🍰 Hungarian Hazelnut & Chocolate Layer Cake 🇭🇺

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📝 Ingredients:

For the hazelnut sponge (makes 3 layers):

• 6 large eggs, separated
• ¾ cup (150 g) sugar
• 1 cup (100 g) ground hazelnuts (toasted if you like)
• ¼ cup (30 g) flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt

Optional syrup (for moistness):

• ½ cup (120 ml) water
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp dark rum or hazelnut liqueur

For the chocolate filling/frosting:

• 8 oz (225 g) dark chocolate (around 60–70%)
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract

For decorating:

• Chopped hazelnuts
• Chocolate shavings or curls
• Dusting of cocoa or powdered sugar

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👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Make the sponge:

• Beat egg yolks with sugar until pale and thick.
• In a separate bowl, beat egg whites with a pinch of salt to stiff peaks.
• Gently fold whites into yolks.
• Mix hazelnuts, flour, and baking powder; fold into the egg mixture.
• Divide into 3 greased and lined 8-inch (20 cm) cake pans.
• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–18 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Cool completely.

2. Make syrup (optional but recommended):

• Simmer water and sugar until dissolved.
• Stir in rum or liqueur. Let cool.

3. Ganache filling/frosting:

• Heat cream to simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate and butter.
• Wait 1 min, then stir until smooth and glossy.
• Chill 30–45 min, then whip slightly for frosting texture (optional).

4. Assemble:

• Brush each sponge layer with syrup.
• Layer cake with ganache between each, and coat outside.
• Decorate with chopped hazelnuts, chocolate curls, or leave it sleek.

5. Chill to set (at least 2–3 hours or overnight for best slicing).

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📸 Caption idea for your blog or socials:

🇭🇺✨ Decadent layers of hazelnut sponge and rich chocolate ganache — meet the Hungarian Hazelnut & Chocolate Layer Cake, a dessert that tastes as luxurious as it looks. This beauty is a family favorite during holidays (but honestly… we’ll take any excuse to bake it)!
#HungarianDessert #ChocolateHazelnutCake #LayerCakeLove

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Want this in Reels format, or need help naming your personal twist on this cake? Happy to help you craft something uniquely Ashley’s Kitchen 💕