Hungarian Flourless Hazelnut Cake 🇭🇺🌰🍰
This elegant cake is naturally gluten-free, rich, nutty, and lightly chocolatey. It’s similar to traditional Central European tortes—dense yet delicate, with a crisp exterior and moist center.
Flavor & Texture
- Deep hazelnut flavor (toasted and ground)
- Lightly crisp top, soft and fudgy inside
- Not overly sweet—perfect with coffee or tea
Hungarian Flourless Hazelnut Cake Recipe
Ingredients (8-inch / 20 cm cake)
- 1½ cups (150 g) ground hazelnuts (finely ground, skins removed if possible)
- 5 large eggs, separated
- ¾ cup (150 g) sugar, divided
- 3 oz (85 g) dark chocolate, melted and cooled (optional but traditional in many versions)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, very traditional)
- Pinch of salt
- Butter for greasing pan
Instructions
- Prep
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Grease and line the bottom of an 8-inch springform pan.
- Make yolk mixture
- Beat egg yolks with ½ cup sugar until pale and thick.
- Stir in melted chocolate, vanilla, lemon zest, and ground hazelnuts.
- Whip egg whites
- Beat egg whites with salt until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add remaining ¼ cup sugar, beating to stiff peaks.
- Fold
- Gently fold egg whites into hazelnut mixture in 2–3 additions.
- Be careful not to deflate the batter.
- Bake
- Pour into pan and smooth top.
- Bake 40–45 minutes, until set but still slightly soft in the center.
- Cool
- Cool completely in the pan before removing.
- Dust with powdered sugar or cocoa before serving.
Serving Ideas
- With lightly sweetened whipped cream
- Fresh berries or raspberry sauce
- Espresso or strong coffee (very Hungarian-style ☕)
Tips & Variations
- No chocolate version: Omit chocolate for a pure hazelnut cake
- Extra richness: Brush with a little warm apricot jam
- Nut substitute: Walnuts work, but hazelnuts are most traditional
- Make ahead: Flavor improves the next day
This cake is simple, refined, and very traditional, often served for holidays or special occasions in Hungary.
If you want, I can also share:
- A Dobos-inspired hazelnut version
- A dairy-free option
- Or a layered celebration-style presentation
