Name: Hazelnut Easter Egg Cake Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 1 cup (120g) hazelnut meal/flour; ⅔ cup (80g) all-purpose flour; ¾ cup (150g) sugar; 5.3 ounces (150g) unsalted butter, melted; 5 egg whites, beaten to stiff peaks; ⅓ cup (60g) semi-sweet baking chocolate or chocolate chips; ½ cup (12.5 cl) heavy liquid cream; ⅓ cup (60g) white chocolate or white chocolate chips; ½ cup (12.5 cl) heavy liquid cream

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 208 reviews

If you are looking for a show-stopping dessert that will dazzle your friends and family this spring, this Hazelnut Easter Egg Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. Rich with the warm, toasty flavor of hazelnuts and complemented by luxurious layers of dark and white chocolate cream, this cake offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes. Its unique Easter egg shape makes it a perfect centerpiece for any festive table, and once you try it, it might just become your new favorite holiday tradition. Every bite feels like a celebration!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A single oval-shaped light brown cookie with a slightly rough texture sits in the center of a white plate on a white marbled surface. At the top edge of the cookie, small dollops of chocolate and white cream are being piped in a row using a piping bag held by a woman's hand. Nearby, a small clear glass holds a single light pink tulip with a green stem. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple yet essential to crafting the perfect Hazelnut Easter Egg Cake. Each component plays a crucial role, from the nutty base to the silky chocolate creams, creating a harmony of flavors and inviting textures that make this cake unforgettable.

Hazelnut meal/flour (1 cup/120g): Provides a rich, nutty flavor and moist texture integral to the cake’s character.
All-purpose flour (⅔ cup/80g): Adds structure so your cake rises just right without becoming too dense.
Sugar (¾ cup/150g): Sweetens the cake and helps achieve a beautifully golden finish.
Unsalted butter, melted (5.3 ounces/150g): Brings richness and moisture to every crumb.
Egg whites (5, beaten to stiff peaks): Lighten the batter by adding airy volume, making the cake tender and fluffy.
Semi-sweet baking chocolate or chocolate chips (⅓ cup/60g): Creates a deeply satisfying chocolate layer with just the right balance of sweetness and bitterness.
Heavy liquid cream (½ cup/12.5 cl + ½ cup/12.5 cl): Essential for crafting silky chocolate ganaches, lending a smooth, luscious finish.
White chocolate or white chocolate chips (⅓ cup/60g): Adds a creamy sweetness to contrast the darker chocolate, making your cake a true chocolate lover’s dream.

How to Make Hazelnut Easter Egg Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Pan and Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C). Line an 8 or 9-inch springform cake pan, preferably with a removable bottom, with parchment paper. This setup ensures your delicate cake doesn’t stick and comes out cleanly, keeping its pretty Easter egg shape intact for the final presentation.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine your hazelnut meal, all-purpose flour, and sugar. Mixing these dry ingredients well creates a perfect base where the nutty and sweet flavors mingle beautifully.

Step 3: Add Butter to the Dry Mix

Pour the melted unsalted butter into your dry mixture and stir gently until just combined. This step enriches the batter, giving it moisture and the signature tender crumb you want from a hazelnut cake.

Step 4: Whip Egg Whites and Fold In

In a separate bowl, beat your egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Take a couple of tablespoons of the whipped whites and stir them into the batter to lighten it up. Then, carefully fold in the remaining egg whites in two or three additions. This folding technique keeps plenty of air in the mixture, making your cake delightfully light yet flavorful.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Transfer your batter to the prepared pan, smoothing the top gently. Slide it into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a delicate golden color and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The hazelnut aroma will already have you excited.

Step 6: Cool the Cake

Let the cake cool fully in its pan before moving on. Cooling helps it set and makes it easier to handle for the next steps, including adding those luscious chocolate layers that make the Hazelnut Easter Egg Cake Recipe truly special.

How to Serve Hazelnut Easter Egg Cake Recipe

This image shows a dessert shaped like an egg on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. The egg is decorated with alternating rows of piped frosting in two colors: dark brown and white, with about nine rows in total. The dark brown frosting has a rich, smooth texture, while the white frosting looks creamy and soft. There are small chocolate eggs placed on top of the frosting in a scattered pattern, each decorated with different lines or spots. To the left side of the plate, there is a small nest made of thin brown strands holding two small chocolate eggs, one speckled and one plain. At the top right corner of the plate, a part of a sheet of music paper is visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The perfect garnish can elevate your Hazelnut Easter Egg Cake even further. Consider sprinkling chopped toasted hazelnuts on top for added crunch and nutty aroma. A dusting of powdered sugar or a delicate drizzle of melted white chocolate can give your cake an irresistible finishing touch while enhancing the Easter egg theme beautifully.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit like raspberries or strawberries, adding a fresh contrast to the rich chocolate and hazelnut flavors. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream can also complement the cake, making each bite feel like a decadent treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dazzling presentation, place your Hazelnut Easter Egg Cake on a festive platter lined with edible flowers or pastel-colored sprinkles. You might also pipe soft rosettes of chocolate ganache around the edges or use a stencil to create an Easter motif with cocoa powder on top. These thoughtful touches transform your dessert into an edible celebration centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Hazelnut Easter Egg Cake, wrap any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator to keep the cake fresh for up to three days. This way, you can savor the flavors without worry.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully if you want to prepare it in advance. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Because this cake is best enjoyed at room temperature, remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving. If you prefer a slightly warm slice, microwave a piece for 10–15 seconds, but be careful not to overheat, which could soften your chocolate layers too much.

FAQs

Can I substitute hazelnut meal with almond meal?

Yes, almond meal can be used as a substitute, but keep in mind it will slightly change the flavor and texture. Almonds are milder, so the cake may be less nutty but still delicious.

Do I need a special pan for this cake?

Using a springform pan with a removable bottom is ideal because it makes releasing the cake easier. However, an ordinary cake pan lined well with parchment paper can work in a pinch.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. The hazelnut meal helps keep the texture moist, so this swap works nicely.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Look for a lightly golden top and test with a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center; it should come out clean. The edges may pull slightly away from the pan when fully baked.

What’s the best way to beat egg whites to stiff peaks?

Ensure your bowl and beaters are clean and dry, and beat the egg whites at medium-high speed until they hold a firm peak that stands straight without drooping. This step is key for a light and airy cake.

Final Thoughts

This Hazelnut Easter Egg Cake Recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that perfectly capture the joy of Easter. From the nutty cake base to the dreamy chocolate layers, every step brings happiness to the kitchen and smiles to the table. I encourage you to bake this cake, share it with your loved ones, and make it a special part of your holiday traditions.