Capricorn Mocha Hazelnut Torte

Highlighted under: Home-Style Dessert Bakes

Indulge in the rich flavors of this decadent Capricorn Mocha Hazelnut Torte, perfect for any special occasion or a delightful treat.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-20T12:05:49.038Z

This Capricorn Mocha Hazelnut Torte is inspired by the earthy flavors of hazelnuts combined with the richness of chocolate and coffee. It's a treat that's sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
  • Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
  • Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

A Delight for Chocolate Lovers

The Capricorn Mocha Hazelnut Torte is a dream come true for chocolate enthusiasts. With its rich chocolate flavor, this dessert elevates the traditional torte to a new level of indulgence. The combination of finely ground hazelnuts adds a delightful nuttiness that perfectly complements the deep cocoa, making each bite an experience to savor.

Incorporating brewed espresso into the batter enhances the chocolate's depth, making it all the more irresistible. The espresso not only intensifies the chocolate flavor but also adds a subtle coffee note that rounds out the taste profile beautifully. This torte is guaranteed to impress at any gathering, whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or holiday celebration.

The Magic of Ganache

A luscious ganache is the crowning glory of this torte. Made with heavy cream and semisweet chocolate, the ganache creates a smooth and glossy finish that looks as good as it tastes. When poured over the cooled torte, it transforms the dessert into a showstopper, instantly elevating its presentation.

The addition of butter in the ganache gives it a silky texture that melts in your mouth. This rich topping not only adds an extra layer of flavor but also keeps the torte moist and decadent. The ganache can be customized with different types of chocolate, allowing you to experiment with flavors and textures according to your preference.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

To enhance your Capricorn Mocha Hazelnut Torte experience, consider pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess of the toppings contrasts beautifully with the rich chocolate, creating a delightful balance of flavors. Additionally, a sprinkle of orange zest can elevate the dessert, echoing the flavors used in the torte.

For a finishing touch, serve the torte alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or espresso. The warmth and bitterness of the coffee complement the sweetness of the torte, making it a perfect end to any meal. Whether enjoyed alone or shared with friends, this dessert is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your Capricorn Mocha Hazelnut Torte.

For the Torte

  • 1 cup finely ground hazelnuts
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup brewed espresso, cooled

For the Ganache

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For Garnish

  • Chopped hazelnuts
  • Cocoa powder

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your delicious Capricorn Mocha Hazelnut Torte.

Prepare the Torte

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the ground hazelnuts, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and cooled espresso.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until combined.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Let the torte cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Ganache

  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring the heavy cream to a simmer.
  2. Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate and butter. Stir until smooth.
  3. Allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring over the cooled torte.

Garnish and Serve

  1. Once the ganache has set, sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts and dust with cocoa powder.
  2. Slice and serve, enjoying the rich flavors of this decadent torte!

Enjoy your Capricorn Mocha Hazelnut Torte with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful experience!

Storing Your Torte

To keep your Capricorn Mocha Hazelnut Torte fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you plan to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving, as this will enhance the flavors and texture.

If you're looking to make the torte in advance, it can be frozen for up to a month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and allow it to come back to room temperature before serving.

Variations to Try

Feel free to get creative with your Capricorn Mocha Hazelnut Torte! You can incorporate different nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, to change the flavor profile. For a fruity twist, consider adding a layer of raspberry or orange preserves between the torte and ganache. This will not only add a burst of flavor but also a beautiful contrast in color.

For those who prefer a less sweet dessert, use dark chocolate in the ganache for a more intense flavor. You can also reduce the amount of sugar in the batter slightly. This versatility makes the torte suitable for various tastes and occasions, ensuring that everyone will find something to love about it.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this torte ahead of time?

Yes, the torte can be made a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

→ Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze this torte?

Yes, you can freeze the torte without the ganache for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Capricorn Mocha Hazelnut Torte

Indulge in the rich flavors of this decadent Capricorn Mocha Hazelnut Torte, perfect for any special occasion or a delightful treat.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time50 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Home-Style Dessert Bakes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

For the Torte

  1. 1 cup finely ground hazelnuts
  2. 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  3. 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  4. 1 teaspoon baking powder
  5. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  6. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  7. 1 cup granulated sugar
  8. 2 large eggs
  9. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  10. 1/2 cup brewed espresso, cooled

For the Ganache

  1. 1 cup heavy cream
  2. 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
  3. 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For Garnish

  1. Chopped hazelnuts
  2. Cocoa powder

How-To Steps

Step 01

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the ground hazelnuts, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and cooled espresso.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until combined.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Let the torte cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 02

  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring the heavy cream to a simmer.
  2. Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate and butter. Stir until smooth.
  3. Allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring over the cooled torte.

Step 03

  1. Once the ganache has set, sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts and dust with cocoa powder.
  2. Slice and serve, enjoying the rich flavors of this decadent torte!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g