Hazelnut And Chocolate Layer Cake (Hungarian Esterhazy Torte)🇭🇺
🇭🇺 Hazelnut & Chocolate Layer Cake
Esterházy Torte (Eszterházy Torta)
The iconic Esterházy Torte (Eszterházy Torta) is one of Hungary’s most elegant desserts 🇭🇺. Made with delicate nut meringue layers, silky vanilla buttercream, and a signature chocolate spiderweb design on top, it’s rich, refined, and absolutely unforgettable.
Traditionally made with walnuts or almonds, many modern versions use hazelnuts for a deeper, chocolate-friendly flavor.
📝 Ingredients
🌰 For the Hazelnut Layers:
6 large egg whites
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
2 cups (200g) finely ground hazelnuts (toasted)
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Pinch of salt
🍮 For the Vanilla Custard Buttercream:
6 egg yolks
½ cup (100g) sugar
1½ cups (360ml) whole milk
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup (225g) unsalted butter (softened)
🍫 For the Chocolate Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp hot water
2 oz (60g) dark chocolate (melted)
🌰 Optional Garnish:
Toasted hazelnut halves around the edges
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Hazelnut Layers
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Beat egg whites with salt until foamy. Gradually add sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
Fold in ground hazelnuts and flour gently.
Divide batter into 5 equal circles (8–9 inch) drawn on parchment paper.
Bake each layer for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely.
2️⃣ Prepare the Custard Buttercream
Whisk egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and milk in a saucepan.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and cool completely.
Beat butter until fluffy, then gradually add cooled custard, beating until smooth and creamy.
3️⃣ Assemble the Cake
Place first layer on serving plate.
Spread thin layer of buttercream.
Repeat with remaining layers (leave top layer plain).
Lightly frost sides with remaining cream.
4️⃣ Create the Signature Spiderweb Top 🕸️
Mix powdered sugar with hot water to form thick glaze.
Spread over top layer evenly.
Drizzle melted chocolate in concentric circles.
Use a toothpick to drag lines from center outward to create the classic web design.
⏳ Chill & Serve
Refrigerate at least 4–6 hours (overnight is best!) to allow flavors to meld and layers to soften slightly.
💡 Pro Tips
Toast hazelnuts before grinding for deeper flavor.
Slice with a warm knife for clean layers.
Best served slightly chilled, not ice-cold.
This cake is elegant enough for holidays, birthdays, or when you want to impress guests with a true Hungarian classic 🇭🇺
