Chocolate Nutella Layer Cake

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Soft dark chocolate Nutella cake is layered with Nutella buttercream and drizzled with more Nutella in this irresistible Chocolate Nutella Layer Cake.

There’s something magical about the combination of chocolate and hazelnut. It’s indulgent, nostalgic, and always a crowd-pleaser. This Chocolate Nutella Layer Cake brings that classic pairing to life in the most luxurious way—with soft, moist chocolate hazelnut cake layers, silky Nutella buttercream, and a stunning swirl of Nutella drizzle both inside and out. It’s a showstopper of a dessert that’s surprisingly easy to pull off at home, especially when baked in three charming 6-inch layers.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or simply craving something extra special, this cake is sure to hit the sweet spot. Let’s make it. 

Why You’ll Love This Cake

• Balanced sweetness: The rich Nutella frosting and drizzle perfectly complement the deep chocolate cake without being overly sweet.
• Mini layer cake format: Using 6-inch pans makes this cake feel elegant and bakery-worthy—ideal for smaller gatherings or intimate celebrations.
• Swirled Nutella finish: That final swirl of Nutella over the buttercream gives a rustic, marbled look that’s both easy and impressive.

Ingredients

The Chocolate Hazelnut Cake:

• ¼ Cup (60 mL) Avocado Oil or Vegetable Oil
• ¼ Cup (56 g) Salted Butter, Softened
• 1 ⅓ Cups (265 g) Granulated Sugar
• 1 Large Egg + 1 Large Egg Yolk
• ¼ Cup (60 g) Sour Cream
• ½ Cup (150 g) Nutella
• 2 Teaspoons (10 mL) Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1 ½ Cups (190 g) All-Purpose Flour
• ½ Cup (45 g) Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
• ¼ Cup (20 g) Black Cocoa Powder
• ½ Teaspoon (3 g) Salt
• 2 Teaspoons (8 g) Baking Powder
• ¾ Cup (180 mL) Whole or 2% Milk

The Nutella Buttercream:

• 1 ½ Cups (340 g) Salted Butter, Softened To Room Temperature
• 3 Cups (360 g) Powdered Sugar
• ⅓ Cup (100 g) Nutella
• 1 Tablespoon (15 mL) Pure Vanilla Extract

The Nutella Drizzle:

• ½ Cup (150 g) Nutella

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pans and Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 6-inch (15 cm) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. Lightly flour the sides and tap out any excess.

2. Make the Chocolate Hazelnut Cake
In a large mixing bowl, beat the vegetable oil and softened butter until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and mix for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and yolk, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream, Nutella, and vanilla until smooth.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powders, salt, and baking powder.
With the mixer on low, alternate adding the dry ingredients and chocolate milk in two batches, starting and ending with the dry mix. Mix just until combined.

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to cool completely.

3. Make the Nutella Buttercream
Beat the butter on medium-high until pale and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low.
Add Nutella and vanilla extract, and beat until creamy and smooth.

4. Prepare the Nutella Drizzle
Microwave the Nutella for 15–20 seconds until pourable (but not hot). Stir well.

5. Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread a layer of buttercream, then drizzle 1–2 tablespoons of Nutella and swirl gently.
Repeat with the second layer. Top with the third cake layer.
Apply a crumb coat of buttercream and chill for 15–20 minutes. Finish frosting the cake.

6. Finish with a Swirled Drizzle
Drizzle additional Nutella over the frosted cake and use a spatula to swirl it into the outer layer of frosting.

You can also top it with colorful Easter eggs as I've done! I got these from Trader Joes.

7. Serve
Chill for 30 minutes before slicing. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Best Practices for Layer Cake Success

• Don’t skip the crumb coat: This thin layer of frosting helps trap crumbs and makes the final frosting layer cleaner.
• Chill between steps: Pop the cake in the fridge between frosting and decorating stages to keep everything sturdy.
• Use a bench scraper: For smooth sides, a bench scraper is your best friend when applying the final coat of buttercream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use 8-inch pans instead of 6-inch?
Yes, but the layers will be thinner. You may want to bake it in two 8-inch pans instead of three.

What’s the difference between black cocoa and regular cocoa?
Black cocoa has a darker, more intense flavor (think Oreos) and deepens the color and richness of the cake. You can replace it with more unsweetened cocoa if needed.

How do I store this cake?
Keep the cake covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let it sit at room temperature for 30–60 minutes before serving.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cake layers up to 2 days ahead and store wrapped in plastic at room temp. The frosting and assembly can be done the day you serve.

Dietary Substitutions

Dairy-Free Option:

• Use vegan butter in both the cake and buttercream.
• Substitute sour cream with a dairy-free version. 
• Replace Dutch chocolate milk with Silk Dark Chocolate Almond Milk. 

Gluten-Free Option:

• Use a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour (like Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1:1).
• Double-check that your cocoa powders and Nutella are gluten-free (most are, but always confirm).

Note: Texture may vary slightly with substitutions, but flavor will still shine.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Nutella Layer Cake is as dreamy as it looks—rich chocolate flavor, and nutty depth from the Nutella. With its luscious buttercream and eye-catching swirled drizzle, it’s a dessert made for celebrations but simple enough for a weekend bake.

Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just yourself (no judgment here!), this cake will steal the show. If you're new to layer cakes, this is a perfect recipe to build confidence with. And if you're already a seasoned baker, well—you’re in for a real treat.

Have questions? Share them in the comments! 

Tag me in your baking adventures too, @heathershomebakery—I’d love to see your creations.

Also, if you loved this recipe, I’d be so grateful for you to leave a 5 star rating + review! 

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Save and enjoy! 

XO,

Heather 

PS: Try my Chocolate Nutella Cinnamon Rolls for another decadent Nutella treat!