🇭🇺 Gerbeaud Cake (Zserbó) – Traditional Hungarian Dessert 🍰✨

Gerbeaud Cake (or Zserbó Szelet) is one of Hungary’s most beloved desserts, featuring thin layers of dough, a rich walnut and apricot jam filling, and a smooth chocolate glaze. This elegant treat, named after Swiss-born Hungarian confectioner Émile Gerbeaud, is a staple at Hungarian holidays and celebrations. 🎂💛

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🛒 Ingredients (Serves 10-12)

For the Dough:

• 3 ½ cups (450g) all-purpose flour 🌾
• ½ cup (100g) sugar 🍚
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt 🧂
• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter 🧈, cold & diced
• 2 egg yolks 🥚
• ½ cup (120ml) warm milk 🥛
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (7g) instant yeast 🍞

For the Filling:

• 1 ½ cups (150g) ground walnuts 🌰
• ½ cup (100g) sugar 🍚
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌿 (optional)
• 1 ½ cups (400g) apricot jam 🍑

For the Chocolate Glaze:

• 7 oz (200g) dark chocolate 🍫, chopped
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 🧈

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, mix warm milk with yeast and a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add cold butter and mix until the texture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
4. Add egg yolks and the yeast mixture, kneading into a smooth dough.
5. Divide into three equal parts, cover, and let rest for 30 minutes.

2️⃣ Prepare the Filling

1. In a bowl, mix ground walnuts, sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. Warm the apricot jam slightly for easier spreading.