Hungarian Gerbeaud Cake (Zserbó) – A Timeless Classic

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Hungarian Gerbeaud Cake (Zserbó) – A Timeless Classic

Hungarian cuisine is known for its rich flavors, comforting baked goods, and deep-rooted traditions. One of the most beloved and elegant desserts is the Gerbeaud Cake (Zserbó)—a stunning layered pastry filled with apricot jam, ground walnuts, and a decadent chocolate glaze.

Named after Émile Gerbeaud, a Swiss-born confectioner who revolutionized Hungarian pastry-making, this cake is a true masterpiece of European baking. With its thin layers of soft, buttery dough, nutty and fruity filling, and smooth chocolate topping, it’s no wonder that Zserbó has remained a staple at Hungarian celebrations, holidays, and family gatherings.

If you’re looking for a special dessert that’s both impressive and delicious, this traditional Hungarian cake is a must-try!

The History of Gerbeaud Cake (Zserbó)

The Gerbeaud Café in Budapest is one of the most famous coffeehouses in Europe, dating back to 1858. However, it was Émile Gerbeaud, a French-Swiss confectioner, who turned it into a legendary institution. When he arrived in Hungary in the late 19th century, he introduced refined French pastry techniques while preserving the country’s love for rich, nut-filled desserts.

The Gerbeaud Cake, or Zserbó szelet, quickly became one of the café’s signature desserts. It combines simple yet luxurious ingredients into a perfectly balanced, multi-layered treat. Over time, this cake became a holiday favorite, appearing on Christmas and Easter tables across Hungary and neighboring regions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to a perfect Gerbeaud Cake is using high-quality ingredients and assembling each layer with care. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Dough:

  • 3 ½ cups (450g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1 packet (7g) instant yeast
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 2 egg yolks
  • ½ cup (120ml) warm milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Filling:

  • 1 ½ cups (150g) ground walnuts
  • ½ cup (100g) sugar
  • 1 ½ cups (375g) apricot jam (high-quality, slightly tart)

For the Chocolate Glaze:

  • 7 oz (200g) dark chocolate (at least 50% cocoa)
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) butter
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) heavy cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
  2. Add the cold butter cubes and mix with your hands or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Stir in the egg yolks, warm milk, and vanilla extract, then knead the dough until smooth.
  4. Divide the dough into three equal portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Walnut Filling

  1. In a medium bowl, mix the ground walnuts and sugar together.
  2. Set aside while you roll out the dough.
PREPARATION