Desserts > Cake > French Cakes

Chocolate and Hazelnut Pain de Gênes Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup toasted hazelnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk

Special Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch round cake pan
- parchment paper
- electric mixer

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter and line the bottom with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and cocoa powder.

3. In a separate bowl, mix together the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk.

4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

5. Fold in the chopped hazelnuts.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly.

7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 8-10

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 250
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 5g

Substitutions for Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: whole wheat flour, almond flour, or oat flour
- Butter: coconut oil or vegan butter
- Eggs: flax eggs
- Milk: almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk

Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter
- Substitute the hazelnuts with almonds or walnuts
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the batter

Tips and Tricks:
- Toast the hazelnuts in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes before chopping
- Make sure to not overmix the batter

Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.

Presentation Ideas:
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream
- Top with fresh berries
- Drizzle with melted chocolate

Garnishes:
- Chopped hazelnuts
- Chocolate shavings
- Fresh berries

Pairings:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Espresso
- Fresh fruit

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fruit salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Green salad

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cake is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk to the batter.
- If the cake is too moist, add a tablespoon of flour to the batter.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to use fresh ingredients
- Store in an airtight container
- Refrigerate leftovers

Food History:
Pain de Gênes is a traditional French cake that is made with almond flour and flavored with orange zest. It is believed to have originated in the city of Genoa, Italy in the 16th century.

Flavor Profiles:
This cake has a rich, chocolatey flavor with a hint of nuttiness from the hazelnuts.

Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a dessert
- Enjoy as a snack
- Serve with coffee or tea

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Region: French

Taste: Rich, Nutty, Sweet, Chocolatey