Nutella + Cake = Yummy!

I am somewhat fond of Nutella. Really, what's not to like about it? It is creamy, chocolaty goodness on a spoon! Did I say spoon? What I meant to say was that is great on whole wheat bread. I mean, really, who would eat it straight off a spoon!

So, now that we have established my fondness for Nutella, let's move on to the yummy recipe.

Nutella Swirl Pound Cake!

I found this recipe while looking through a copy of the magazine real food from Sendik's Food Market. The recipe is originally from the book Cake Keeper Cakes by Lauren Chattman. You can find the recipe here as well. It is definitely a keeper!

So go ahead, have your cake and Nutella, too!

1. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
2. 4 large eggs, at room temperature
3. 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
4. 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
5. 1/4 teaspoon salt
6. 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
7. 1 1/4 cups sugar
8. One 13-ounce jar Nutella

1. Preheat the oven to 325°. Lightly grease and flour a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan, tapping out any excess flour. In a glass measuring cup, lightly beat the eggs with the vanilla. In a medium bowl, whisk the 1 1/2 cups of flour with the baking powder and salt.
2. In a large bowl, using a handheld mixer, beat the butter with the sugar at medium-high speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes. With the mixer at medium-low speed, gradually beat in the egg mixture until fully incorporated. Add the flour mixture in 3 batches, beating at low speed between additions until just incorporated. Continue to beat for 30 seconds longer.
3. Spread one-third of the batter in the prepared pan, then spread half of the Nutella on top. Repeat with another third of the batter and the remaining Nutella. Top with the remaining batter. Lightly swirl the Nutella into the batter with a butter knife. Do not overmix.
4. Bake the cake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Invert the cake onto a wire rack, turn it right side up and let cool completely, about 2 hours. Cut the cake into slices and serve.