttercream frosting. In this article, we will explore the history of hazelnut cake, share some delicious recipes, and offer tips on how to make the perfect hazelnut cake.

The History of Hazelnut Cake

Hazelnut cake has a rich history that dates back centuries. Hazelnuts have been used in European baking since the Middle Ages, and they became particularly popular in Italy and France during the Renaissance period. These nuts were often ground into flour and used to create delicious cakes, cookies, and pastries. One of the most famous hazelnut cakes is the Italian Torta Gianduia, which is made with ground hazelnuts and chocolate.

In the United States, hazelnut cake became popular in the 1980s, thanks in part to the rise of gourmet cooking and baking. Today, hazelnut cake is a beloved dessert that can be found in bakeries and restaurants around the world.

Delicious Hazelnut Cake Recipes

If you are a fan of hazelnut cake, there are many delicious recipes that you can try at home. Here are a few of our favorites:

Classic Hazelnut Cake

This classic hazelnut cake is simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup ground hazelnuts
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground hazelnuts, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk and ending with the flour mixture.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Chocolate Hazelnut Cake

This chocolate hazelnut cake is rich, decadent, and perfect for chocolate lovers.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 1 cup hazelnut spread

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl
3. Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
6. Stir in the vanilla extract.
7. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk and ending with the flour mixture.
8. Stir in the hazelnut spread until well combined.
9. Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
11. Once cooled, spread chocolate ganache or buttercream frosting between the layers and on top of the cake.

Tips for Making the Perfect Hazelnut Cake

If you want to make the perfect hazelnut cake, there are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Use high-quality ingredients: Hazelnut cake is all about the flavor, so be sure to use the best quality ingredients you can find.
• Toast the hazelnuts: Toasting the hazelnuts before grinding them will bring out their flavor and add a nice crunch to the cake.
• Use cake flour: Using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour will make your cake lighter and more tender.
• Don’t overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough, dry cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Let the cake cool completely: Letting the cake cool completely before frosting it will prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off.

Conclusion

National Hazelnut Cake Day is a wonderful celebration of one of the most delicious cake flavors in the world. Whether you prefer a classic hazelnut cake or a rich chocolate hazelnut cake, there are many delicious recipes to choose from. By following a few simple tips, you can make the perfect hazelnut cake that will be the highlight of any celebration.

FAQs

What is hazelnut cake?

Hazelnut cake is a dessert made with ground hazelnuts, flour, eggs, and sugar. It is often layered with chocolate ganache or buttercream frosting.

What is the history of hazelnut cake?

Hazelnut cake has been a popular dessert in Europe since the Middle Ages. In the United States, it became popular in the 1980s thanks to the rise of gourmet cooking and baking.

What are some tips for making the perfect hazelnut cake?

Use high-quality ingredients, toast the hazelnuts, use cake flour, don’t overmix, and let the cake cool completely before frosting it.

What is Torta Gianduia?

Torta Gianduia is an Italian hazelnut cake made with ground hazelnuts and chocolate.

How should I store hazelnut cake?

Store hazelnut cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.