Decadent Caramel Cake with Hazelnut Crumble: A Sweet, Nutty Delight

Caramel cake is one of those desserts that can elevate any occasion, whether it's a special celebration or a simple treat to enjoy at home. Its rich, buttery flavor combined with the sweet depth of caramel creates a dessert that is undeniably decadent. But what if we told you that this indulgent cake could get even better with a delightful twist?

Enter the caramel cake with hazelnut crumble—a luxurious dessert that brings together the smooth richness of caramel with the warm, nutty crunch of hazelnuts. The combination of soft, fluffy caramel layers and the delicate crunch of hazelnut crumble creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. This cake isn’t just a treat for your taste buds; its stunning presentation will also impress any guest at your dinner table.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of making this show-stopping dessert, from the base cake and rich caramel frosting to the finishing touch of crunchy hazelnut crumbs. Whether you're an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is simple enough to follow while still delivering an incredible result.

Health Benefits of Hazelnuts

Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a moment to appreciate the health benefits of one of the star ingredients: hazelnuts. While this cake is indulgent, it’s important to note that hazelnuts offer several health benefits:

• Rich in Healthy Fats: Hazelnuts are a great source of unsaturated fats, which can support heart health and help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
• Packed with Antioxidants: Hazelnuts contain antioxidants, including vitamin E, which can help protect the body from oxidative stress and improve skin health.
• Nutrient-Dense: Hazelnuts provide a good amount of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including magnesium, potassium, and folate.

So, while this cake is a treat, you can feel good knowing that hazelnuts contribute some valuable nutrients to the dessert.

Ingredients for Caramel Cake with Hazelnut Crumble

To make this decadent caramel cake with hazelnut crumble, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with regular milk and a splash of vinegar)

For the Caramel Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups powdered sugar

For the Hazelnut Crumble:

• 1/2 cup hazelnuts (chopped finely)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Caramel Cake with Hazelnut Crumble

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two round 8-inch cake pans. Set them aside.

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, and then mix in the vanilla extract.

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 2: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the cake batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Caramel Frosting

While the cakes are cooling, prepare the caramel frosting. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and bring it to a gentle boil. Stir continuously to ensure the sugar fully dissolves.

Once the mixture starts to bubble, allow it to simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt, and continue to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, making sure the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes.

Gradually add powdered sugar to the caramel mixture, whisking until smooth and spreadable. Set aside to cool completely before frosting the cake.

Step 4: Prepare the Hazelnut Crumble

To make the hazelnut crumble, combine the chopped hazelnuts, flour, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a small bowl. Stir until the mixture becomes a crumbly texture. Spread the crumble mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the crumble turns golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and let it cool.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes have cooled completely, spread a generous layer of caramel frosting on the top of the first cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining caramel frosting.

Sprinkle the cooled hazelnut crumble evenly over the top of the frosted cake, pressing gently to adhere. You can also add some additional chopped hazelnuts for a more intense nutty flavor and texture.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Slice and serve the caramel cake with hazelnut crumble as a luxurious dessert for any occasion. This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee and is sure to impress guests with its rich flavor and beautiful presentation.

Creative Variations

While the classic version of this caramel cake with hazelnut crumble is absolutely delicious, there are several variations you can try to customize the recipe:

• Chocolate Hazelnut: Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake layers for a rich, chocolatey twist. You can also sprinkle cocoa powder on top of the frosting.
• Add More Nuts: If you love nuts, try adding other nuts like almonds or walnuts to the crumble topping for added texture and flavor.
• Caramel Drizzle: For an extra touch of caramel decadence, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top of the frosted cake before serving.
• Fruit Infusion: Add a layer of fresh fruit, such as sliced pears or apples, between the cake layers for a fruity contrast to the sweet caramel.

When to Serve This Caramel Cake with Hazelnut Crumble

This cake is perfect for a wide range of occasions:

• Birthday Parties: The rich, indulgent flavor of this cake makes it a great centerpiece for a birthday celebration.
• Holiday Feasts: Serve this cake during holiday dinners or family gatherings for a sweet, festive dessert.
• Afternoon Tea: Pair this caramel cake with a pot of tea for a luxurious afternoon snack.
• Special Occasions: Whether it’s an anniversary, graduation, or any other celebration, this cake is sure to be a showstopper.

Conclusion: A Decadent Dessert for Every Celebration

This caramel cake with hazelnut crumble is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves a sweet, rich treat with a bit of crunch. The combination of soft caramel layers, smooth frosting, and a nutty hazelnut topping creates a flavor and texture profile that’s irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself, this cake will deliver an unforgettable experience.

Try this recipe today and enjoy the delicious richness of caramel and hazelnut in every bite!