Chocolate-Hazelnut Layer Cake Recipe

Directions

1. 1
   Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray two 9-inch round cake pans with baking spray. Line pans with parchment paper rounds and spray once again with baking spray.
2. 2
   In large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In medium bowl, whisk together eggs, sour cream, oil, and vanilla. Add egg mixture to flour mixture and stir until mixture is a thick paste.
3. 3
   Stir espresso powder into hazelnut liqueur, then stir in boiling water, and whisk mixture into cake batter until smooth.
4. 4
   Place chocolate in small bowl and microwave until smooth and melted, 1 to 2 minutes, stopping microwave to stir chocolate every 20 seconds. Stir melted chocolate into batter. (See Notes)
5. 5
   Scrape batter into prepared pans. Bake until cake tester inserted in center of cakes comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer cakes to cooling rack and cool in pans 10 minutes. Turn cakes out directly onto racks, peel off and discard parchment, then invert cakes so tops are facing up. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
6. 6
   Meanwhile, whip the cream, hazelnut liqueur, and confectioners' sugar on medium speed until soft peaks form, about 1 minute.
7. 7
   Place chocolate in small bowl and microwave until smooth and melted, 1 to 2 minutes, stopping microwave to stir chocolate every 20 seconds; set aside. (See Notes)
8. 8
   Beat cream cheese and Nutella on medium speed until combined, about 30 seconds. Pour in melted chocolate and beat until smooth and fully incorporated, 1 to 2 minutes, scraping sides and bottom of bowl with rubber spatula as needed.
9. 9
   Add hazelnuts and beat just until combined. Fold in whipped cream.
10. 10
    Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until slightly set, 30 to 60 minutes.
11. 11
    With a serrated knife, cut each cake in half to create 4 equal layers.
12. 12
    Place one cake layer on cake stand or serving dish. Brush with hazelnut liqueur and spread a generous 1 1/2 cups mousse.
13. 13
    Place second layer of cake on top of mousse and repeat brushing and layering procedure, finishing with cake layer.
14. 14
    Tuck the whole hazelnuts into the mousse visible between layers. Dust top of cake with confectioners' sugar.
15. 15
    Chill 1 to 2 hours before serving. Refrigerate leftovers.