🇭🇺 Esterházy Schnitten – Hazelnut-Vanilla Layered Delight 🎂✨

Esterházy Schnitten is a classic Hungarian dessert, featuring delicate hazelnut meringue layers and a rich, creamy vanilla custard filling. Topped with the iconic chocolate web design, this cake is a true European pastry masterpiece! 🇭🇺

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Hazelnut Meringue Layers:

🥚 6 egg whites
🍚 ¾ cup (150g) granulated sweetener or sugar
🌰 1 ¼ cups (150g) finely ground hazelnuts
🌾 2 tbsp all-purpose flour or cornstarch
🧂 Pinch of salt

For the Vanilla Custard Filling:

🥚 6 egg yolks
🥛 1 cup (250ml) milk
🍚 ½ cup (100g) powdered sugar
🌿 1 tsp vanilla extract
🧈 ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
🌰 ½ cup (50g) ground hazelnuts

For the Glaze & Decoration:

🍚 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
🌿 2 tbsp water or milk
🍫 2 oz (50g) dark chocolate, melted

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📝 Instructions

Step 1: Make the Hazelnut Meringue Layers

1️⃣ Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line 5 baking sheets with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Beat egg whites and salt until foamy, then gradually add sugar, beating until stiff peaks form.
3️⃣ Gently fold in ground hazelnuts and flour.
4️⃣ Divide the batter into 5 equal parts, spreading each into a thin, round layer (~9 inches/22 cm).
5️⃣ Bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden. Let cool completely.