
If you’re looking for a showstopping dessert that’s easy to love and even easier to decorate, this Nutella Layer Cake is it. With two soft chocolate cake layers, a luscious Nutella frosting recipe, and silky Nutella filling between the layers, this cake is perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or whenever you want an indulgent chocolate treat. It’s one of those Nutella cake recipes that looks impressive with simple cake designs and tastes like a bakery masterpiece.
This recipe uses pantry staples and a straightforward method, making it ideal for bakers of all levels. Whether you’re planning a Nutella birthday cake, exploring things to make with Nutella, or searching for easy Nutella dessert recipes, this layered beauty delivers flavor, texture, and eye-catching Nutella cake decoration in every slice.
Why You’ll Love This Nutella Cake
- Ultra-moist chocolate sponge that stays tender for days
- Dreamy Nutella buttercream that pipes beautifully
- Perfect structure for a 2 layer chocolate cake presentation
- Easy to customize with elegant Nutella cake design ideas
- A crowd-pleaser for parties, birthdays, and celebrations
Ingredients You’ll Need
Chocolate Cake Layers
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee (enhances chocolate flavor)
Nutella Frosting Recipe
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups Nutella
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 3–5 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Filling & Decoration
- 3/4 cup Nutella (for the middle layer)
- Chocolate shavings, hazelnuts, or drips (optional)
How to Make Nutella Layer Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Pans
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until combined. Slowly pour in hot coffee and mix into a smooth batter (it will be thin).
Step 4: Bake
Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
Step 5: Make Nutella Frosting
Beat butter until fluffy. Add Nutella and mix well. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake
Place the first cake layer on a plate. Spread 3/4 cup Nutella evenly on top. Add a layer of Nutella frosting. Place the second cake layer on top.
Step 7: Frost and Decorate
Frost the entire cake with Nutella buttercream. Use a spatula for rustic swirls or a piping bag for elegant Nutella cake decoration. Add chocolate shavings or chopped hazelnuts for a professional finish.

Simple Cake Designs with Nutella
You don’t need advanced skills to create stunning simple cake designs:
- Rustic spatula swirls with a glossy Nutella drip
- Piped rosettes around the border for a Nutella birthday cake look
- Chocolate shavings and toasted hazelnuts for texture
- A clean, smooth finish with a centered Nutella spiral
Tips for the Best Nutella Cake
- Use room-temperature ingredients for a smooth batter
- Don’t skip the coffee—it deepens the chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee
- Chill the cake 20 minutes before final decorating for cleaner edges
- If frosting feels thick, add cream 1 tablespoon at a time
Variations and Ideas
- Turn this into cupcakes using the same batter (bake 18–20 minutes)
- Add a thin chocolate ganache drip for extra richness
- Swap the filling with a layer inspired by a Nutella cheesecake recipe for a fusion dessert
- Use this base for other Nutella cake recipes with berries or bananas
How to Store
- Room temperature (covered): 1 day
- Refrigerator: up to 4 days (bring to room temp before serving)
- Freeze unfrosted layers up to 2 months
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes. Bake layers a day ahead and frost the next day.
Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes. Add 1 tbsp lemon juice to 1 cup milk and rest 5 minutes.
Is this good for birthdays?
Absolutely! It’s ideal as a Nutella birthday cake with beautiful Nutella cake design options.
Final Thoughts
This Nutella Layer Cake is the ultimate chocolate lover’s dream. With moist layers, creamy Nutella frosting, and endless decorating possibilities, it’s one of the best easy Nutella dessert recipes you can make at home. Whether you keep it rustic or go for elegant Nutella cake decoration, this cake delivers bakery-level results with simple steps and unforgettable flavor.

Nutella Layer Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Mix well. Slowly add hot coffee and stir until smooth.
- Divide batter into pans and bake for 30–35 minutes. Cool completely.
- Beat butter until fluffy. Add Nutella. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream until smooth.
- Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread Nutella on top, then a layer of frosting.
- Add second cake layer. Frost entire cake with Nutella buttercream.
- Decorate with chocolate shavings or hazelnuts.