A perfect moist and fluffy Classic Hazelnut Cake known as Nusskuchen in German. This timeless treat blends the nutty flavor of hazelnuts with a tender crumb. This cake can also be made with ground pecan or ground walnuts. To make Almond cake, please check out my recipe ALMOND CAKE RECIPE (MARZIPANKUCHEN. Baking and savoring a Hazelnut Cake is more than just enjoying a dessert; it's about creating moments of joy and connection. Whether shared with family over a weekend brunch or gifted to a friend to mark a special occasion, its comforting flavors and nostalgic appeal evoke feelings of warmth and happiness.
The Essence of Hazelnuts
At its heart, the Hazelnut Cake celebrates the nutty goodness of hazelnuts. Ground hazelnuts infuse the batter with a distinctive flavor and texture, offering a comforting richness that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. Each bite is a testament to the simplicity and elegance of quality ingredients.
A Recipe Steeped in Tradition
The preparation of Nusskuchen is a celebration of baking tradition. From carefully toasting and grinding hazelnuts to folding them into a buttery batter, every step is crafted to enhance the cake's flavor profile. The result is a moist, dense crumb that melts in your mouth, leaving a lingering nutty sweetness.
Versatility in Presentation
While traditionally baked in a loaf pan, the Hazelnut Cake's versatility knows no bounds. It can be transformed into elegant layered cakes, dainty cupcakes, or even indulgent bundt cakes, each variation highlighting the cake's rich hazelnut essence in different ways. Whether adorned with a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a decadent ganache, its appeal remains irresistible.
Perfecting Your Hazelnut Cake (Nusskuchen)
- Hazelnut Preparation: Toast hazelnuts to enhance their flavor before grinding them finely.
- Texture Matters: Achieve a tender crumb by mixing the batter just until combined.
- Decoration and Garnish: Experiment with toppings like chopped hazelnuts, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of hazelnut or chocolate ganache to elevate the presentation. In Austria, the hazelnut cake is topped with apricot jam glaze, adding another layer of delightful flavor!
How long will the Hazelnut Cake stay fresh?
A glazed cake will stay fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator. However, if the cake is dusted with powdered sugar, it should be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezing Cake Instructions
This cake is ideal for freezing, especially when not glazed. Simply slice the loaf, pack it into freezer bags or an airtight container. The cake will keep well for 4 to 5 weeks in the freezer! To defrost, simply leave the cake at room temperature. Alternatively, warm it for 10 minutes in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Recipe
HAZELNUT CAKE - NUSS KUCHEN
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- ยพ cup vegetable oil (Sunflower, or Canola)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 eggs (seperated)
- 1 ยฝ cups flour
- 1 ยฝ cup ground hazelnut (substitute with ground pecans, or walnut)
- ยพ tablespoon baking powder
- pinch of salt
- ยฝ cup milk
- 1 package hazelnut glaze (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 ยฐF/ 180 ยฐC Grease and flour a 4 x 9 inch (10 x 23 cm) baking loaf pan. Set aside1. Seperate the eggs. In a seperate bowl beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Set aside in the refrigerator.2. With a stand / or hand mixer on high speed, mix the sugar with the oil until light creamy. That should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the vanilla extract.3. Add the egg yolks to the sugar mixture, mix until fully incorporated for another 3 minutes. You will see that the volume has that the volume has been increased to double the size.4. In a seperate bowl mix the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground hazelnuts. Carefully add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Lightly combine the batter with your hand mixer. Slowly pour the milk. On medium/high speed mix about 30 seconds. Do not over-mix the batter! The batter will be thick at this point, but don't worry. The egg whites will make the batter thinner!5. Carefully fold the stiffened eggwhites into the batter This will make your cake airy and fluffy!5. Pour the batter into the prepaired baking pan, and even it out. Bake the cake about 45 to 50 minutes, or when a wood skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing!If using the recomended hazelnut glaze, the glaze should remain in the package, and warmed in a hot water bath until completely melted. Then pour glaze over the cooled cake. Please see notes and link in the blog!
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