nutella chocolate cake

chocolate cake. i don't think i know a single soul that could resist one. especially the ones i bake ;) this week i found a recipe for this chocolate nutella cake and well they had me at nutella. this cake bakes low and slow at 300 degrees which makes it  extra moist. and extra delicious. its four layers high with dollops of nutella butter cream and topped with a rich chocolate ganache and fresh strawberries. so good its sinful .

Ingredients

Chocolate Cake 

2 cups flour

2 cups sugar

3/4 cup Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa powder

2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

2 large eggs

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup vegetable oil

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

1 cup boiling water

Nutella buttercream 

1 cup butter

1/2 cup shortening

1 cup Nutella hazelnut spread

4-5 cups powdered sugar

3-4 tbsp milk or water

Chocolate Ganache

6 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Cake:

1. Prepare four 8 inch cake pans 

2. Add all dry ingredients to a large bowl and whisk together.

3. Add eggs, buttermilk and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients and mix well.

4. Add vanilla to boiling water and add to mixture. Mix well.

5. Pour into four 8 inch cakes pans and bake at 300 degrees for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

6. Remove cakes from oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes, then remove to cooling racks to cool completely.

Buttercream:

1.Beat together butter and shortening until smooth.

2. Add Nutella and mix until smooth.

3. Slowly add 4 cups of powdered sugar and mix until smooth.

4. Add 2-3 tbsp of milk or water and mix until smooth.

5. Add fifth cup of powdered sugar and mix until smooth.

6.. Add more water or milk until the right consistency.

Ganache:

1. Place chocolate chips in a metal bowl.

2.. Microwave remaining heavy cream until it starts to boil. Remove from microwave and pour over chocolate chips.

3. Cover bowl with saran wrap for 5-7 minutes.

4. Whisk chocolate and cream until smooth.

22. Allow to sit for a few minutes until it just starts to thicken, then pour over the top of the cake.

23. Once chocolate ganache has firmed up, top with reaming icing and fresh strawberries.