The Cake Slice: Chocolate Hazelnut Nutcracker Cake
December 20, 2008 at 1:31 am | Posted in cakes & tortes, groups, layer cakes, sweet things, the cake slice | 26 Comments
Gosh–hasn’t December gone by so fast?!? It’s already time for the third installment of The Cake Slice! This go-round, the group cooked up a very festive Chocolate Hazelnut Nutcracker Cake from the book Sky High: Irresistible Triple Layer Cakes by Alicia Huntsman and Peter Wynne.
You’ll need to fish out your nutcracker to make this one– the batter has plenty of hazelnuts, ground fine. It also contains an unusual ingredient…graham cracker crumbs. I’m wondering if these are there for subtle flavor, or if they really just act as an extender for the nut meal. The cake is filled and frosted with vanilla whipped cream (a.k.a crème chantilly, if you want to get all fancy-like).
While this cake was certainly good, R and I both though it was missing something. The flavor was predominately hazelnut, and I think, for a cake with the word “chocolate” in its name, it needed to taste of chocolate, too (just a very small piece is grated into the batter). If I get around to making it again, I think I’ll fill the layers with a dark chocolate ganache, and just leave the chantilly for the outside. The rum soaking syrup, though, is a must! Visit Gigi and Katie for the recipe (or get your hands on a copy of Sky High: Irresistible Triple Layer Cakes), and cruise through the list of The Cake Slice Bakers to check out all of our nutcracker cakes!
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a whisk and a spoon 
That looks yum! But I agree with you – if chocolate is in the name then I want to be able to taste it!
Comment by annie— December 20, 2008 #
what a lovely cake nice and high and so rich in frosting…yummy!
Comment by Mary— December 20, 2008 #
now this is my idea of a cake!!!!!!!!! looks GREAT 🙂
Comment by Dani— December 20, 2008 #
Lovely looking cake. Perfect for December! Too bad it wasn’t chocolatey enough!
Comment by Gretchen Noelle— December 20, 2008 #
WOWZA, what a cake.
Comment by VeggieGirl— December 20, 2008 #
It certainly looks pretty – but yeah, what are the graham crackers there for? The world may never know!
Comment by Megan— December 20, 2008 #
Oh, it’s absolutely lovely!
I’m such a slacker/procrastinator this month. I’m making it today…
I think you’re right about the chocolate. I kept thinking the same thing every time I looked at the recipe.
Great job!
Comment by Lindsey (Cafe Johnsonia)— December 20, 2008 #
This is very Daring-Baker-ish! It certainly looks gorgeous!
Comment by RecipeGirl— December 20, 2008 #
I agree with you. It needs more chocolate ! I love hazelnuts with chocolate 🙂 I like the way you decorated it 🙂
Comment by snooky doodle— December 20, 2008 #
Wow! This looks fantastic. Your layers are so thick and yummy.
Comment by food librarian— December 20, 2008 #
Your cake looks lovely. I didn’t get around to making this one, but I was wondering how it would compare to the DB one we made a couple of months ago. Have a great weekend!
Comment by Mary Ann— December 20, 2008 #
I loooove the top of your cake! 🙂 …Oh I agree the rum syrup is a must. Great idea on ganache between the layers for next time!
Comment by Gigi— December 20, 2008 #
Stunning presentation!
Comment by JoAnn— December 20, 2008 #
AAHHH!!! Your cake is Beautiful!! I thought it needed something too with a little more chocolate. Ganache would be perfect.
Comment by teaandscones— December 20, 2008 #
Yours is so beautiful! Did you caramelize the hazelnuts on top?
I accidentally added twice as much chocolate as called for, and the flavor was definitely present on day two. So I’d say you could double it easily.
Comment by sugarpunk— December 20, 2008 #
Sorry the chocolate wasn’t predominant enough but this cake has definite WOW factor.
Comment by giz— December 21, 2008 #
I thought the graham cracker crumbs were unusual, too! And the cake tasted more hazelnut than chocolate so great idea about using a ganache filling for next time. Hey, how about using Nutella?
Your cake looks scrumptious!
Comment by Caroline— December 21, 2008 #
Hi Steph, lovely cake and very nicely decorated.
Comment by Jo— December 21, 2008 #
Your cake looks lovely. Ganache filling sounds like a wonderful idea.
Comment by Di— December 21, 2008 #
Looks beautiful! Perfect for Christmas.
Comment by cherie— December 21, 2008 #
Rum and hazelnuts sound good together. I like your idea of chocolate in-between too. Looks like an amazing cake!!
Comment by Shari— December 21, 2008 #
As always, picture perfect. I love the shavings! Merry Xmas 🙂
Comment by Lauren— December 21, 2008 #
that looks fabulous! I love chantilly cream!!!
Comment by Tammy— December 22, 2008 #
Your cake looks wonderful. I love the caramalised hazelnuts on top – so pretty
Comment by katie— December 22, 2008 #
Good Googily Moogily. This looks incredible. You are so talented!
Comment by Janna from Honeyed Hashette— December 22, 2008 #
How did I miss you making this gorgeous cake? I love the shaved chocolate on top, beautiful!
Comment by Irene— March 30, 2009 #