CATEGORY:
Desserts
SERVES:
8-10
Hazelnut Chocolate Torte
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup ground hazelnuts
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate, melted
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons hazelnut liqueur (optional)
For Ganache Topping:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate
- 1/4 cup whole hazelnuts, toasted and chopped
METHOD / INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter.
- Toast whole hazelnuts in a dry skillet for 5-7 minutes until fragrant, then grind half into a fine meal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure full incorporation.
- Fold in melted chocolate, ground hazelnuts, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt until a smooth batter forms.
- If using, gently stir in hazelnut liqueur.
- Pour batter into the prepared springform pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow cake to cool completely in the pan.
- For ganache, heat heavy cream until just simmering and pour over chopped chocolate.
- Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Pour ganache over cooled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Sprinkle toasted chopped hazelnuts over the top of the ganache.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set before serving.