There is nothing quite as indulgent and show-stopping as The BEST Ferrero Rocher Cake Recipe, a heavenly combination of rich chocolate cake layers, creamy Nutella frosting, and those iconic hazelnut chocolates that melt in your mouth. Every bite delivers a spectacular harmony of textures and flavors—from the moist, tender crumb to the luscious frosting and the delightful crunch of hazelnuts. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a seriously decadent treat, this cake promises to delight and impress quite effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping things simple is key with this recipe because each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor, moisture, and texture. From the cocoa powder that gives the cake its deep chocolate taste to the Nutella that makes the frosting irresistibly creamy, every component is essential.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the cake structure and tenderness.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Adds just the right level of sweetness to complement the chocolate.
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings rich, deep chocolate flavor to the batter.
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully and develop a soft crumb.
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for the perfect light lift.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and add moisture and richness.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess and a tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and soft for days.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the chocolate flavors.
- 1 cup boiling water: Intensifies the cocoa flavor and helps create a smooth batter.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tang and moisture, making each bite melt-in-your-mouth delightful.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: For that creamy, dreamy Nutella frosting base.
- 1 cup Nutella: The star ingredient of the frosting delivering all the hazelnut-chocolate goodness.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfection.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: Makes the frosting light, fluffy, and spreadable.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds extra depth to the frosting flavor.
- A pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enriches the frosting.
- 12-15 Ferrero Rocher chocolates: For filling, decorating, and that all-important final touch.
- 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts (optional): Adds a lovely crunch and nutty texture.
How to Make The BEST Ferrero Rocher Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and bake the chocolate cake layers
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper for easy removal. Sifting together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt ensures an even distribution of leavening and flavor. Then, mix in the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and uniform. Adding sour cream gives the cake an irresistibly tender crumb. Slowly incorporate boiling water to help awaken the cocoa, resulting in an intensely chocolatey, thin batter that’s perfectly balanced. Divide this batter evenly between your pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely on a wire rack before moving forward.
Step 2: Whip up the luscious Nutella frosting
Using softened butter as your base, beat until creamy and smooth to create a fantastic canvas for your frosting. The smooth and nutty Nutella is folded in next, followed by gradually adding powdered sugar to build sweetness and structure. The touch of heavy cream, vanilla, and salt transforms this frosting into a light, spreadable cloud of chocolate-hazelnut perfection. Adjust the cream as needed for that ideal texture—silky yet spreadable.
Step 3: Assemble the cake layers with decadent filling
Once your cake layers are completely cool, level them if necessary for an even stack. Place one layer on your serving tray and generously spread Nutella frosting over the top. Chop 6-8 Ferrero Rocher chocolates and sprinkle these bits over the frosting, adding bursts of crunchy, chewy, hazelnut-chocolate surprises within the layers. Press the second cake layer on top gently, then cover the entire cake with the remaining Nutella frosting.
Step 4: Decorate like a pro
Top the cake with the remaining whole Ferrero Rocher chocolates for a wow factor that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. For those who love texture, scattering chopped hazelnuts over the top adds an irresistible crunch that pairs perfectly with the soft cake and creamy frosting. This finishing touch makes it feel like a true celebration cake.
How to Serve The BEST Ferrero Rocher Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Besides the classic Ferrero Rocher chocolates and chopped hazelnuts, feel free to dust the top with a little cocoa powder or powdered sugar for an elegant look. Fresh mint leaves or edible gold flakes also make gorgeous garnishes when you want to impress guests.
Side Dishes
This rich cake pairs wonderfully with a simple scoop of vanilla or hazelnut ice cream to add a cool contrast. Fresh berries or a drizzle of raspberry coulis cut through the chocolate richness and brighten the palate beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice and serve this cake on coordinating dessert plates with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce. You could also serve individual mini cakes or cupcakes inspired by this recipe, decorating each with a single Ferrero Rocher on top for a delightful personal treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cake tightly covered in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and moist. It will keep well for up to 4 days, allowing the flavors to meld even more beautifully.
Freezing
If you want to save some cake for later, this cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil to protect from freezer burn. It can be stored frozen for up to 2 months without losing its delicate texture and flavor.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy frozen cake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best taste. Avoid microwaving as it can affect the frosting texture.
FAQs
Can I use different chocolate instead of Nutella for the frosting?
While Nutella’s unique hazelnut flavor complements this cake impeccably, you can experiment with other chocolate-hazelnut spreads or even plain chocolate ganache if Nutella isn’t available. Just keep the balance of sweetness and texture in mind.
Do I have to use whole milk in the cake?
Whole milk adds richness, but you can use 2% milk or even a non-dairy milk alternative like almond or oat milk. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
How should I serve leftover cake for best flavor?
Letting the cake come to room temperature enhances the flavors and softens the frosting, making every bite just as delightful as when freshly made.
Can I add extra humidity to the cake layers?
If you want an ultra-moist cake, brushing the cooled layers with a simple syrup or hazelnut liqueur before frosting adds a lovely moisture boost and enhances the hazelnut notes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to impress with a dessert that’s both elegant and utterly delicious, The BEST Ferrero Rocher Cake Recipe is your answer. It’s a celebration of chocolate and hazelnuts wrapped up in a moist, fluffy cake layered with creamy Nutella frosting and crowned with those iconic Ferrero Rocher chocolates. Give this recipe a try—you’ll find it quickly becomes a beloved favorite for birthdays, holidays, or any time you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly special.
Print
The BEST Ferrero Rocher Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Description
This Ferrero Rocher Cake is a decadent chocolate cake layered and frosted with rich Nutella buttercream, studded with whole and chopped Ferrero Rocher chocolates to create an indulgent dessert perfect for celebrations or any time you crave a luxurious treat combining chocolate and hazelnut flavors.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup sour cream
For the Nutella Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup Nutella
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (or more if needed)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
For Decoration and Filling
- 12–15 Ferrero Rocher chocolates (for filling and decoration)
- 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts (optional, for extra crunch)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution and a smooth batter.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed with an electric mixer until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate Sour Cream: Mix in the sour cream until fully incorporated for extra moistness in the cake.
- Add Boiling Water: Gradually pour in the boiling water while mixing gently. The batter will be thin, which is normal and helps produce a moist, tender crumb.
- Divide and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the two prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely to prevent melting the frosting.
- Prepare Nutella Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy and smooth, about 2 minutes. Add Nutella and beat until fully combined.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar 1/2 cup at a time, beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Adjust Frosting Consistency: Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until the frosting is light, creamy, and spreadable. If too thick, add more heavy cream one tablespoon at a time.
- Level Cake Layers: Once cakes are completely cool, trim the tops if necessary to create flat layers for even stacking and frosting.
- Assemble Cake: Place the first cake layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous layer of Nutella frosting on top.
- Add Ferrero Rocher Filling: Gently chop 6-8 Ferrero Rocher chocolates and sprinkle them evenly over the frosting layer to add crunchy hazelnut filling.
- Add Second Cake Layer: Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining Nutella frosting, smoothing the sides and top.
- Decorate Cake: Decorate the top of the cake with the remaining whole Ferrero Rocher chocolates and optionally sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts for added texture and visual appeal.
- Serve: Slice and serve the cake chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Make sure cakes are completely cool before frosting to avoid melting the Nutella buttercream.
- If frosting is too thick, add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Using parchment paper to line cake pans helps with easy removal and clean edges.
- Optional chopped hazelnuts add an extra crunchy texture and enhance the hazelnut flavor.
- You can prepare the cake layers a day ahead and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to keep them moist.
- Store the assembled cake in the refrigerator if not serving immediately; bring to room temperature before serving.
