Mocha Hazelnut Layer Cake

BY :

Ovia Smith

Posted On :

September 26, 2025

Welcome to a world of indulgence with the delightful Mocha Hazelnut Layer Cake! This cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience that brings together the rich flavors of coffee and chocolate, complemented by the nutty crunch of hazelnuts. Imagine a soft, moist chocolate cake layered with a creamy mocha frosting that melts in your mouth, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite. Whether it’s a birthday, a celebration, or just a sweet treat for yourself, this cake is sure to impress.

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In this article, we will take you through an easy-to-follow recipe that guarantees delicious results. The Mocha Hazelnut Layer Cake is perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers alike. Packed with essential tips and tricks, this recipe will help you master the art of cake baking. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to create a masterpiece that will leave your friends and family asking for second helpings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Mocha Hazelnut Layer Cake is a celebration of flavors that combines the best of both worlds: coffee and chocolate. Here are a few reasons why this recipe is a must-try:

Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of cocoa powder and brewed espresso gives this cake a deep, rich flavor that coffee lovers will adore. The addition of hazelnuts adds a delightful crunch, making each bite an adventure.
Moist and Tender Texture: Thanks to the boiling water added to the cake batter, this cake comes out incredibly moist and fluffy. No more dry cakes!
Visually Stunning: With its beautiful layers and elegant frosting, this cake is a showstopper. It’s perfect for special occasions when you want to impress your guests.
Customizable: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or the coffee intensity to suit your preferences. You can even add a layer of ganache for extra decadence.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or just a casual get-together, this cake fits the bill. It’s versatile enough to be dressed up or down.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Baking a cake from scratch can seem daunting, but this Mocha Hazelnut Layer Cake is straightforward and rewarding. Here’s why you should give it a go:

Simple Ingredients: The ingredients are readily available in most grocery stores. You won’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find items, making this cake accessible to everyone.
Step-by-Step Instructions: With detailed instructions throughout the recipe, you’ll feel confident in every step. Plus, tips for troubleshooting common baking issues will ensure your success.
Great for Baking with Family: This recipe is perfect for involving your kids or friends in the kitchen. Baking together creates memorable experiences that you’ll cherish.
A Satisfying End Result: There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of serving a cake you made from scratch. The compliments you’ll receive will make all the effort worth it!
Perfect for Leftovers: If you have any leftovers (though unlikely!), this cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Ingredients:

For the Mocha Hazelnut Layer Cake, you will need the following:

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ tsp baking powder
1 ½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
1 cup finely chopped hazelnuts

For the Mocha Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup brewed espresso, cooled
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

For the Garnish:

Whole hazelnuts, toasted
Cocoa powder, for dusting

Necessary Utensils:

Two 9-inch round cake pans
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Whisk
Rubber spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Cooling racks
Serving plate

Detailed Recipe Steps

Follow these steps closely to create your Mocha Hazelnut Layer Cake:

Prepare the Cake:

Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This will prevent the cakes from sticking.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar, ¾ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 ½ tsp of baking powder, 1 ½ tsp of baking soda, and ½ tsp of salt. Whisk until well combined.
Add wet ingredients: Add 2 large eggs, 1 cup of whole milk, ½ cup of vegetable oil, and 2 tsp of vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth.
Stir in boiling water: Carefully stir in 1 cup of boiling water. The batter will be thin, but this is what makes the cake moist. Fold in 1 cup of finely chopped hazelnuts.
Pour and bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Mocha Frosting:

Beat the butter: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with an electric mixer until creamy.
Add dry ingredients: Gradually add 3 ½ cups of powdered sugar and ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, mixing on low speed until well combined.
Mix in espresso: Add ½ cup of cooled brewed espresso, 1 tsp of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Assemble the Cake:

Layer the cake: Once the cakes have cooled completely, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of mocha frosting on top.
Add the second layer: Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining mocha frosting.
Decorate: Decorate the top with toasted hazelnuts and dust with cocoa powder for an elegant finish.

Once assembled, your Mocha Hazelnut Layer Cake is ready to be served! Slice and enjoy this delightful treat at room temperature for the best flavor experience.

FAQs

What goes well with Mocha Hazelnut Layer Cake?

Pair the Mocha Hazelnut Layer Cake with a cup of freshly brewed espresso or a rich cup of coffee. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream also complements it beautifully.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers in advance. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. Frosting can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge until ready to use.

How do I store leftover Mocha Hazelnut Layer Cake?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. To maintain texture, place a piece of parchment paper between the cake and the lid if refrigerating.

Can I use a different type of nut?

Absolutely! While hazelnuts are traditional, you can substitute with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile. Just ensure they are finely chopped for even distribution in the cake.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this cake gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free to maintain safety for those with dietary restrictions.

Conclusion

In summary, the Mocha Hazelnut Layer Cake is a delightful dessert that combines rich flavors, moist texture, and a visually stunning presentation. This recipe is perfect for any occasion and is sure to impress your guests. Don’t hesitate to try it out and share your experience!

If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a comment below and share the article with your friends. For more delicious recipes, explore our collection at Ovia Recipes. You can also check out our Pinterest page for more inspiration!