Hazelnut and Chocolate Layer Cake – Hungarian Esterházy Torte

Hazelnut and Chocolate Layer Cake – Hungarian Esterházy Torte 🇭🇺🍰

The Esterházy Torte is a classic Hungarian dessert named after Prince Esterházy. It’s elegant, nutty, and chocolaty, made of multiple thin layers of hazelnut meringue cake filled with rich buttercream, topped with a delicate chocolate glaze and signature fondant decoration.

🌰 Ingredients

For the Cake Layers (Meringue)

  • 6 large egg whites
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (100 g) finely ground hazelnuts
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Buttercream Filling

  • 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 2 tbsp strong brewed coffee (optional)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Glaze

  • ½ cup (85 g) dark chocolate
  • 2 tbsp butter

Optional Decoration

  • White fondant lines or piping for the traditional pattern

🍰 Instructions

1. Make the Meringue Layers

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, beating until glossy.
  3. Gently fold in ground hazelnuts, flour, and vanilla.
  4. Spread batter into thin layers (8–10 inch round or rectangle) on baking sheets.
  5. Bake 12–15 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely.

2. Prepare the Buttercream

  1. Beat butter until fluffy.
  2. Whisk egg yolks with sugar over a double boiler until thick and pale.
  3. Gradually add yolk mixture to butter, beating until smooth.
  4. Mix in coffee and vanilla.

3. Assemble the Cake

  1. Place one meringue layer on a serving plate.
  2. Spread a thin layer of buttercream on top.
  3. Repeat with remaining layers.
  4. Cover top and sides lightly with buttercream.

4. Add Chocolate Glaze

  1. Melt chocolate and butter together.
  2. Pour over top layer and smooth with a spatula.
  3. If desired, decorate with traditional fondant lines.

5. Chill

  • Refrigerate for 2–3 hours before slicing for best flavor and structure.

🍽️ To Serve

  • Slice thin layers to enjoy the nutty, buttery, and chocolatey combination.
  • Perfect with coffee or tea.

🔑 Authentic Tips

  • Use freshly ground hazelnuts for best flavor.
  • Thin meringue layers are key for the classic texture.
  • Coffee in buttercream is optional but enhances the flavor.

If you want, I can also make:

  • A short Facebook post version
  • A Darija version for your audience
  • Or a step-by-step photo guide version

Do you want me to do that?

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