Autumn Hazelnut Delight Cake Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that truly captures the cozy, warm spirit of fall, you’re going to love the Autumn Hazelnut Delight Cake. This cake brings together the rich nuttiness of hazelnuts and almonds with a tender crumb and a luscious cream topping, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and delightfully sophisticated. The balance of textures and flavors in the Autumn Hazelnut Delight Cake makes it perfect for autumn gatherings or simply treating yourself to a moment of pure indulgence.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, bringing its own unique character to the Autumn Hazelnut Delight Cake. From the earthy crunch of hazelnuts to the smooth richness of cream, these simple ingredients combine to create something truly special.

• 200g hazelnuts: Roasting these brings out their deep, toasty flavor that is the backbone of the cake.
• 150g sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps achieve a lovely cake texture.
• 4 eggs: Provide structure and a light, fluffy consistency when beaten well.
• 100g flour: Adds just enough body without weighing down the delicate crumb.
• 200ml cream: Whipped to crown the cake with a smooth, rich finish.
• 100g butter: Melted butter brings moistness and a buttery depth of flavor.
• 50g almonds: Chopped finely for a subtle contrast to the hazelnuts and a pleasing texture in the topping.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
• Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the natural nutty goodness.

How to Make Autumn Hazelnut Delight Cake

Step 1: Prepare your oven and nuts

Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C and greasing your cake tin. While the oven warms, roast the hazelnuts and almonds to unlock their full flavor potential. After roasting, chop them finely so they integrate beautifully into the batter, giving the cake that signature Autumn Hazelnut Delight texture.

Step 2: Create the batter base

Beat the eggs and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy – this is essential for a tender crumb. Then, stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract gently to keep the airiness, ensuring the cake will be moist without feeling heavy.

Step 3: Fold in the dry ingredients and nuts

Mix the flour together with a pinch of salt, then carefully fold this into the egg mixture. Fold in about half of your chopped nuts at this stage, distributing them evenly for bursts of crunch in every bite.

Step 4: Bake the Autumn Hazelnut Delight Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared tin and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on the cake’s color and use a toothpick to check doneness – it should come out clean. The baking transforms the batter into a beautifully golden, nut-studded masterpiece.

Step 5: Add the finishing touch

Once the cake has cooled, whip the cream until soft peaks form. Spread this luscious topping evenly over the cake, then sprinkle the remaining chopped nuts for a gorgeous decorative finish that hints at the delicious layers beneath.

Step 6: Chill before serving

Pop the cake into the fridge for at least an hour. This chilling period sets the cream and helps the flavors meld into the perfect comforting harmony that defines the Autumn Hazelnut Delight Cake.

How to Serve Autumn Hazelnut Delight Cake

Garnishes

Simple garnishes work best here: a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate elevates the presentation without overshadowing the nutty focus. Fresh figs or thin apple slices on the side also add a lovely seasonal touch.

Side Dishes

Pair the Autumn Hazelnut Delight Cake with a warm cup of spiced chai or a robust black coffee to complement the cake’s rich nuttiness. For an extra treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for enhanced decadence.

Creative Ways to Present

For a modern twist, slice the cake into elegant squares and serve on a wooden board with clusters of nuts and seasonal fruit around it. Alternatively, transform leftovers into a layered parfait with whipped cream and crushed hazelnuts for breakfast or dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Autumn Hazelnut Delight Cake keeps beautifully in the fridge for 2-3 days. Store it covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to maintain that fresh cream topping and to keep the cake moist.

Freezing

If you want to save the cake for later, you can freeze it without the cream topping for up to one month. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and place it in a freezer bag. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before adding fresh whipped cream.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, given the cream topping. However, if you prefer warmth, gently warm individual slices for about 10 seconds in the microwave, then add freshly whipped cream on the side.

FAQs

Can I substitute the flour for a gluten-free option?

Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free baking flour blend in equal amounts. This substitution maintains the cake’s tenderness without compromising texture.

What other nuts can I use instead of hazelnuts?

Pecans or walnuts are great alternatives and will provide a slightly different, but still delicious, nutty flavor that works well in the Autumn Hazelnut Delight Cake.

Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, swap out the cream for a coconut-based alternative and replace butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. The cake will still be rich and moist with these adjustments.

Can I make the cake in advance for a party?

Definitely! Bake the cake a day ahead, add the whipped cream topping before serving, and keep it chilled. This allows the flavors to mature and gives you more time to enjoy your guests.

How do I prevent the whipped cream from deflating?

Use very cold cream and chill your mixing bowl beforehand. Whip to soft peaks and add a bit of powdered sugar or cream stabilizer to help maintain that perfect fluffy texture.

Final Thoughts

Introducing the Autumn Hazelnut Delight Cake into your baking repertoire is like inviting a warm hug into your kitchen. This cake’s inviting mix of toasted nuts, light crumb, and creamy topping captures the essence of the season in every bite. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe soon—you’ll find it becomes just as beloved in your home as it is in mine.