This cake combines soft hazelnut sponge, roasted hazelnuts, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate hazelnut buttercream to create a decadent dessert. It’s made without eggs and can be made dairy-free for a truly indulgent treat.
Hazelnut Snickers Cake
This Hazelnut Snickers Cake is a delicious combination of nutty and sweet flavors. Soft hazelnut sponge layers are filled with gooey caramel, wrapped in a rich Nutella-style buttercream, and topped with a caramel drip and roasted hazelnuts. Perfect for any special occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Hazelnut Snickers Cake
This Hazelnut Snickers Cake is a dream come true for anyone who loves the classic combination of chocolate, caramel, and nuts. As a chef, I’m particularly drawn to how this cake layers these flavors in a way that is both indulgent and balanced. The soft hazelnut sponge is rich and nutty, perfectly complementing the gooey caramel filling. The chocolate hazelnut buttercream is silky and decadent, tying everything together with its creamy texture and deep flavor. Topped with a caramel drip and crunchy roasted hazelnuts, this cake delivers a luxurious dessert experience that’s surprisingly easy to make, and it’s entirely egg-free and dairy-free, making it accessible to a wider range of people without compromising on taste or texture.
The Perfect Occasion for This Cake
This Hazelnut Snickers Cake is ideal for any special occasion where you want to impress with a show-stopping dessert. Its rich, decadent flavors make it a perfect choice for birthdays, anniversaries, or holiday celebrations like Christmas and Thanksgiving. The combination of caramel, chocolate, and nuts also makes it a great centerpiece for any dessert table, whether it’s a casual gathering with friends or a more formal dinner party. Additionally, this cake’s indulgence makes it a fantastic treat for those moments when you simply want to celebrate life’s little victories with something truly special.
Decoration Tips to Elevate Your Hazelnut Snickers Cake
To make this cake as visually stunning as it is delicious, consider these decoration tips:
- Caramel Drip Technique: Achieve the perfect caramel drip by using a piping bag or a spoon to carefully drizzle the caramel sauce around the edges of the cake. Allow the sauce to naturally drip down the sides for an elegant, professional finish.
- Whole Hazelnut Garnish: For an extra touch of elegance, top the cake with whole roasted hazelnuts in addition to the chopped ones. Arrange them in a circle or scatter them across the top for added texture and visual appeal.
- Chocolate Shards: Create chocolate shards by spreading melted dark chocolate thinly on a baking sheet, then chilling it until firm. Break the chocolate into irregular pieces and use them to decorate the top of the cake for a dramatic, stylish effect.
- Gold Dust: Lightly brush some of the hazelnuts with edible gold dust for a luxurious touch that adds a pop of color and a sense of celebration to the cake.
- Layered Caramel Effect: Before adding the final layer of buttercream, spread a thin layer of caramel on the top layer of sponge. This creates a beautiful layered look when the cake is sliced, revealing the gooey caramel and rich buttercream.
This Hazelnut Snickers Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience. Its rich layers and beautiful presentation make it a perfect choice for any occasion where you want to leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re celebrating with loved ones or indulging in a special treat, this cake is sure to be a hit!
Hazelnut Snickers Cake
Ingredients
Hazelnut Sponge:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup ground hazelnuts
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup dairy-free buttermilk 1 cup plant-based milk + 1 tbsp vinegar
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 1 cup dairy-free yogurt soy or coconut
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Gooey Caramel Filling:
- 1 cup sugar
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup dairy-free cream coconut or almond-based
Chocolate Hazelnut Buttercream:
- 1 cup dairy-free butter softened
- 1 cup smooth chocolate hazelnut spread like Nutella or a dairy-free alternative
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2-4 tbsp plant-based milk
Topping:
- ½ cup roasted hazelnuts chopped
- Caramel sauce for dripping
Instructions
Prepare the Hazelnut Sponge:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ground hazelnuts, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the dairy-free buttermilk, vegetable oil, dairy-free yogurt, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Gooey Caramel Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring.
- Allow the mixture to simmer until it turns a deep amber color.
- Remove from heat and carefully stir in the dairy-free cream (the mixture will bubble up).
- Stir until smooth, then let it cool slightly before using.
Prepare the Chocolate Hazelnut Buttercream:
- In a large bowl, beat the dairy-free butter until creamy.
- Add the chocolate hazelnut spread and continue to beat until well combined.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
- Add the plant-based milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the buttercream reaches a spreadable consistency.
Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
- Spread a layer of caramel over the cake layer, then spread a layer of chocolate hazelnut buttercream on top.
- Repeat with the second cake layer.
- Place the third cake layer on top and spread the remaining buttercream over the top and sides of the cake.
Add the Topping:
- Drizzle the top of the cake with caramel sauce, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Sprinkle the roasted hazelnuts on top for a crunchy finish.
Serve:
- Slice and serve this indulgent Hazelnut Snickers Cake!
- Enjoy the perfect blend of sweet, nutty, and chocolatey flavors.
Notes
Tips for Making the Best Sponge:
- Use Buttermilk: The acidity in buttermilk helps break down gluten and proteins in cakes, making them more tender. For a dairy-free alternative, add vinegar to plant-based milk.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense, tough, or deflated cakes. Mix until just combined.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Room temperature ingredients bond together better, creating a seamless and even texture.
- Weigh Your Ingredients: Accurate measurements ensure the best results. Follow the exact recipe.
- Don’t Overbake: Bake the cake until just done to keep it moist and tender. Avoid rushing the process.