Decadent Lazy Chocolate Nutella Cake: The Ultimate Easy Homemade Recipe

Prepare yourself for an extraordinary treat that combines the rich, deep flavors of chocolate with the irresistible creamy indulgence of Nutella. This isn’t just any dessert; it’s the **Decadent Lazy Chocolate Nutella Cake**, a recipe born out of a desire for an effortlessly delicious, unbelievably fudgy chocolate cake. If you’re looking for a homemade dessert that tastes like it took hours but comes together with surprising ease, you’ve found your new favorite.

This **lazy chocolate Nutella cake recipe** has quickly become one of my absolute favorite chocolate cake creations. It features incredibly **moist chocolate cake layers** that are rich and tender, generously slathered with a luscious **creamy Nutella frosting**. Each bite is further elevated by the delightful crunch of **roasted chopped hazelnuts** and a smooth, glossy **Nutella ganache** drizzled over the top. It’s a truly rich and indulgent experience, crafted especially **for all my fellow Nutella lovers** who crave that perfect **chocolate hazelnut flavor** in every single forkful. Get ready to impress with minimal fuss!

Why You’ll Adore This Easy Nutella Chocolate Cake

This isn’t just another cake; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create an extraordinary dessert. Here’s why this chocolate Nutella cake will quickly become a cherished recipe in your baking repertoire:

A True Love Letter to Nutella Lovers: If you find yourself sneaking spoonfuls of Nutella straight from the jar, this cake is your ultimate dream come true. Every element, from the rich filling to the silky ganache, is infused with that unmistakable hazelnut cocoa goodness, ensuring an intense and satisfying Nutella experience.
Effortless Elegance: The Easiest Way to Impress: Don’t let its decadent appearance fool you; this cake requires no intricate decorating skills. The beauty lies in its simplicity. Just bake the fudgy layers, spread the creamy Nutella, sprinkle with crunchy hazelnuts, and drizzle with the glossy ganache. It’s a showstopper that looks incredibly sophisticated but is surprisingly simple to assemble, making you look like a pastry chef with minimal effort.
Unforgettable Moist Chocolate Cake Layers: The foundation of this cake is its incredibly moist and tender chocolate sponge. Crafted to perfection, these layers boast a deep, rich **chocolate flavor** with a soft, fudgy texture that practically melts in your mouth. The balance of ingredients ensures a cake that remains moist and delicious for days.
A Symphony of Textures: Experience a delightful interplay of textures with every bite. You’ll savor the creamy **Nutella frosting**, the satisfying crunch of **chopped hazelnuts**, and the smooth, luxurious mouthfeel of the **silky Nutella ganache**. This perfect balance prevents any single element from overpowering the others, creating a harmonious and utterly delightful dessert.

Essential Ingredients for Your Lazy Chocolate Nutella Cake

Crafting this wonderfully **fudgy chocolate cake** is remarkably simple, thanks to a thoughtful selection of ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the cake’s signature rich flavor, moist texture, and irresistible chocolate-hazelnut profile. We’ll be using **natural cocoa powder** and **hot water** to unlock the deepest chocolate notes, creating a truly luxurious base.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

2 large eggs, at room temperature – Essential for binding ingredients and providing structure, richness, and moisture to the cake. Room temperature eggs emulsify better for a smoother batter.
½ cup buttermilk, at room temperature – The acidity in buttermilk reacts with baking soda to create a tender crumb and adds a subtle tang that complements the chocolate.
½ cup hot water – Crucial for blooming the cocoa powder, which deepens its chocolate flavor dramatically.
¼ cup vegetable oil – Contributes to an incredibly moist and tender cake, ensuring it stays soft for days.
1 cup all-purpose flour – The foundational dry ingredient, providing the cake’s essential structure.
¾ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake and helps tenderize the crumb, contributing to its moistness.
½ cup dark cocoa powder (Dutch-process recommended) – Essential for a deep, rich chocolate flavor and a beautiful dark color. Dutch-process reduces acidity for a smoother taste.
1 teaspoon baking soda – A leavening agent that reacts with acidic ingredients (like buttermilk and cocoa) to help the cake rise and achieve a light texture.
1 teaspoon baking powder – Another key leavening agent, ensuring a good rise and an airy crumb for your cake.
¾ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors, particularly the chocolate.
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract – A flavor enhancer that complements and deepens the chocolate notes.

For the Filling:

Nutella – The undeniable star of the show! This creamy, rich chocolate-hazelnut spread forms the luscious filling between the cake layers.
2 cups hazelnuts, roasted and chopped – Adds a delightful crunch and intensifies the authentic hazelnut flavor, perfectly complementing the Nutella.

For the Chocolate Ganache:

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate – Melts into a smooth, glossy ganache, providing a decadent finishing touch. High-quality chocolate makes a noticeable difference.
½ cup heavy cream – The base for the ganache, warmed to melt the chocolate into a luxurious, pourable glaze.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Lazy Chocolate Nutella Cake

Creating this spectacular cake is a straightforward process that yields incredibly delicious results. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a stunning chocolate Nutella masterpiece ready to impress. Remember, baking is about enjoying the process, and this recipe makes it truly pleasurable!

Instructions

Bake the Cake Layers

Preheat your oven to a precise **325°F (160°C)**. Properly prepare an **8-inch cake pan** (or two 8-inch pans for two layers, if preferred for easier splitting later) by spraying it generously with cooking spray, lining the bottom with **parchment paper**, and then spraying the parchment paper again. This double-layer of preparation ensures your cake releases perfectly.
In a **large mixing bowl**, combine all the **dry ingredients**: the **all-purpose flour**, **granulated sugar**, rich **Dutch-process cocoa powder**, **baking soda**, **baking powder**, and a pinch of **salt**. Whisk them thoroughly until they are perfectly blended, ensuring the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
In a separate **medium bowl**, whisk together the **wet ingredients**: the **room temperature eggs**, creamy **buttermilk**, flavorful **vanilla extract**, and **vegetable oil**. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Slowly pour the combined **wet ingredients** into the **dry ingredients**. Mix on **low speed** with a **handheld mixer** or in the **bowl of a stand mixer** fitted with a paddle attachment. Mix *just* until everything is combined, taking care not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
Next, gradually add the **hot water** to the batter. Continue to mix on **medium speed** until the batter is completely smooth and uniform. The hot water helps to “bloom” the cocoa powder, intensifying its chocolate flavor significantly. The batter might seem a bit thin at this stage, but this is normal and contributes to the fudgy texture.
Divide the smooth **chocolate cake batter** evenly between your **prepared cake pans**. Bake for approximately **35-40 minutes**, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid opening the oven door too early to prevent the cake from sinking.
Once baked, allow the cake layers to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes. This resting period helps them firm up slightly. After 10 minutes, carefully invert them onto a **wire rack** to **cool completely**. Ensuring the cake is fully cooled before frosting is essential to prevent the Nutella from melting.

Roast the Hazelnuts for Enhanced Flavor

Preheat your oven to a higher **425°F (220°C)**. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the **chopped hazelnuts** in a single, even layer. Drizzle them lightly with a small amount of oil (like vegetable or neutral oil) to help with browning and a pinch of salt.
Bake the hazelnuts for about **10 minutes**, or until they are fragrant and lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as nuts can burn quickly. Once roasted, remove them from the oven and allow them to **cool completely** on the baking sheet before using. Cooling is important for their crisp texture.

Prepare the Silky Chocolate Ganache

This step should be done closer to assembly time to ensure the ganache is still pourable but has slightly thickened.
In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the **heavy cream** until it’s hot but not boiling (small bubbles around the edges are a good sign). This usually takes about 30-60 seconds in a microwave.
Add the **semisweet chocolate chips** (or finely chopped chocolate) to the hot cream. Let it sit undisturbed for **3 minutes** to allow the chocolate to melt from the residual heat. Then, gently stir with a whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy. If it’s too thin for drizzling, cover it with **plastic wrap** and let it sit at room temperature for a short while to thicken slightly.

Assemble Your Decadent Nutella Cake

Once the cake layers are **completely cool** (this is crucial for clean slicing and frosting), use a **serrated knife** to carefully slice each cake layer horizontally, creating two thinner layers from each baked cake. For easier and cleaner cuts, you can chill the cake layers in the fridge for 20-30 minutes beforehand.
Place your **first cake layer** onto your serving plate or cake stand. Using an **offset spatula**, generously spread a thick, even layer of **Nutella** (no fancy frosting needed here – just pure Nutella!) over the top, making sure to spread it right to the edges. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of your **roasted, chopped hazelnuts** over the Nutella and gently press them in to ensure they adhere.
Carefully place the **second cake layer** on top, aligning it evenly. Now, it’s time for the crowning glory: pour the luscious **chocolate ganache** over the **top of the cake**. Use your **offset spatula** to gently spread the ganache, allowing it to naturally drip down the **sides of the cake** for a beautiful, rustic look. Finish by sprinkling more of the remaining **chopped hazelnuts** on top. For an extra touch of decadence and even more chocolate hazelnut flavor, consider adding a few **Ferrero Rocher** chocolates around the top!

Expert Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Lazy Chocolate Nutella Cake

Achieving a truly spectacular cake, even a “lazy” one, often comes down to a few key insights. These tips will help you bake and assemble your Nutella cake with confidence, ensuring a delicious and impressive result every time.

Always Read the Recipe First: Before you even think about cracking an egg, take a moment to read through the entire recipe. This helps you understand the process, gather all necessary ingredients and tools, and prevent any last-minute surprises or forgotten steps. Nothing disrupts the flow like realizing halfway through that you’re missing a key ingredient!
Invest in Quality Ingredients and Tools: The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the final taste. Use good quality **Dutch-process cocoa powder** for a deeper chocolate flavor, premium **Nutella**, and decent **chocolate chips** for the ganache. Similarly, **good cake pans** (like those with light-colored, non-stick surfaces) promote even baking and prevent burnt edges.
Be Gentle During Assembly: When spreading the thick Nutella and smoothing the ganache, remember that cake layers are delicate. If you press too hard, the moist cake layers may tear or crumble. Use a light hand and a flexible **offset spatula**. A **piping bag** is also a **great option** for applying the Nutella frosting, offering more control and a cleaner application.
Prepare Ahead for Easy Assembly: To make the assembly process even smoother, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Once completely cooled, wrap each layer tightly in **plastic wrap** and store them in an **airtight container** at room temperature or in the fridge. This not only saves time on assembly day but also makes the layers firmer and easier to handle and slice.
Freezing for Future Indulgence: If you’re planning ahead or have leftovers, this cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual cake layers or slices securely in **plastic wrap**, then place them in a **freezer bag** or an airtight freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Chill Before Slicing for Perfect Portions: For those coveted **clean cake slices** that look professional, chill the **whole assembled cake** in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or even an hour) before cutting. A chilled cake is firmer, allowing for much smoother cuts with a **serrated knife**. Wipe your knife clean between slices for the sharpest edges.

Recommended Tools for Effortless Baking

Having the right tools can make all the difference in your baking experience, transforming potentially messy tasks into simple joys. These are some essential items that will help you create your Lazy Chocolate Nutella Cake with ease:

Whisk: Essential for combining dry ingredients and whisking wet ingredients smoothly.
8-inch Cake Pans: High-quality pans ensure even baking and easy release of your cake layers.
Offset Spatula: Your best friend for spreading Nutella and ganache smoothly and evenly without tearing the cake.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to successful baking.
Serrated Knife: Indispensable for cleanly slicing your cake layers in half and for cutting neat servings.
Piping Bag (optional): A great option if you prefer more precise control when spreading the Nutella frosting or decorating.
Wire Rack: Crucial for allowing your cake layers to cool completely and evenly, preventing condensation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Lazy Chocolate Nutella Cake

Got questions about making or enjoying this decadent Nutella cake? We’ve got answers to help you troubleshoot, customize, and savor every bite.

Can I make this recipe as cupcakes?
Absolutely! This recipe adapts beautifully into amazing **Nutella cupcakes**. Simply divide the batter into a lined cupcake pan, filling each liner about two-thirds full. Adjust the baking time to approximately **18-20 minutes**, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Frost with Nutella and sprinkle with hazelnuts for a bite-sized treat!
Do I need a crumb coat for this cake?
Nope, that’s the beauty of this **lazy girl chocolate Nutella cake recipe**! There’s no need for a **crumb coat**, which is usually applied to trap crumbs before the final frosting. We’re going for a rustic, indulgent look here – just pile on that generous **Nutella frosting** between the layers and enjoy the luscious **Nutella swirls** and drips!
How do I properly store any leftovers?
To keep your cake fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an **airtight container** in the fridge for up to **5 days**. For longer storage, individual slices can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a **freezer bag** or freezer-safe container for up to **3 months**. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
What’s the best way to reheat or serve this cake from the fridge?
For the best texture, especially if the cake has been refrigerated, allow it to sit at **room temperature** for **20-30 minutes** before serving. This softens the chocolate cake, the Nutella filling, and the **chocolate ganache** to their optimal creamy consistency. If you’re in a hurry, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave can also gently soften the cake and its delicious toppings.

Storing and Freezing Instructions for Freshness

Proper storage is key to extending the life of your delicious Lazy Chocolate Nutella Cake, ensuring every slice is as fresh and satisfying as the first.

Short-term Storage: For immediate enjoyment, you can store the cake in an **airtight container** at **room temperature** for up to **a day**. If you need it to last longer, or if your kitchen is particularly warm, transfer it to the fridge where it will stay fresh for up to **5 days**. Ensure it’s well-covered to prevent drying out.
Freezing for Long-term Preservation: This cake freezes exceptionally well! For the **whole cake**, wrap it tightly in several layers of **plastic wrap**, then a layer of aluminum foil, and place it in a large **freezer bag** or a sturdy airtight container. For individual slices, wrap each piece separately. Store in the freezer for up to **3 months**. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw the cake (or slices) at **room temperature** for a few hours before serving.

If you loved making and devouring this **Lazy Chocolate Nutella Cake Recipe**, please don’t forget to show your appreciation! Leave a 5-star rating and a comment below – I’d absolutely love to hear your feedback, see your creations, or answer any questions you have! Follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok for more fun baking inspiration and delicious recipes. I post so many exciting things on all platforms!

More Decadent Chocolate & Nutella Inspired Recipes You’ll Love:

Very Easy Nutella Banana Bread
Easy One Bowl Nutella Blondies
The Best Peanut Butter Nutella Blondies
Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwich with Caramel
Hot Chocolate Brownies With Marshmallow Fluff
Best Chocolate Fudge Cake With Fudge Frosting

Recipe Card

Lazy Girl Chocolate Nutella Cake Recipe

Molly Murphy

A rich and fudgy chocolate cake layered with creamy Nutella, crunchy roasted hazelnuts, and a silky chocolate ganache.

Print Recipe
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Course cake

Cuisine American

Servings 9 squares

Ingredients

For the chocolate cake

2 eggs room temperature
½ cup buttermilk room temperature
½ cup hot water
¼ cup vegetable oil
1 cups all-purpose flour
¾ cups granulated sugar
½ cup dark cocoa powder
1 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
¾ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For the filling

Nutella
2 cups Hazlenuts

For the chocolate ganache:

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
½ cup heavy cream

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Spray an 8×8-inch square cake pan with cooking spray, line it with parchment paper, and spray again. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, hot water, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil until smooth.
Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix just until combined, ensuring no flour streaks remain. Use a rubber spatula to scrape the bottom of the bowl and make sure everything is evenly incorporated.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with only a few crumbs.
Let the cake cool completely for 15 minutes on the counter and then transfer it to the fridge for 45 minutes or the freezer for 20 minutes.

For the Hazelnut Filling

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and spread the hazelnuts evenly across the pan. Sprinkle with salt and a small amount of oil.
Bake for 10 minutes until roasted, then let them cool completely for about 10 minutes. Roughly chop the hazelnuts.

Make the Chocolate Ganache

Once ready to assemble, prepare the ganache.
Place the heavy cream in a medium microwave-safe bowl and heat until hot and slightly bubbly, about 30 seconds. Check and heat longer if needed.
Remove from the microwave and add the chocolate. Let it sit for at least 3 minutes, covering it with plastic wrap to help speed up the process. Stir until smooth and fully melted.

Assembly

Once the cake is completely cool, use a serrated knife to cut it in half horizontally to create two layers. Chilling the cake beforehand will make this easier.
Spread about ¾ of a container of Nutella evenly over the bottom cake layer using an offset spatula, making sure to reach the edges. Sprinkle a generous amount of the roasted, chopped hazelnuts over the top and gently press them in.
Place the second cake layer on top, then pour the chocolate ganache over the cake, spreading it evenly with an offset spatula. Sprinkle the remaining hazelnuts on top. If desired, finish with a pinch of flaky salt.

Keyword nutella, cake, chocolate

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