If you love traditional Hungarian desserts, Zserbó Szelet is one recipe you definitely need to try. Also known as Gerbeaud Cake, this classic Hungarian pastry combines thin layers of buttery dough with sweet apricot jam and a generous walnut filling, all finished with a smooth chocolate glaze.
The combination of tart apricot preserves, ground walnuts, tender pastry, and chocolate creates a rich dessert with just the right balance of sweetness. Zserbó Szelet is especially popular around Christmas and other family celebrations, but it is delicious any time of year.
What Is Zserbó Szelet?
Zserbó Szelet, pronounced roughly like “zher-bow,” is a famous Hungarian layered cake associated with the historic Gerbeaud confectionery in Budapest.
Unlike a typical sponge cake, Zserbó is made with several thin layers of yeast-based pastry. Between the layers are apricot jam and ground walnuts. After baking, the cake is topped with a chocolate glaze and allowed to rest before being cut into small squares or rectangles.
One of the best things about this dessert is that it often tastes even better the next day, once the layers have had time to soften and the flavors have come together.
