That Kinder Bueno Cake You Can’t Stop Thinking About
You know that feeling, right? You’re scrolling, minding your own business, and BAM. A photo of a chocolate cake appears. But not just any cake. A towering, creamy, nutty, Kinder Bueno masterpiece. It happened to me last month. I saw it, I craved it, and I knew I had to make it. Let me tell you, friends, this Kinder Bueno cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration on a plate. It looks like it came from a fancy patisserie, but I promise you, it’s deceptively simple to create at home.
The Story of My Kinder Bueno Cake Obsession
It all started as a birthday request from my nephew, Leo. « Aunty, make me a cake with my favorite chocolate! » he said, waving a Kinder Bueno bar. The challenge was on. I love baking, but I’m no professional pastry chef. I wanted something impressive yet foolproof. After a few delightful « test runs » (my neighbors were very happy volunteers), I perfected this version. It blends the classic, airy French « biscuit » sponge with the irresistible Italian creaminess of mascarpone, all wrapped up in that iconic German chocolate-hazelnut flavor. It’s a delicious little piece of Europe in every slice! This Gâteau Kinder Bueno has become my secret weapon for making people smile.
Why You Will Absolutely Adore This Recipe
First, it’s incredibly forgiving. The sponge cake is basic and always works. Second, the « wow » factor is through the roof. When you bring this cake to the table, you’ll get gasps. Third, and most importantly, the taste. It’s a perfect harmony: not too sweet, wonderfully chocolatey, with fantastic crunchy bits and a cloud-like cream. It’s the kind of dessert that makes everyone ask for the recipe before they’ve even finished their piece.
When to Whip Up This Show-Stopping Kinder Dessert
This cake is your best friend for any special occasion. It’s a birthday superstar, a surefire hit at family gatherings, and the perfect centerpiece for a dinner party with friends. Want to be the most popular person at the potluck? Bring this. It even works as a fantastic « just because it’s Wednesday » treat. Life is short, eat the Kinder Bueno cake.
Gathering Your Ingredients for Success
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this masterpiece. Make sure everything is at room temperature for the best results (especially the eggs and dairy for the cream).
For the Chocolate Sponge Cake:
- 6 medium eggs
- 150 g granulated sugar
- 140 g all-purpose flour (type 405)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 packet of baking powder (about 2 tsp)
For the Heavenly Kinder Cream:
- 200 g Kinder chocolate (bars or broken pieces)
- 200 ml heavy whipping cream (very cold)
- 200 g full-fat cream cheese
- 500 g mascarpone cheese
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
For the Decoration & Crunch:
- 100 g dark chocolate couverture (for coating)
- 100 g chopped, toasted hazelnuts
- 250 g Kinder Bueno chocolate bars (for layers and top)
No-Problem Ingredient Swaps
Out of something? Don’t panic! Here are easy swaps. Can’t find Kinder chocolate? Use any high-quality milk chocolate bar. For a nut-free version, omit the hazelnuts and use crushed wafer biscuits for crunch. If mascarpone is too rich, you can use more cream cheese, but the texture will be firmer. The cake will still be delicious!
Let’s Bake! Your Step-by-Step Guide to Kinder Bueno Cake Perfection
Step 1: Baking the Fluffy Chocolate Sponge
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line two 20cm springform pans with parchment paper. Now, let’s get airy! Separate the egg yolks from the whites. Whip the yolks with the sugar until they become pale, thick, and creamy—this is your base. In another spotlessly clean bowl, beat the egg whites until they form stiff, glossy peaks. Gently sift the flour, cocoa, and baking powder into the yolk mixture. Fold carefully. Then, with a light hand, fold in the magnificent egg whites. The goal is to keep all that lovely air inside. Divide the beautiful, mousse-like batter between the two pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top springs back at a gentle touch.
Pro tip: A clean, grease-free bowl is non-negotiable for perfect egg whites. A pinch of salt helps them stabilize.
Step 2: Crafting the Dreamy Kinder Cream
This cream is the soul of the cake. Start by finely chopping the Kinder chocolate. Gently melt it in a heatproof bowl over simmering water (a bain-marie) or in short bursts in the microwave. Stir until it’s silky smooth, then set it aside to cool slightly. In a large bowl, whip the icy cold heavy cream to soft peaks. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese, mascarpone, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar until completely smooth and lump-free. Now, pour in the cooled, melted chocolate and mix thoroughly. The aroma is divine! Finally, fold the whipped cream into the chocolate-mascarpone mixture. Use a gentle folding motion to keep it light and airy. You’ve just created magic in a bowl.
Step 3: Assembling Your Masterpiece
Once your sponge cake bases are completely cool, it’s time for the fun part. If they have a domed top, you can level them with a serrated knife for stability. Place the first sponge layer on your serving plate. Spoon a generous amount of the Kinder cream onto it and spread it evenly. Now, take some of your Kinder Bueno bars, break them into chunks, and scatter them over the cream for that essential crunchy layer. Place the second sponge cake on top. Now, cover the entire cake—top and sides—with the remaining cream. Use a spatula or a cake scraper to make it as smooth or as artistically messy as you like!
Step 4: The Final, Irresistible Touches
This is where your cake transforms into a showpiece. Melt the dark chocolate couverture and drizzle it artistically over the top of the cake. Immediately press the chopped toasted hazelnuts onto the sides of the cake—they’ll stick to the fresh cream. Finally, artfully arrange whole and broken pieces of Kinder Bueno bars on top. Be generous! The contrast of textures and chocolates is what makes every bite an adventure.
Chef’s tip: For the cleanest slices, pop the fully decorated cake in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the cream to set perfectly, making it easy to cut.
Your Kinder Bueno Cake Timeline
Let’s plan your baking session.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes (it’s relaxing, I promise!)
- Baking Time: 25 minutes
- Cooling & Assembly Time: 30 minutes
- Chilling Time (Crucial!): Minimum 4 hours, best overnight
- Total Time: About 5.5 hours (mostly hands-off chilling)
The Secret That Makes All the Difference
My absolute secret is patience. Don’t rush to assemble the cake with warm sponge layers, and don’t skip the long chill in the fridge. Letting the assembled Gâteau Kinder Bueno rest overnight allows the sponge to soak up a little moisture from the cream, becoming incredibly tender, and lets all the flavors—chocolate, hazelnut, creamy mascarpone—become best friends. The result is a perfectly sliceable, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
A Little Chocolatey Trivia for You
Did you know the word « Bueno » means « good » in Spanish and Italian? It’s a fitting name! The unique wafer structure inside the bar was designed to create a delicate, airy crunch that contrasts with the smooth cream and chocolate. We’re essentially recreating that wonderful play of textures on a grand, cake-sized scale. It’s a dessert that truly engages all your senses.
Your Kitchen Toolbox
You don’t need fancy equipment! Two 20cm (8-inch) springform pans, mixing bowls, a hand or stand mixer (a whisk and strong arms will work too!), a spatula, a sieve for the dry ingredients, and a serrated knife for leveling the cakes. A cake turntable makes decorating easier, but it’s not essential.
Keeping Your Kinder Bueno Cake Happy
Because of the fresh dairy in the cream, this cake must be stored in the refrigerator. Cover it loosely with a cake dome or some plastic wrap to protect it from absorbing other fridge odors.
It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days. In fact, many believe it tastes even better on the second day as the flavors continue to develop.
You can freeze the undecorated sponge cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic for up to a month. However, I do not recommend freezing the fully assembled cake with the cream, as the texture of the mascarpone can change upon thawing.
My Best Tips for a Flawless Cake
- Always use full-fat products for the cream. Low-fat alternatives may not whip properly and can make the cream runny.
- Toast the hazelnuts for the decoration in a dry pan for a few minutes. It unlocks a deeper, richer flavor that pairs amazingly with chocolate.
- If your cream seems a bit soft after whipping, just pop the bowl in the fridge for 20 minutes before assembling. The cold is your friend!
- When folding, use a gentle « figure-eight » motion with your spatula to keep as much air in the mixture as possible.
How to Present Your Cake Like a Pro
- Dust the top with a little gold edible dust for a truly festive look.
- Serve each slice with a small dollop of extra whipped cream and a single Kinder Bueno stick on the side.
- Use a hot, clean knife to cut each slice for beautifully clean edges. Wipe the knife between cuts.
- Place the cake on a beautiful cake stand. Presentation is half the fun!
Feel Like Exploring Other Desserts?
If you loved making this Kinder Bueno cake, you have a whole world of amazing desserts to discover! For another fun, hands-on project, try these cute and delicious homemade dreams, which are fluffy fried doughnuts with a silky custard cream. If you’re in the mood for something light as air, my great-grandmother’s Cloud Cake is a timeless classic. For a taste of rustic, comforting flavor, this irresistible Dutch apple crumb pie is pure joy. And if you’re a fan of no-bake treats, you won’t believe how easy and decadent this Oreo cookie cheesecake is to make.
Common Mistakes to Avoid With Your Kinder Bueno Cake
Mistake 1: Using Warm Sponge Layers
This is the biggest culprit for a soggy, collapsing cake. Assembling with warm cake melts the delicate cream on contact. The layers can also tear easily. Always, always let your sponge cakes cool completely on a wire rack. This allows the structure to set and ensures a stable base for your beautiful cream.
Mistake 2: Overbeating or Underbeating the Cream
Getting the cream texture right is key. If you underbeat the heavy cream, it won’t hold its shape and will make the whole filling runny. If you overbeat it, you’ll get grainy, chunky butter. The sweet spot is soft to medium peaks—when you lift the beaters, the cream should hold a gentle peak that curls over slightly at the tip. It should look smooth and luscious.
Mistake 3: Skipping the Long Chill Time
I know it’s tempting to dig in right away! But slicing a cake that hasn’t set is a recipe for a messy, squished dessert. The chilling time is not optional; it’s a crucial step. It allows the cream to firm up, the layers to settle, and the flavors to marry perfectly. Planning ahead for that overnight rest guarantees a clean, professional-looking slice every time.
Mistake 4: Not Folding Gently
When you mix the egg whites into the batter or fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, treat it gently! Vigorous stirring deflates all the precious air bubbles you worked so hard to create. This leads to a dense sponge cake and a heavy, flat cream. Use a wide spatula and fold with care, turning the bowl as you go, until just combined.
Speaking of getting things just right, using high-quality ingredients doesn’t just improve taste; it can also affect how satisfying a dessert feels. Foods with good nutritional value, like the nuts and dairy in this cake, can contribute to a greater sense of satiety, meaning you feel pleasantly full and happy with just one glorious slice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kinder Bueno Cake
Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely, and I highly recommend it! You can bake the sponge cake layers a day ahead, let them cool completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store them at room temperature. You can also prepare the cream a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Assemble the cake the day before serving for the best flavor and texture. The long chill in the fridge is your secret weapon for a perfect cake.
Can I use a different chocolate instead of Kinder?
You can, but the flavor profile will change. Kinder chocolate has a specific creamy, milky, and hazelnut taste. For a close substitute, look for any high-quality milk chocolate with hazelnut pieces. A plain milk chocolate will still be delicious, but you might want to add a bit more chopped hazelnuts to the cream to mimic that classic Bueno flavor.
My cream is too runny. What can I do?
Don’t worry, we can fix this! First, ensure your heavy cream was very cold when you whipped it. If the assembled cream is too soft, place the entire mixing bowl in the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes to firm up before continuing with assembly. You can also add a little more sifted powdered sugar or a tablespoon of cornstarch to help stabilize it, but chilling is usually the best first step.
How do I get perfectly clean cake slices?
The trick is a hot, dry knife. Run a sharp knife under very hot water, wipe it completely dry with a clean towel, and then make your cut. The heat helps the knife glide smoothly through the cold cream and chocolate layers. Wipe the knife clean and reheat it for each slice. This gives you beautiful, professional-looking pieces.
Can I make this cake without nuts for an allergy?
Yes, you can easily make a nut-free version. Simply omit the chopped hazelnuts from the decoration. The Kinder Bueno bars themselves contain hazelnuts, so you would need to find a suitable nut-free chocolate wafer bar alternative for both the inside layers and the decoration to make it completely safe.
What can I use instead of mascarpone?
Mascarpone gives a uniquely rich and creamy texture. The closest substitute would be an equal amount of full-fat cream cheese. Be aware that cream cheese has a tangier flavor and a denser texture, so the final cream will be less fluffy and have a slightly different taste. It will still be very tasty, just different.
Can I freeze the finished Kinder Bueno cake?
I do not recommend freezing the fully assembled cake. The high dairy content in the cream, especially the mascarpone, can separate and become grainy when thawed, ruining the smooth texture. However, you can successfully freeze the baked, unfilled sponge cake layers for up to a month. Thaw them at room temperature before assembling.
Why did my sponge cake not rise properly?
This usually comes down to three things: old baking powder (check the expiry date!), overmixing the batter after adding the flour (which develops gluten and makes it tough), or not folding in the egg whites gently enough and deflating them. Make sure your baking powder is fresh and mix with a light touch.
How long will the leftovers last in the fridge?
Your Kinder Bueno cake will stay fresh and delicious in the refrigerator, well-covered, for up to 3 days. After that, the sponge may start to dry out a little, and the cream can lose its perfect texture. It’s so good, though, I doubt you’ll have any left after day two!
Is it very difficult for a beginner baker?
Not at all! This recipe is perfect for building confidence. The sponge cake is a standard mix-and-bake process, and the cream is mainly mixing. The hardest part is waiting for it to chill! Take your time, follow the steps, and you will be amazed at what you can create. It’s much simpler than it looks.
If this Kinder Bueno cake has sparked a love for baking stunning desserts, you’ll find many more inspiring ideas in our collection of cakes and pastries.
Your Turn to Create a Little Magic
So, there you have it—my absolute favorite recipe for a truly tempting Kinder Bueno cake. It’s a recipe built on joy, shared with love, and guaranteed to bring smiles. Remember, baking is about the fun, the messy kitchen, and the proud moment when you present your creation. Don’t stress about it being perfect. The fact that you made it from scratch makes it more special than any store-bought cake could ever be. Now, go preheat that oven, put on some music, and get ready to make someone’s day (probably your own!) with a slice of pure, chocolatey happiness. Happy baking!

Equipment
- Deux moules à charnières de 20 cm
- Bols à mélanger
- Mixeur à main ou batteur sur socle
- Spatule
- Passoire pour les ingrédients secs
Ingrédients
- 6 unit œufs moyens
- 150 g sucre granulé
- 140 g farine tout usage (type 405)
- 2 c.s cacao en poudre non sucré
- 1 sachet levure chimique (environ 2 cuil. à café)
- 200 g chocolat Kinder (barres ou morceaux cassés)
- 200 ml crème fleurette (très froide)
- 200 g fromage à la crème entier
- 500 g fromage mascarpone
- 3 c.s cacao en poudre non sucré
- 3 c.s sucre glace
- 100 g chocolat noir couverture (pour enrober)
- 100 g noisettes hachées grillées
- 250 g barres de chocolat Kinder Bueno (pour les couches et le dessus)
Instructions
- Préchauffez votre four à 180°C.
- Chemisez deux moules à charnières de 20 cm avec du papier sulfurisé.
- Séparez les blancs des jaunes d'œufs.
- Fouettez les jaunes avec le sucre jusqu'à obtenir une consistance crémeuse.
- Battez les blancs en neige.
- Tamisez la farine, le cacao et la levure dans le mélange de jaunes.
- Incorporez délicatement les blancs en neige.
- Répartissez le mélange dans les moules et lissez le dessus.
- Faites cuire pendant 20-25 minutes, jusqu'à ce que le gâteau rebondisse au toucher.
- Mélangez le chocolat Kinder et faites-le fondre au bain-marie ou au micro-ondes.
- Fouettez la crème fleurette en pics souples.
- Dans un autre bol, mélangez le fromage à la crème, le mascarpone, le cacao et le sucre glace.
- Incorporez le chocolat fondu au mélange crémeux.
- Incorporez délicatement la crème fouettée.
- Une fois le gâteau refroidi, découpez le dôme si nécessaire.
- Disposez le premier gâteau sur un plat, étalez une couche de crème et ajoutez des morceaux de Kinder Bueno.
- Ajoutez le deuxième gâteau et recouvrez-le entièrement de crème.
- Faites fondre le chocolat noir et nappez le gâteau.
- Pressez les noisettes sur les côtés du gâteau et décorez avec les barres de Kinder Bueno.