Rich Chocolate Hazelnut Delight

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined. Stir in the hazelnut spread until the batter is smooth.
6. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Ganache

1. Heat Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
2. Combine with Chocolate: Place the chopped chocolate in a heat-proof bowl and pour the hot cream over it. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Stir in the butteruntil fully incorporated.
3. Cool Ganache: Allow the ganache to cool slightly until it thickens but is still pourable.

Step 3: Prepare the Hazelnut Crunch

1. Toast Hazelnuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the hazelnuts until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Make Crunch: In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Cook over medium heat without stirring until it reaches a light amber color. Quickly stir in the toasted hazelnuts, then spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool. Once hardened, break into pieces.

Step 4: Assemble the Dessert

1. Layer Cake: Once the cake has cooled, slice it in half horizontally to create two layers. Place one layer on a serving plate.
2. Spread Ganache: Pour a layer of chocolate ganache over the first layer of cake, spreading it evenly.
3. Add Hazelnut Crunch: Sprinkle a generous amount of hazelnut crunch over the ganache.
4. Top with Second Layer: Carefully place the second layer of cake on top. Pour the remaining ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

1. Chill: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the ganache to set properly.
2. Garnish: Before serving, top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and whole hazelnuts for an extra touch of elegance.
3. Slice and Enjoy: Serve chilled and watch as everyone enjoys this indulgent Rich Chocolate Hazelnut Delight!

Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Hazelnut Delight

• Ripe Bananas: If you want to add a banana flavor, you can mash in a ripe banana to the batter for extra moisture and taste.
• Quality Chocolate: Use high-quality chocolate for the ganache to ensure a rich flavor.
• Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

This Rich Chocolate Hazelnut Delight is a must-try for chocolate lovers and is perfect for celebrations or simply as a delightful treat at home. Enjoy the blissful combination of flavors and textures!