Orange Hazelnut Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich, nutty flavor of hazelnuts with the bright, zesty taste of fresh oranges. This cake is not only moist and flavorful but also visually appealing, making it perfect for special occasions or simply to enjoy with your afternoon coffee. The combination of real orange zest and finely ground hazelnuts creates a unique texture that will leave your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or looking for a new favorite recipe, this cake is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Orange Hazelnut Cake

This cake is not just delicious; it offers several compelling reasons to make it your next baking project:

Rich and moist texture that melts in your mouth.
The nutty flavor of hazelnuts pairs beautifully with citrus.
Easy to follow recipe, even for beginners—try this Easy Orange Hazelnut Cake Recipe.
Perfect for special occasions or as a comforting everyday dessert.
Can be made gluten-free or vegan, catering to various dietary needs.
Great presentation with optional decorations, making it a showstopper.
It’s a versatile dessert that can be served at any time of the day.
Unique cake flavors blend well with various toppings and fillings.

Ingredients for Orange Hazelnut Cake

Gather these items:

1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
¾ cup (90g) finely ground hazelnuts
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
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp orange zest
½ cup (80g) diced mandarin orange segments
1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
1 tbsp orange zest
2 tbsp orange juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Optional: 1–2 tbsp heavy cream
Toasted chopped hazelnuts
Orange zest curls or candied orange peel

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 mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar for 3 to 4 minutes until pale and fluffy.
Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and orange zest.
Step 5: Add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix just until combined.
Step 6: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 7: Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Step 8: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, orange zest, and vanilla extract, then mix. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks and fold into the cream cheese mixture along with the diced mandarin orange segments. Chill until ready.
Step 9: In a large bowl, beat the 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.
Step 10: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the orange cream filling over the surface. Add the second layer and spread the remaining filling. Top with the third layer.
Step 11: Apply a thin crumb coat of orange buttercream over the entire cake. Chill briefly if needed. Frost the cake fully with the remaining buttercream.
Step 12: Sprinkle toasted chopped hazelnuts around the top edge of the cake. Garnish with orange zest curls or candied orange peel.

Orange Hazelnut Cake: 12 Reasons to Love This Dessert - Orange Hazelnut Cake - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Best Orange Hazelnut Cake

Keep these in mind:

Use fresh mandarin orange segments for best flavor.
Store the cake in the refrigerator if not consumed within a few days.
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cream cheese in the filling.
Make sure all your ingredients, especially eggs and butter, are at room temperature for better mixing.

Best Ways to Serve Orange Hazelnut Cake

Enjoy this delightful cake in various ways:

Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
Pair it with a cup of tea or coffee during afternoon gatherings.
Use it as a centerpiece for special occasions, adding decorative garnishes like orange flavored cake with nuts.

How to Store and Reheat Orange Hazelnut Cake

If you have leftover cake, store it in the refrigerator to maintain its moisture and flavor. Cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can last up to 3 days. For meal prep, consider slicing the cake before storing; it makes serving easy. To reheat, simply place a slice in the microwave for a few seconds until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions About Orange Hazelnut Cake

What’s the secret to perfect Orange Hazelnut Cake?

The secret lies in using fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially real orange zest and finely ground hazelnuts. This will enhance the flavor profile significantly and make your cake truly unforgettable.

Can I make Orange Hazelnut Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just frost the cake on the day you plan to serve it to ensure it stays fresh and moist.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Orange Hazelnut Cake?

To prevent common baking pitfalls, make sure to measure your ingredients accurately and avoid overmixing the batter. Each step is crucial to ensure a moist and fluffy cake.

Variations of Orange Hazelnut Cake You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with these variations:

For a tropical twist, add diced pineapple or coconut to the batter.
Try a Hazelnut Orange Upside Down Cake by layering sliced oranges at the bottom of your cake pan.
Make it a Vegan Orange Hazelnut Cake by substituting eggs with flaxseed meal and using plant-based butter.
Consider a gluten-free option by replacing all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.