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Chocolate Hazelnut Crepe Cake: A Decadent Delight

If you’re looking to impress at your next gathering or simply indulge in a rich dessert without leaving the comfort of your home, the Chocolate Hazelnut Crepe Cake could just be the answer. This gorgeous multi-layered cake marries the delicate texture of crepes with the sumptuous flavours of chocolate and hazelnut, creating a delightful treat that promises to tantalise your taste buds.

A Brief History of Crepe Cakes

Crepe cakes, also known as mille crepes, originated in France and have been a staple of French patisserie for centuries. Traditionally, they consist of numerous layers of thin crepes separated by pastry cream or whipped cream. The concept has been adopted and adapted around the world, with many variations incorporating different flavours and fillings. The Chocolate Hazelnut variant has gained a strong following, influenced in part by the popular hazelnut spread, Nutella.

The Components of a Chocolate Hazelnut Crepe Cake

This delightful dessert is composed of three key elements: the crepes, the filling, and the ganache. Below is a brief overview of each component:

The Crepes

Crepes are thin pancakes made from a simple batter of flour, eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt. For this cake, you can opt for plain crepes or enhance them with cocoa powder for an extra chocolatey flavour. The crepes are cooked until lightly browned and then stacked to cool before filling.

The Filling

The filling is where the magic truly begins. A rich chocolate hazelnut ganache, made from dark chocolate and heavy cream, can be whisked together with a hint of hazelnut liqueur or extract for added depth. Alternatively, layer in hazelnut spread—many will immediately think of the iconic Nutella—as an easy and delicious option.

The Ganache Topping

To finish, a glossy chocolate ganache can be poured over the top, resulting in an eye-catching sheen while also enhancing the flavour profile. Finish off with a sprinkle of crushed hazelnuts or a dusting of cocoa powder for a touch of elegance.

The Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

For the Crepes:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (optional)

For the Filling:

• 200g dark chocolate, chopped
• 200ml heavy cream
• 100g hazelnut spread
• 1 teaspoon hazelnut liqueur or extract (optional)

For the Ganache:

• 150g dark chocolate, chopped
• 150ml heavy cream

To Garnish:

• Crushed hazelnuts
• Cocoa powder

Instructions

1. Make the Crepes:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and cocoa powder if using, until smooth. Let the batter rest for 30 minutes. Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat and add a small amount of butter. Pour a ladleful of batter into the pan, swirling to coat the base. Cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden, then flip and cook for another minute. Repeat until all the batter is used, stacking the crepes on a plate to cool.

2. Prepare the Filling:
   Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until just simmering, then pour it over the chopped chocolate in a bowl. Allow it to sit for a couple of minutes before stirring until smooth. Combine the ganache with the hazelnut spread and hazelnut liqueur if desired.

3. Assemble the Cake:
   Place one crepe on a serving plate and spread a layer of the chocolate hazelnut filling on top. Repeat this process, stacking crepes and filling until all the crepes are used. Finish with a final layer of filling on top.

4. Make the Ganache Topping:
   For the ganache, heat the heavy cream until simmering and pour it over the chopped chocolate in a bowl. Stir until smooth, then let cool slightly before pouring it over the top of the assembled crepe cake.

5. Garnish and Serve:
   Allow the cake to set in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight before serving. When ready to serve, sprinkle with crushed hazelnuts and dust with cocoa powder for an elegant finish.

Conclusion

The Chocolate Hazelnut Crepe Cake is more than just a dessert; it is an experience, a labour of love that pays off in the form of exquisite flavour and presentation. Perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or a sophisticated treat for chocolate lovers, this cake is sure to become a cherished recipe in any dessert repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, channel your inner pâtissier, and prepare to wow your friends and family with every delightful slice.