Easy Nutella Chocolate Cake Recipe: Ultimate Guide!

Easy Nutella Chocolate Cake Recipe: Ultimate Guide!

Lula Thompson

| 10/30/2025, 3:41:04 AM

Craving Nutella cake? Discover 5 easy Nutella chocolate cake recipes, from 3-ingredient wonders to show-stopping layer cakes!

Table of Contents

Calling all Nutella fanatics! Are you ready to dive into the world of decadent, hazelnut-infused desserts? Whether you're a seasoned pastry chef or someone who's just starting to explore the sweet side of life, there's a Nutella chocolate cake recipe easy enough for you to master. Forget complicated techniques and endless ingredients lists; we're bringing you a curated collection of the most foolproof and utterly delicious Nutella cake recipes imaginable. From ridiculously simple 3-ingredient wonders that require minimal effort to stunning layered creations that will wow your friends and family, this guide has it all. Get ready to unlock the secrets to baking moist, intensely chocolatey cakes that are bursting with that irresistible Nutella flavor we all adore. So, grab your mixing bowls, preheat your ovens, and prepare to embark on a baking adventure that's as rewarding as it is easy. Let's get started and create some Nutella magic!

1. 3Ingredient Nutella Chocolate Cake Recipe: The Easiest Dessert Ever

picture this: You're craving chocolate cake, like, really craving it. But the thought of pulling out a million ingredients and dirtying every bowl in your kitchen? Absolutely not. That's where this 3-ingredient Nutella chocolate cake recipe comes in to save the day. Seriously, it's almost too good to be true. We're talking fudgy, rich, and intensely chocolatey goodness with practically zero effort. It's so simple, it's almost embarrassing how delicious it is.

The magic lies in the Nutella itself. It provides all the sweetness, moisture, and that signature hazelnut flavor we all know and love. No butter, no oil, no sugar needed! Just grab your Nutella, eggs, and a tiny bit of flour (or skip it for a denser, gluten-free version), and you're on your way to chocolate cake heaven. Plus, it's a one-bowl recipe, which means minimal cleanup. Hallelujah!

Ingredient

Quantity

Notes

Nutella

1 1/4 cups (400g)

Any chocolate-hazelnut spread works!

Large Eggs

4

Room temperature is best

All-Purpose Flour

1/2 cup (60g)

Optional; use gluten-free flour if needed

2. OneBowl Nutella Chocolate Cake Recipe: Moist & Fluffy Perfection

The Quest for the Perfect Texture

so the 3-ingredient cake is amazing for its simplicity, but what if you're craving something a bit more... substantial? Something that screams "I'm a real cake!" without requiring a culinary degree? That's where this one-bowl Nutella chocolate cake recipe comes in. We're talking about achieving that holy grail of baking: a moist, fluffy texture that practically melts in your mouth, all while keeping the ingredient list manageable and the cleanup minimal.

The secret weapon in this recipe? Buttermilk! It adds a subtle tang and incredible moisture that keeps the cake from drying out. Don't have buttermilk on hand? No problem! Just add a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and let it sit for a few minutes. Boom, instant buttermilk substitute. We're all about keeping things easy and accessible here.

Building Flavor Without the Fuss

While Nutella is the star of the show, we're adding a few supporting players to really enhance the chocolate depth. A bit of cocoa powder intensifies the chocolate flavor, while vanilla extract adds a touch of warmth and complexity. And don't forget a pinch of salt! It might seem counterintuitive in a sweet recipe, but salt actually enhances the other flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly. Trust me, it makes a difference.

This recipe is also fantastic because it all comes together in one bowl. Just whisk the wet ingredients, sift in the dry ingredients, and gently fold until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can lead to a tough cake. We want light and airy, remember? Pour the batter into a prepared pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Easy peasy!

The Crowning Glory: Nutella Buttercream

What's a chocolate cake without frosting? And what's a Nutella cake without... more Nutella? This Nutella buttercream is the perfect complement to the moist, fluffy cake. It's rich, creamy, and packed with that irresistible hazelnut-chocolate flavor. And the best part? It's just as easy to make as the cake itself.

Ingredient

Quantity

Notes

Unsalted Butter

2 cups (450g)

Softened

Nutella

1 1/2 cups (420g)

The more, the merrier!

Powdered Sugar

4 cups (480g)

Adjust for sweetness

Vanilla Extract

1 tsp

Adds warmth

Heavy Cream

2-3 tbsp

As needed for consistency

Simply beat softened butter until creamy, then add Nutella and vanilla. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and cream until you reach a light and fluffy consistency. Adjust the amount of powdered sugar to your liking – if you prefer a sweeter frosting, add more; if you want it less sweet, add less. Frost the cooled cake and prepare to be amazed!

3. Impress with a 3Layer Nutella Chocolate Cake Recipe for Special Occasions

The Ultimate Showstopper

Alright, let's talk about taking things to the next level. If you really want to wow someone, or if you just feel like treating yourself to something truly extraordinary, this 3-layer Nutella chocolate cake is where it's at. I know, I know, it sounds intimidating, but trust me, it's totally doable. We're breaking it down into manageable steps, and the end result is so worth the effort. Imagine layers of moist, rich chocolate cake, slathered with creamy Nutella buttercream, and topped with a decadent chocolate ganache. It's a bakery-worthy masterpiece that you can create in your own kitchen.

This cake is perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any occasion that calls for a celebration. It's also a great way to impress your friends and family with your baking skills (even if you secretly followed this recipe!). The key to a successful layer cake is to take your time and be patient. Don't rush the process, and make sure each layer is cooled completely before frosting. Trust me, it makes a huge difference in the final result.

Building Layers of Flavor

What sets this cake apart from the others is the addition of hot coffee to the batter. Now, before you coffee-haters start freaking out, let me explain. You won't actually taste the coffee, but it does something magical to the chocolate flavor. It intensifies it and brings out all those rich, dark notes. It's like a secret ingredient that elevates the cake to a whole new level of deliciousness.

And of course, we can't forget about the Nutella buttercream. We're using the same recipe as before, but this time, we're spreading it generously between each layer of cake. And to top it all off, we're making a simple Nutella ganache by heating Nutella and heavy cream until smooth. Drizzle it over the cake, let it drip down the sides, and sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts for a touch of elegance. Boom, you've got yourself a showstopper!

Component

Description

Why it Works

Moist Chocolate Cake Layers

Rich, tender cake infused with coffee

Provides a sturdy base and enhances chocolate flavor

Nutella Buttercream

Creamy, hazelnut-chocolate frosting

Adds sweetness and complements the cake layers

Nutella Ganache

Glossy, decadent chocolate glaze

Creates a luxurious finish and adds visual appeal

Chopped Hazelnuts

Toasted nuts for garnish

Adds texture and enhances the Nutella flavor

4. Fudgy Nutella Cake: A Dense and Indulgent Chocolate Dream Recipe

The Allure of Fudgy Goodness

Sometimes, you just need a cake that's unapologetically rich and decadent. Forget airy and light – we're talking dense, gooey, brownie-like texture that sticks to your ribs and satisfies your deepest chocolate cravings. This fudgy Nutella cake is exactly that. It's the kind of cake you want to curl up with on a rainy day, a warm cup of coffee in hand, and just savor every single bite.

What makes this cake so fudgy? It's all about the ratio of wet to dry ingredients. We're using a generous amount of oil and milk to create a super moist batter, and we're not skimping on the Nutella either! The result is a cake that's intensely chocolatey, incredibly rich, and perfectly fudgy.

Simple Ingredients, Maximum Flavor

The beauty of this recipe is that it uses simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. No fancy flours or exotic extracts needed! Just sugar, eggs, Nutella, oil, milk, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. That's it! And the method is just as straightforward: whisk the wet ingredients, fold in the dry ingredients, and bake until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Easy peasy!

One of the best things about this cake is that it doesn't need frosting. It's rich enough on its own! But if you're feeling extra decadent, you can dust it with cocoa powder or drizzle it with melted Nutella. Or, for a truly indulgent experience, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Trust me, you won't regret it.

Baking and Serving Tips

For the best results, use a square pan for this cake. It makes it easy to cut into neat little squares, perfect for serving at potlucks or parties. And speaking of parties, this cake is always a crowd-pleaser. Everyone loves its rich, fudgy texture and intense Nutella flavor.

Tip

Description

Don't Overbake

The cake should be slightly underbaked for maximum fudginess.

Cool Slightly Before Slicing

This allows the cake to set up slightly, making it easier to slice.

Store in Airtight Container

Keeps the cake moist for days.

Serve Warm

Enhances the fudgy texture and chocolate flavor.

And the best part? This cake stays moist for days if stored in an airtight container. So you can bake it ahead of time and enjoy it whenever you need a chocolate fix. Just be warned, it's hard to resist eating the whole thing in one sitting!

5. Nutella Drip Cake Recipe: Create an InstagramWorthy Masterpiece

The Art of the Drip: More Than Just a Cake

so you've mastered the basics, and now you're ready to create something that's not just delicious, but also a total showstopper. A Nutella drip cake isn't just a cake; it's a statement piece, a work of art, and a guaranteed way to get those likes rolling in on Instagram. But don't let the fancy appearance intimidate you. With a few simple techniques and a little bit of patience, you can create a drip cake that looks like it came straight from a professional bakery.

The key to a successful drip cake is all about the details. It's about creating smooth frosting, perfectly even layers, and a ganache that drips just right. It's about choosing the right decorations and arranging them in a way that's both visually appealing and delicious. And most importantly, it's about having fun and letting your creativity shine!

Building Your Masterpiece: Step-by-Step

First things first, you'll need a good base cake. You can use any of the chocolate cake recipes we've already covered, or you can even use a store-bought cake if you're short on time. Just make sure it's cooled completely before you start frosting. Speaking of frosting, Nutella buttercream is the obvious choice here. It's creamy, delicious, and perfectly complements the chocolate cake. Use a bench scraper to smooth the frosting as much as possible, as this will make the drip effect look even more stunning.

Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting. This will prevent the ganache from melting the frosting and creating a messy drip. While the cake is chilling, prepare the Nutella ganache. Heat Nutella and heavy cream in a saucepan until smooth, then let it cool slightly. The ganache should be pourable but not too hot, as this will also melt the frosting. Now comes the fun part: the drip! Pour the ganache over the edges of the cake, letting it drip naturally. You can use a spoon or a piping bag to control the drips, but don't overthink it. The imperfections are part of the charm!

Step

Description

Tips

Bake/Buy Cake

Choose your favorite chocolate cake recipe or a store-bought cake.

Make sure it's completely cooled before frosting.

Frost with Nutella Buttercream

Apply a smooth layer of Nutella buttercream.

Use a bench scraper for a perfectly smooth finish.

Chill the Cake

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

This helps set the frosting and prevents melting.

Make Nutella Ganache

Heat Nutella and heavy cream until smooth.

Let it cool slightly before dripping.

Drip the Ganache

Pour ganache over the edges, letting it drip naturally.

Use a spoon or piping bag for control.

Adding the Finishing Touches: Decorations and Presentation

Once the ganache has set, it's time to decorate! This is where you can really let your personality shine. Some popular choices include chopped hazelnuts, chocolate shavings, gold leaf, macarons, fresh berries, and even mini Nutella jars. Arrange the decorations in a way that's both visually appealing and balanced. Don't overcrowd the cake, but don't be afraid to add a little bit of drama.

When it comes to presentation, a beautiful cake stand can make all the difference. Choose one that complements the cake's colors and style. And don't forget to take some stunning photos before you dig in! After all, if you don't post it on Instagram, did it even happen?

Nutella Chocolate Cake: Your Easy Ticket to Baking Bliss

So, there you have it – a delightful array of Nutella chocolate cake recipes, each offering a unique path to hazelnut-chocolate heaven. From the speedy satisfaction of the 3-ingredient cake to the show-stopping elegance of the drip cake, there’s a Nutella creation for every occasion and skill level. Don’t be afraid to experiment, tweak the recipes to your liking, and most importantly, have fun in the kitchen. Now, go forth, bake some Nutella magic, and share the joy with those you love. After all, a slice of Nutella cake is the perfect way to brighten any day!