Store-Cupboard Chocolate Hazelnut Cake: A Pantry Staple Delight
Indulge in the irresistible allure of our delectable Store-Cupboard Chocolate Hazelnut Cake, a culinary masterpiece crafted with pantry staples. This exquisite treat is a testament to the transformative power of simple ingredients when combined with a touch of ingenuity.
Essential Ingredients for a Pantry Staple Masterpiece:
- Plain flour: The backbone of this cake, providing structure and stability.
- Baking powder: A leavening agent that ensures a light and fluffy texture.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cake and contributes to its golden crust.
- Cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa adds intense chocolatey richness.
- Hazelnut meal: Ground hazelnuts infuse the cake with nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch.
- Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and tenderness.
- Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients and provide moisture.
- Milk: Any type of milk adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a subtle hint of vanilla.
Simple Steps to Baking Perfection:
1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the baking tin: Grease and line a 20cm round baking tin with parchment paper.
3. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and cocoa powder.
4. Mix in hazelnut meal: Add the hazelnut meal to the dry ingredients and mix well.
5. Cream butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
6. Beat in eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
7. Add vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract.
8. Alternate wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
9. Pour into prepared tin: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking tin and smooth the top.
10. Bake: Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Delightful Variations:
- Chocolate ganache: Drizzle melted chocolate ganache over the cooled cake for an intense chocolatey finish.
- Hazelnut frosting: Spread a creamy hazelnut frosting over the cake for a nutty touch.
- Fresh fruit: Top the cake with fresh berries or sliced bananas for a vibrant and refreshing contrast.
Tips for a Perfect Cake:
- Use high-quality ingredients for optimal flavor and texture.
- Measure your ingredients accurately for precise results.
- Do not overmix the batter, as it can make the cake tough.
- If you don't have a hazelnut meal, you can create your own by finely grinding hazelnuts in a food processor.
- Store the cake at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Immerse yourself in the blissful indulgence of our Store-Cupboard Chocolate Hazelnut Cake. With its pantry-friendly ingredients and straightforward preparation, this dessert will become a cherished staple in your culinary repertoire. Experience the joy of baking with everyday ingredients and savor the delectable outcome that will delight your taste buds and warm your home.