If you’re searching for the ultimate Ferrero Rocher Cake recipe, you’re in the right place! This cake is a Crumbs & Doilies classic—a stunningly rich, layered cake inspired by the luxurious flavours of Ferrero Rocher chocolates. With its decadent hazelnut and chocolate sponges, creamy hazelnut buttercream, and smooth chocolate ganache, this cake is a true showstopper.
For those based in London, our Ferrero Rocher Cake is available freshly made and ready for delivery.
Tools You'll Need
Before you begin creating this masterpiece, make sure you have the right tools on hand to streamline the process and achieve professional results:
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer – Essential for whipping buttercream, creaming butter and sugar, and preparing smooth, airy ganache.
- Mixing Bowls – Various sizes to keep your dry and wet ingredients separate when preparing the sponges and fillings.
- 9-Inch Cake Tins – You’ll need four tins to bake the hazelnut and chocolate sponges evenly.
- Palette Knife – Perfect for spreading buttercream, ganache, and achieving smooth finishes.
- Cake Scraper – Helps achieve clean, straight edges when icing the cake.
- Cake Leveller or Serrated Knife – For trimming domed tops and slicing the sponges into even layers.
- Cake Turntable – Makes decorating easier by allowing you to spin the cake for smooth icing and precise decoration.
- Piping Bag and Nozzles – To secure meringue kisses or pipe decorative buttercream details if desired.
- Baking Paper or Non-Stick Spray – To line and prepare your cake tins, ensuring the sponges release cleanly.
- Fine Mesh Sieve – For sifting flour and icing sugar to remove lumps and for straining the ganache if needed.
With these tools at the ready, you’ll find the process of baking, assembling, and decorating this show-stopping cake both smooth and enjoyable!
How to Make a Ferrero Rocher Cake
Our Ferrero Rocher Cake is all about balancing hazelnut, chocolate, and decadent fillings. Here’s a quick overview of the key steps to bring this show-stopping cake to life.
Bake the Sponges
Start with two sets of sponges: hazelnut and chocolate. The hazelnut sponge uses a classic creaming method with hazelnut paste for nutty richness, while the chocolate sponge combines buttermilk and coffee for a deep, moist crumb. Bake each set until cooked through and golden, then allow them to cool completely before trimming.
Prepare the Fillings
Make the hazelnut buttercream by whipping butter until light and fluffy, then adding icing sugar and hazelnut paste for smooth, creamy layers. Prepare two types of ganache: a thicker one for icing and a thinner one for the drip effect. Allow both to cool slightly for the best consistency.
Assemble the Layers
Trim the tops of your sponges to flatten them, and slice each one in half for a total of 8 layers. Begin stacking, alternating hazelnut and chocolate sponges with a generous spread of hazelnut buttercream between each layer. Chill the cake after applying a thin crumb coat of ganache to lock in crumbs.
Add the Final Ganache Coat
Once chilled, apply a smooth, even layer of thick ganache over the cake. Use a palette knife and cake scraper to create sharp edges. For a decorative drip effect, let the thinner ganache cascade naturally from the edges for that signature Ferrero Rocher look.
Finishing Touches
Decorate the base of the cake with chopped roasted hazelnuts for added texture. Top with meringue kisses or chocolate balls for a luxurious finish, and dust with edible gold shimmer for an extra touch of elegance.
How to Make Meringue Kisses
Meringue kisses add a lovely decorative touch to your cake. These light and airy bites are easy to make and add an elegant flair.
Prepare the Meringue Mixture:
- In a mixer, beat 2 egg whites until they become foamy.
- Gradually add 200g of caster sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture is glossy and forms stiff peaks. The mixture should be smooth with no sugar grains; if it feels grainy, keep mixing until completely dissolved.
Pipe the Meringue Kisses:
- Transfer the meringue mixture to a piping bag fitted with a round nozzle.
- Pipe small kisses onto a baking tray lined with baking paper. Hold the piping bag about an inch above the tray, apply gentle pressure, and then stop squeezing and lift the bag to form a peak on each kiss.
Bake the Meringues:
- Bake at 100°C for 30-35 minutes, or until they easily lift off the baking paper. The kisses should be crisp and light.
Decorate the Kisses:
- After baking, dip each meringue kiss into 50g of melted chocolate and roll in chopped roasted hazelnuts for added flavour and texture.
Attach the Kisses to the Cake:
- To place the meringue kisses on the cake, use a piping bag with a star nozzle to add a small base of buttercream to secure each kiss. Gently press each meringue onto the buttercream.
Tips for Perfect Layered Cakes
Creating a beautifully layered cake takes a bit of skill, but with these tips, you’ll be able to stack your Ferrero Rocher Cake like a pro!
- Trim the tops of each sponge to create a flat, even surface before stacking. This step is essential for a stable, balanced cake and helps keep each layer even.
- A turntable makes it much easier to apply buttercream and ganache smoothly and evenly. Place your cake on the turntable to rotate it as you spread, ensuring an even finish on all sides.
- Chilling the cake briefly after each layer of buttercream or ganache will help it set and prevent sliding. This is especially helpful when you’re working with multiple layers.
- As you stack, carefully centre each layer to maintain a straight, even look. Use a cake scraper or palette knife to adjust as needed, ensuring no layers shift off-centre.
- For added stability, especially with taller cakes, insert thin dowels or straws into the cake after stacking. This will help hold everything together, making it easier to transport and serve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking a layered cake can be straightforward if you avoid a few common pitfalls. Here are some tips to help you sidestep mistakes and ensure the best results.
Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can cause the cake to become dense and tough. To avoid this, mix just until the ingredients are combined, especially after adding the flour.
Using Ingredients at the Wrong Temperature: Room-temperature butter, eggs, and milk help the batter mix evenly, so plan ahead to allow cold ingredients to reach the right temperature. Cold butter can lead to uneven mixing, while overly soft butter might make the cake too greasy.
Overfilling the Cake Tins: Filling the tins too high can cause the batter to overflow, creating uneven layers. Fill each tin about two-thirds full for the best rise without spills.
Not Levelling the Layers: Uneven layers can cause the cake to tilt or become unstable. Trim each sponge to create flat surfaces before stacking for a stable and visually appealing cake.
Skipping Cooling Time: Stacking and frosting a warm cake can cause the buttercream to melt and slide. Let each layer cool completely before assembling.
Recommended Guide: Cake Baking Tips
How to Serve Your Ferrero Rocher Cake
This Ferrero Rocher Cake is a showstopper on its own, but pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate each slice:
- Serve on its own: Rich and satisfying all by itself, making it perfect for any celebration.
- With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or hazelnut ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the chocolate and hazelnut flavours.
- With Double Cream: Pour a bit of double cream over each slice for a smooth, luxurious finish.
- With Fresh Berries: Tart fruits like strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing contrast to the cake’s sweetness.
For serving options that make the most of every slice, check out our guide on How to Cut a Cake for different ways to slice and serve based on your occasion and party size!