🇭🇺 Hungarian Hazelnut and Chocolate Layer Cake

For Garnish:

  • Extra ground or chopped hazelnuts
  • Chocolate shavings or curls
  • Powdered sugar (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Prepare the Hazelnut Sponge:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans (or bake in two and slice later).
  • Beat the egg yolks with half the sugar until thick, pale, and doubled in volume.
  • In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with the remaining sugar and a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form.
  • Gently fold the whites into the yolk mixture. Then fold in flour, ground hazelnuts, and vanilla.
  • Divide the batter between pans and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden and springy. Let cool completely.

2. Make the Chocolate Cream Filling:

  • In a saucepan, whisk milk, sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks. Cook over medium heat until thickened, stirring constantly.
  • Remove from heat. Stir in chopped chocolate, vanilla, and butter until smooth.
  • Let the cream cool completely, then refrigerate for about 30 minutes until spreadable.

3. Assemble the Cake:

  • Place one sponge layer on a serving plate. Spread a thick layer of chocolate cream.
  • Repeat with remaining layers.
  • Cover the top and sides with cream if desired (or leave rustic with just layers exposed).
  • Sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts and chocolate shavings.

4. Chill & Serve:

  • Let the cake rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours (overnight is better).
  • Slice and enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or tea. 🍵

💬 Grandma’s Wisdom:

“The secret is always in the hazelnuts. Toast them gently, and never rush the cream. Good things take time.”

📝 Tips:

  • If hazelnuts are hard to find, you can substitute with ground walnuts or almonds.
  • Want an extra rich touch? Add a spoonful of hazelnut liqueur to the cream.
  • Make it festive by layering with fresh berries or a touch of orange zest.

🎯 Perfect For:

  • Holidays
  • Birthdays
  • Dinner parties
  • Impressing your mother-in-law 😉

Let me know if you’d like this styled into a social post, video script, or printable card! You want a Hungarian name tag added to this for extra flair too?