Hungarian Decadent Chocolate Cake (Rigó Jancsi)
A rich, velvety chocolate sponge cake filled with dark chocolate cream—inspired by Hungary’s famous Rigó Jancsi, a dessert fit for royalty!
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Sponge Cake:
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6 large eggs, separated
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¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
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½ cup (60g) cake flour
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¼ cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
For the Chocolate Filling:
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1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
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7 oz (200g) dark chocolate (70%), finely chopped
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1 tbsp rum (optional)
For the Chocolate Glaze:
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½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
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4 oz (115g) dark chocolate, chopped
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1 tbsp butter
Optional Garnish:
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Cocoa powder, chocolate shavings, or gold leaf
Instructions
1. Make the Chocolate Sponge Cake
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment.
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Whip egg yolks + sugar until pale and thick (~5 mins). Add vanilla.
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In another bowl, beat egg whites + salt to stiff peaks.
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Sift flour + cocoa over yolk mix, fold gently. Then fold in egg whites.
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Spread batter evenly in pan. Bake 12-15 mins until springy. Cool completely.
2. Prepare the Chocolate Filling
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Heat cream until steaming (not boiling). Pour over chopped chocolate, let sit 2 mins, then stir until smooth. Add rum (if using).
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Chill 1 hour, then whip to a spreadable mousse texture.
3. Assemble the Cake
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Cut cake into two equal rectangles. Spread filling over one layer, top with the second.
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Chill 30 mins to set.
4. Add the Glaze
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Heat cream until simmering, pour over chocolate + butter. Stir until glossy.
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Pour over cake, spreading evenly. Chill 1 hour before slicing.
Tips for Authentic Hungarian Flair
🍫 Use high-quality cocoa (like Hungarian “Gerlach” for authenticity).
✨ For Rigó Jancsi-style elegance, cut into small squares and garnish with gold leaf.
🍷 Pair with Hungarian dessert wine (Tokaji Aszú) or espresso.
Why This Cake Stands Out
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Light yet decadent—the sponge is airy, the filling lush.
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No frosting fuss—the glaze self-levels into a mirror shine.
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A taste of Budapest in every bite!
Kérjük, fogadjátok szeretettel! (Please enjoy!) 😊🍫
Want a raspberry twist? Add a layer of jam under the filling!