DESSERTS

Delicious Orange Hazelnut Cake for Every Occasion

by basmer

23 de December de 2025

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Orange Hazelnut Cake is a luscious dessert that combines rich, moist cake with the vibrant flavors of orange and hazelnuts. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply indulging in a sweet treat during afternoon coffee. With its unique nutty texture and citrus brightness, this cake will surely impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that can become a staple in your baking repertoire!

Why You’ll Love This Orange Hazelnut Cake

This cake is not just delicious; it offers a variety of benefits that make it a must-try. First, the combination of ground hazelnuts and fresh orange zest creates a moist orange hazelnut cake that is both flavorful and satisfying. Secondly, it’s perfect for special occasions, making it an ideal choice for parties or family gatherings. Additionally, this hazelnut orange dessert is versatile enough to be served after dinner or during afternoon tea. If you’re seeking a gluten-free orange hazelnut cake, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Lastly, the prep time is manageable, making it an easy orange nut cake with hazelnuts that anyone can master!

Ingredients for Orange Hazelnut Cake

Gather these items:

1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
¾ cup (90g) finely ground hazelnuts (or hazelnut meal)
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
½ cup (100g) brown sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp orange zest
1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
1 ½ cups (360ml) heavy cream
½ cup (120g) cream cheese, softened
⅓ cup (40g) powdered sugar
½ cup (80g) diced mandarin orange segments (fresh or canned)
1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
2 tbsp orange juice
Pinch of salt
Optional: 1–2 tbsp heavy cream, for texture
Toasted chopped hazelnuts for decoration
Orange zest curls or candied orange peel for decoration

How to Make Orange Hazelnut Cake Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch (20cm) round cake pans with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground hazelnuts, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Step 3: In a large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until pale and fluffy.
Step 4: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract and orange zest.
Step 5: Add dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with buttermilk. Mix just until combined.
Step 6: Divide batter among prepared pans and bake for 22 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 7: Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Step 8: In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until blended.
Step 9: In another bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks. Fold into cream cheese mixture along with mandarin orange segments. Chill.
Step 10: In a large bowl, beat softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low. Add orange zest, orange juice, and a pinch of salt. Beat until fluffy.
Step 11: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the orange cream filling over it. Add second layer and remaining filling. Top with third layer.
Step 12: Apply a thin crumb coat of orange buttercream over the cake. Frost fully with remaining buttercream.
Step 13: Sprinkle toasted chopped hazelnuts around the top edge. Garnish with orange zest curls or candied orange peel.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Orange Hazelnut Cake

Keep these in mind:

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Best enjoyed within three days.
Use fresh oranges for the best flavor.
For a more intense flavor, consider adding a splash of orange liqueur to the batter.

Best Ways to Serve Orange Hazelnut Cake

This cake is a showstopper on its own, but here are some serving suggestions. Pair slices of this orange-flavored hazelnut cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It also pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea, making it a perfect afternoon treat. Consider serving it as a centerpiece for family gatherings or special occasions, where it can truly shine.

How to Store and Reheat Orange Hazelnut Cake

To keep your orange hazelnut cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to preserve it for a longer time, you can freeze it by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply let it thaw at room temperature. This makes it a great option for meal prep, ensuring you always have a delicious dessert on hand.

Frequently Asked Questions About Orange Hazelnut Cake

What’s the secret to perfect Orange Hazelnut Cake?

The key to a perfect orange hazelnut cake lies in the balance of flavors. Ensure you use fresh orange zest and high-quality hazelnuts to enhance the cake’s nutty and citrus notes. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep it light and fluffy.

Can I make Orange Hazelnut Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the layers of orange hazelnut cake a day or two in advance. Just wrap them in plastic and store them in the refrigerator. Frost just before serving for the freshest taste!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Orange Hazelnut Cake?

To avoid common pitfalls, measure your ingredients accurately and ensure your butter is softened appropriately for easy creaming. Don’t skip the chilling step for the frosting to achieve a smooth finish on your moist orange hazelnut cake.

Creative Variations of Orange Hazelnut Cake You Can Try

There are many exciting variations on this classic recipe! For a twist, you can make an orange hazelnut tart by using a tart shell instead of cake layers. For a gluten-free option, substitute the flour for almond flour. You can also explore adding different citrus fruits like lemon or grapefruit to create a unique flavor profile. Experimenting with these easy orange hazelnut cake ideas can lead to delightful surprises!

For more baking tips, check out our latest recipes or learn how to make Cranberry Orange Pancakes for a delicious breakfast option. If you’re looking for more dessert ideas, consider trying Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies this holiday season!

Delicious Orange Hazelnut Cake for Every Occasion

Author: basmer
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This orange hazelnut cake is rich, moist, and packed with nutty flavor and citrus brightness. Perfect for holidays or afternoon coffee.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch (20cm) round cake pans with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground hazelnuts, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
In a large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until pale and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract and orange zest.
Add dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with buttermilk. Mix just until combined.
Divide batter among prepared pans and bake for 22 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until blended.
In another bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks. Fold into cream cheese mixture along with mandarin orange segments. Chill.
In a large bowl, beat softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low. Add orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until fluffy.
Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the orange cream filling over it. Add second layer and remaining filling. Top with third layer.
Apply a thin crumb coat of orange buttercream over the cake. Frost fully with remaining buttercream.
Sprinkle toasted chopped hazelnuts around the top edge. Garnish with orange zest curls or candied orange peel.