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Hazelnut and Chocolate Layer Cake (Hungarian Esterházy Torte)

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An elegant Hungarian Esterházy Torte featuring delicate hazelnut meringue layers, rich chocolate buttercream, and a signature glazed top for a refined and nutty dessert.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 10–12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Hungarian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 6 large egg whites
  • 150 g granulated sugar
  • 200 g finely ground hazelnuts
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 120 g granulated sugar (for buttercream)
  • 200 g unsalted butter, softened
  • 150 g dark chocolate, melted and cooled
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for buttercream)
  • 150 g powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 50 g dark chocolate, melted (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 170°C and line baking trays with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk egg whites with salt until soft peaks form, then gradually add sugar and beat to stiff peaks.
  3. Fold in ground hazelnuts and vanilla gently.
  4. Spread batter into thin circles and bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely.
  5. For buttercream, whisk egg yolks and sugar over a double boiler until thickened, then cool.
  6. Beat butter until creamy, add yolk mixture, then mix in melted chocolate and vanilla until smooth.
  7. Layer hazelnut rounds with chocolate buttercream, stacking evenly.
  8. Spread a thin layer of buttercream around the sides.
  9. Mix powdered sugar and lemon juice to form glaze and spread on top.
  10. Drizzle melted chocolate over glaze and create feathered pattern with a toothpick.
  11. Let cake set for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Notes

  • Handle meringue gently to keep layers light.
  • Use high-quality chocolate for best flavor.
  • Let cake rest before cutting for clean slices.
  • Flavor improves after a day in the fridge.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/hazelnut-and-chocolate-layer-cake-hungarian-esterhazy-torte/