If there’s one show-stopping dessert that never fails to enchant a crowd, it’s The BEST Ferrero Rocher Cake. This indulgent masterpiece layers moist chocolate cake with creamy Nutella buttercream, glossy chocolate ganache, crunchy hazelnuts, and, of course, golden Ferrero Rocher chocolates on top. Every bite tastes like the ultimate hazelnut-chocolate truffle in cake form—decadent, dreamy, and absolutely unforgettable. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or simply craving a delicious weekend treat, The BEST Ferrero Rocher Cake promises pure delight from the very first forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the impressive look of The BEST Ferrero Rocher Cake; the secret is all in carefully chosen, straightforward ingredients that each bring something special to the table. Every component—moist cake layers, creamy Nutella frosting, shiny ganache, and crunchy nuts—plays a role in creating the magic.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that keeps the cake tender but not crumbly, giving just the right structure for layering.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps keep it wonderfully moist.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings deep, rich chocolate flavor to every bite.
- Baking powder & baking soda: Lifts the cakes, making them fluffy and light.
- Salt: A pinch enhances and balances all those sweet flavors so nothing tastes flat.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and lend that irresistible richness you want in a special occasion cake.
- Buttermilk: Gives the crumb a subtle tang and keeps the cake extra moist.
- Vegetable oil: Locks in moisture for a soft, plush texture.
- Vanilla extract: Boosts the chocolate and hazelnut notes with a mellow, aromatic backdrop.
- Hot coffee: Intensifies the chocolate flavor—no worries, you won’t taste the coffee itself.
- Nutella or hazelnut spread: The irresistible heart of the buttercream, bringing creamy hazelnut decadence to the forefront.
- Heavy cream: Used for the ganache and buttercream, it adds richness and a silky finish.
- Semisweet chocolate (finely chopped): Melts into a glossy ganache for that signature Ferrero Rocher shine.
- Unsalted butter (room temperature): Makes the buttercream ultra-fluffy and spreadable.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and stiffens the Nutella buttercream just right.
- Hazelnuts (toasted and chopped): Add crunch and a deep nutty flavor that’s signature for this cake.
- Ferrero Rocher chocolates (whole or halved): For a spectacular finishing touch—what’s a Ferrero cake without them?
- Extra Nutella and crushed hazelnuts (for decorating): Little details that make the cake both beautiful and even more scrumptious.
How to Make The BEST Ferrero Rocher Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Gather Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper—this ensures your cakes pop out effortlessly. Measure all your ingredients ahead of time, so you’re ready for each step without any scrambling. Trust me, this little tidbit of organization will make the whole baking process feel like a breeze!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. It’s important to combine these ingredients evenly so every bite of The BEST Ferrero Rocher Cake bakes up with perfect chocolatey richness and a light, even crumb.
Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla until completely smooth. This mixture is the key to a soft, tender cake. When you pour the wet ingredients into the dry, you’ll already catch the subtle nutty scent in the air—it’s a hint of the goodness to come.
Step 4: Combine and Add Hot Coffee
Gradually add your wet mixture into the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Here’s where the magic happens: pour in the hot coffee. The batter will be thin and glossy—don’t worry, that’s exactly what you want! The coffee melts the cocoa, deepening the flavor and ensuring luscious, moist cake layers.
Step 5: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly among your prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, then carefully turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. These layers will be the creamy, chocolatey base for every Ferrero bite.
Step 6: Make the Ganache
While your cakes cool, set your sights on the ganache. Heat the heavy cream until it’s steaming (not boiling!), then pour it over the chopped semisweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes so the chocolate softens, then stir until silky smooth. Chill until it’s thickened slightly and ready to layer between your cakes and drizzle on top.
Step 7: Whip Up Nutella Buttercream
In a large bowl, beat the room temperature butter until creamy. Add in the Nutella, followed by the powdered sugar and a splash of heavy cream. Whip it all together until you have a fluffy, spreadable buttercream that will tempt you to swipe a taste with your finger—go on, you deserve it.
Step 8: Assemble the Cake
Now, the fun begins! Place your first cake layer on a stand or platter. Spread a generous layer of Nutella buttercream over the top, add a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts, and drizzle with chocolate ganache. Repeat with the second layer, then top with the final cake round. Frost the cake all over with the remaining buttercream, then pour the cooled ganache over the top, letting it drip deliciously down the sides. Decorate with Ferrero Rocher chocolates, swirls of Nutella, and a dusting of crushed hazelnuts. Step back and marvel at your creation—the hardest part is waiting for it to chill before serving!
How to Serve The BEST Ferrero Rocher Cake
Garnishes
For a jaw-dropping presentation, garnish The BEST Ferrero Rocher Cake while the ganache is still a little soft. Arrange whole or halved Ferrero Rocher chocolates on top, dot with piped Nutella swirls, and scatter handfuls of crushed hazelnuts for a bakery-worthy finish. Edible gold leaf or chocolate curls also take things completely over the top for special occasions.
Side Dishes
While The BEST Ferrero Rocher Cake is undoubtedly the star of the show, you can complement it beautifully with some simple side options. Offer small scoops of vanilla or chocolate gelato, cups of rich espresso or strong coffee, or a simple bowl of fresh raspberries to balance out the sweetness and cleanse the palate between bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to turn up the “wow” factor even further? Try slicing the cake ahead and presenting each piece on an individual plate with a drizzle of warm Nutella or ganache. For an extra elegant touch, serve mini versions as layer cake cupcakes topped with a single Ferrero Rocher. This cake dazzles as the centerpiece of a dessert buffet for birthdays, weddings, or holiday parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover slices of The BEST Ferrero Rocher Cake (if you’re lucky enough to have some!) should be covered and refrigerated. The buttercream and ganache will firm up a bit in the fridge, but the cake will stay moist for up to 4 days. For the best texture, let chilled cake sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving.
Freezing
You can freeze whole layers or individual slices of The BEST Ferrero Rocher Cake wrapped tightly in plastic and foil for up to 2 months. Just be sure to leave off fresh Ferrero Rocher chocolates and decorative toppings until you’re ready to serve. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and decorate before presenting to your guests.
Reheating
This cake is best served at room temperature, not reheated per se, as warming can melt the buttercream and ganache. If you’ve stored it in the fridge or freezer, simply allow the cake or slices to soften at room temperature for the ideal lush, creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I bake the cake layers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the layers a day ahead and store them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. This actually makes assembly easier and helps prevent the cake from crumbling when you frost it.
What’s the secret to making the ganache extra glossy?
The key is using good-quality semisweet chocolate and allowing the hot cream to fully melt it before stirring. Blend gently until smooth—overmixing can introduce air bubbles and dull the shine.
Can I use a different hazelnut spread instead of Nutella?
Yes! If you prefer, try hazelnut praline paste for a more intense flavor or use another brand of chocolate-hazelnut spread. Just make sure it’s creamy for easy mixing into the buttercream.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Totally doable. Substitute a good-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that’s marked as a 1:1 replacement. Double-check that your baking powder and other ingredients are certified gluten-free too.
Can I make a smaller (or larger) version of this cake?
Of course! Halve the ingredients for a more modest 6-inch cake, or double for a celebration-sized 9-inch version. Adjust baking times accordingly—smaller cakes bake faster, larger ones a bit slower.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience that first, unforgettable forkful of The BEST Ferrero Rocher Cake—layers of chocolate, creamy Nutella, a hint of crunch, and all the magic of one of the world’s favorite candies. Whether it’s for a birthday, a holiday, or just because, this cake always brings joy and lots of “wows.” Grab your apron, invite your favorite people, and let me know how your masterpiece turns out!
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The BEST Ferrero Rocher Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent delight of the BEST Ferrero Rocher Cake, a luscious chocolate hazelnut creation that is perfect for special occasions and celebrations.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee
Ganache:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 12 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
Buttercream:
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup hazelnuts, toasted and chopped
Decoration:
- 1 cup Nutella or hazelnut spread
- 12 Ferrero Rocher chocolates, whole or halved
- Extra Nutella and crushed hazelnuts for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare cake pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Mix eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla.
- Blend Batter: Combine wet and dry mixtures, then add hot coffee.
- Bake: Divide batter, bake for 25-30 mins, then cool.
- Make Ganache: Heat cream, pour over chocolate, stir until smooth.
- Create Buttercream: Beat butter, add Nutella, sugar, and cream.
- Assemble: Layer cakes with buttercream, ganache, hazelnuts. Frost and decorate with Ferrero Rocher chocolates, Nutella, and hazelnuts.
Notes
- Enhance flavor with hazelnut liqueur on cake layers.
- Bake cakes ahead and refrigerate for assembly convenience.
- Substitute hazelnut praline paste for Nutella for a richer taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 52 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
