Zserbo Szelet — Hungarian Gerbeaud slice
Zserbó szelet (or Gerbeaud cake) is a Hungarian pastry: a buttery shortbread base layered with apricot jam and ground walnuts, topped with another shortbread layer and finished with a chocolate glaze. It is named for the Gerbeaud confectionery on Vörösmarty Square in Budapest, which still operates.
i. Origin & history
Émile Gerbeaud, a Swiss-born pastry chef, took over the Hungarian Kugler confectionery in 1884 and made it world-famous. His Gerbeaud cake is the canonical product.
ii. Ingredients
Makes 24 servings · scroll the side panel to adjust
- 400 g plain flour
- 100 g icing sugar
- 250 g unsalted butter, cold
- 2 yolks
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- Pinch salt
- 200 g ground walnuts
- 100 g sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 200 g apricot jam
- 150 g dark chocolate
- 60 g unsalted butter
iii. Method
- Make pastry: rub butter into flour and sugar; mix in yolks, sour cream and salt to a dough. Divide in three; chill 1 hour.
- Roll each portion into a 23 × 33 cm rectangle.
- Place first layer in a tin; spread half the jam; sprinkle half the walnut-sugar-zest mix. Top with second pastry layer; remaining jam and walnut mix. Top with third pastry.
- Bake at 180 °C for 30-35 min. Cool.
- Melt chocolate and butter; pour over the cooled cake. Chill to set. Cut into squares.
iv. Tips & common mistakes
- Use the freshest ingredients you can. The recipe relies on them.
- Read the method through first. Several steps must be ready in advance.
- Season patiently. Sweetness and salt are tuned at the end, not the start.
v. Variations
Gerbeaud-haz original is the canonical version, still served at the café. Walnut-only Gerbeaud uses more walnuts. Modern variations add chestnut or hazelnut.
vi. Common questions
What is zserbo szelet?
Zserbo Szelet is hungarian gerbeaud slice, from eastern european cuisine. It is named for the Gerbeaud confectionery on Vörösmarty Square in Budapest, which still operates
Where is zserbo szelet from?
Zserbo Szelet is from the eastern european dessert tradition; the recipe and history are detailed above.
How long does zserbo szelet keep?
See the storage note in the Quick facts panel: 1 week at room temperature.