Hazelnut Crunch Cake with Mascarpone and Chocolate

Name: Hazelnut Crunch Cake with Mascarpone and Chocolate
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 box chocolate cake mix and any additonal ingredients needed to make the cake; 1 cup (about 4 1/2 ounces) hazelnuts, toasted and skinned (see Note, page 190); 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 2 (8-ounce) containers mascarpone cheese, at room temperature; 1 cup heavy cream; 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/4 cup bittersweet chocolate chips; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon grated orange zest

December 9, 2011

A lot of steps go into putting this cake together but since it starts with a boxed cake mix, none of them is very difficult. All the effort goes into the creamy-crunchy filling, made from hazelnut brittle that is a delicious candy all on its own. It makes for a spectacular birthday cake.

Recipe notes

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

Gochujang Turkey Sweet Potatoes

Fully loaded, meal-prep friendly, and ready to be dressed up, down, or sideways.