🍫 Hungarian Hazelnut and Chocolate Layer Cake (Eszterházy Torta) 🌰✨

This decadent Hungarian cake is a true masterpiece! 🇭🇺 Eszterházy Torta is a classic hazelnut and chocolate layer cake featuring delicate nutty sponge layers, a silky chocolate-hazelnut filling, and a signature marbled glaze. 🎂✨

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Hazelnut Sponge Layers:

🥚 6 large egg whites
🥄 ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
🌰 1 ½ cups (150g) ground hazelnuts (or almonds)
🌾 ⅓ cup (40g) all-purpose flour
🧂 Pinch of salt

For the Chocolate-Hazelnut Cream Filling:

🥚 6 large egg yolks
🥄 ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
🥛 ¾ cup (180ml) whole milk
🧈 ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
🍫 4 oz (120g) dark chocolate, melted
🌰 ⅓ cup (80g) ground hazelnuts
🍦 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Classic Glaze & Decoration:

🍫 4 oz (120g) dark chocolate, melted
❄️ 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
🥄 2 tablespoons milk
🧈 1 teaspoon butter (for shine)
🌰 Chopped hazelnuts (for garnish)

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Hazelnut Sponge Layers

1️⃣ Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line two 8-inch (20cm) round cake pans with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Beat the egg whites until foamy. Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. ⛰️
3️⃣ Gently fold in ground hazelnuts, flour, and salt, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
4️⃣ Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden.
5️⃣ Let the cakes cool, then slice each in half to create four thin layers.