🇭🇺 Gerbeaud Cake (Zserbó szelet) – A Classic Hungarian Dessert
Gerbeaud Cake is one of Hungary’s most beloved pastries — rich, nutty, and filled with layers of apricot jam and ground walnuts, topped with a glossy chocolate glaze. Created by Swiss-born confectioner Emil Gerbeaud in Budapest, this elegant layered treat is a must for holidays and special occasions.
🧁 Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 packet (7 g) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup warm milk
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- A pinch of salt
For the filling:
- 1 cup apricot jam (preferably homemade or tart)
- 1 cup ground walnuts
- ½ cup powdered sugar
For the chocolate glaze:
- ½ cup dark chocolate (about 100 g)
- 2 tbsp butter or oil
👩🍳 Instructions:
- Activate the yeast:
Dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm milk and let it sit for about 10 minutes, until foamy. - Make the dough:
In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles crumbs. Add the yeast mixture and egg yolk, then knead into a soft dough.
Cover and let rest for 30 minutes. - Prepare the filling:
Mix the ground walnuts with powdered sugar in a bowl. - Assemble the layers:
Divide the dough into 3 equal parts.- Roll out the first piece and place it on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Spread half the apricot jam over it, then sprinkle with half the walnut mixture.
- Add the second layer of dough and repeat.
- Top with the final layer of dough.
Prick the top layer with a fork to prevent bubbles.
- Bake:
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes, until golden. - Glaze:
Melt the chocolate and butter together. Spread evenly over the cooled cake. - Serve:
Once the glaze is set, cut the cake into small squares or diamonds.
🍰 Tip:
Gerbeaud cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. It’s perfect with coffee or tea — a true Budapest café experience at home!
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