Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 8-inch round cake pans, line the bottoms with parchment paper, and lightly grease the parchment as well.
- Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Warm the water until steaming. In another bowl, whisk together the oil, sugar, vanilla, eggs, and buttermilk, then slowly stream in the hot water while whisking continuously to prevent the eggs from cooking.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir just until no dry streaks remain. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25 to 28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Sift together the powdered sugar and cocoa powder into a bowl to remove any lumps.
- Beat the softened butter and Nutella together on high speed until light and creamy, about 3 minutes. Gradually add the sifted sugar mixture while mixing on low speed.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and continue beating until the frosting becomes fluffy and smooth.
- Place the Ferrero Rocher chocolates in the freezer for about 15 to 20 minutes, then chop them into small pieces.
- Trim the domed tops from the cooled cake layers. Divide the Nutella filling into two equal portions and warm each briefly until spreadable.
- Place one cake layer on a serving board. Spread about ½ cup of frosting over the surface, pipe a frosting border around the edge, spread one portion of warmed Nutella inside the border, sprinkle over half of the chopped Ferrero Rocher pieces, and add a few small dollops of frosting before placing on the next cake layer.
- Repeat the filling process with the second cake layer, then place the final cake layer on top with its flat bottom facing upward.
- Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting over the entire cake and chill for about 15 minutes until firm.
- Cover the cake with the remaining frosting, smooth the sides, and decorate with whole Ferrero Rocher chocolates if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
Every slice combines moist chocolate cake, silky Nutella, and crunchy chocolate hazelnut candies for a dessert that feels both nostalgic and luxurious. It's the perfect centerpiece for birthdays, holidays, or whenever you want to impress.