Christmas Hazelnut Cake
A rich and moist cake made with ground hazelnuts, perfect for festive gatherings or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour Provides the base for texture and structure.
- 2 cups ground hazelnuts Adds a rich, nutty flavor that is the star of the cake.
- 1 cup sugar Sweetens the cake, balancing the nuttiness.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder Ensures the cake rises well.
- ¼ teaspoon salt Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened Gives the cake a rich, velvety texture.
- 4 large eggs Acts as a binding agent to create a fluffy cake.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances flavors with warm notes.
- ½ cup milk Keeps the cake moist and adds richness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. Make sure your butter is softened and your eggs are at room temperature. Prepping will streamline the process.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cake bakes evenly and achieves the perfect rise.
- Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. This will prevent the cake from sticking once baked.
Mixing
- In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, mix the ground hazelnuts, flour, baking powder, and salt until combined.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
Baking and Cooling
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the surface with a spatula.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Notes
This cake can be easily adapted; consider adding chocolate chips, fruit, or spices like cinnamon for variation.