This Italian Hazelnut Dessert Will Become Your Favorite Flourless Chocolate Cake Recipe

If you’ve been craving a dessert that’s both indulgent and wholesome, look no further than the Italian Hazelnut Dessert. This Flourless Chocolate Cake combines the nutty richness of roasted hazelnuts with the intense flavor of dark chocolate and is a dream for both chocolate lovers and those looking for a gluten-free option. Inspired by traditional Italian Hazelnut Desserts, this cake has a rustic charm, yet it's refined enough to impress at any gathering. 

Ingredients You'll Need: 

• 280 gm roasted hazelnuts (unsalted) 

• 200 gm of Cadbury Bournville dark chocolate 

• 1 tbsp of Cadbury cocoa powder 

• 150 gm sugar (preferably granulated) 

• 4 large eggs 

• 115 gm unsalted butter, melted 

• 1 tsp vanilla extract 

• ½ tsp salt 
• 1 tbsp of your favorite chocolate spread 

The Key to a Perfect Cake: Roasted Hazelnuts

Before you even start mixing the ingredients, take some time to roast your hazelnuts to bring out their natural oils and enhance their nutty flavor. Simply spread them on a baking tray and roast at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. Once they’re golden and fragrant, rub them in a towel to remove the skin. This step is what makes an Italian Hazelnut Dessert so delicious and authentic—the hazelnuts lend a deep, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate. 

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Preparing the hazelnut flour

After roasting the hazelnuts, allow them to cool, then grind them in a food processor until they resemble a fine, flour-like texture. Be careful not to over-process them, as they can turn into hazelnut butter if processed too long. This homemade hazelnut flour will give the cake its signature moistness and nutty undertones, distinguishing it from typical flour-based cakes. 

Step 2: Melt the chocolate

Break your Cadbury Bournville dark chocolate into pieces and melt it along with the butter over a double boiler or in the microwave in 20-second increments. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Once it’s fully melted and smooth, add in the tablespoon of chocolate spread for an extra velvety texture. 

Step 3: Beat the eggs and sugar

In a large bowl, beat together the eggs and sugar until the mixture is pale and frothy, about three to five minutes. This step ensures that your cake will have a light, airy structure despite its dense ingredients. The air you whip into the eggs will help the cake rise and keep it from feeling too heavy. 

Step 4: Combine all the ingredients

Slowly fold in the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the egg and sugar batter. Once fully incorporated, add the ground hazelnuts, Cadbury cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Be gentle while folding the ingredients to maintain the lightness from the beaten eggs. The Cadbury cocoa powder adds a subtle but rich chocolate depth that complements the hazelnut perfectly. 

Step 5: Bake to perfection

Pour the batter into a greased and lined 9-inch cake pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes or until the cake has set but still has a slight wobble in the center. You don’t want to overbake it—this cake is best when it's slightly gooey in the middle, just like how the best flourless hazelnut chocolate cake should be! 

Serving Suggestions

Once out of the oven, allow the Italian Hazelnut Dessert to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. You can serve it warm for an almost molten effect or let it cool completely for a firmer texture. 

To make it even more indulgent, dust the top with a bit of Cadbury cocoa powder or drizzle a bit of melted Cadbury chocolate. For those who love contrasting flavors, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. 

Why this cake will become your favorite

This Italian Hazelnut Dessert is not only gluten-free but also free of complicated steps, making it ideal for both beginner bakers and seasoned dessert enthusiasts. The combination of rich chocolate and roasted hazelnuts creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that lingers long after the last bite. 

If you're looking for a show-stopping dessert that doesn’t require a lot of fuss but delivers on flavor, this is it. One bite and you'll see why this recipe is destined to become your new favorite go-to treat, whether for special occasions or a simple weeknight indulgence. 

Next time you're in the mood for something sweet, try this decadentItalian Hazelnut Dessert and enjoy a piece of chocolatey heaven!