Indulge in the decadent elegance of Hungarian Chocolate Cake, also known as Rigó Jancsi, a timeless dessert that captures the essence of European patisserie. This chocolate lover's dream features a light and airy cocoa sponge cake, sliced into layers and generously filled with a luscious dark chocolate mousse heightened by the richness of whipped cream and a hint of gelatin for structure. Topped with a glossy, velvety chocolate glaze, this cake is as visually stunning as it is delicious. With its delicate balance of textures and its melt-in-your-mouth quality, Rigó Jancsi is perfect for special occasions or anytime you crave a slice of luxury. Easily made in under an hour of active prep time, this showstopping dessert is a testament to Hungary's refined dessert traditions. Serve chilled or at room temperature for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a 20x30 cm (8x12 inch) rectangular baking pan with parchment paper.
In a bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with half of the sugar (50 grams) until pale and fluffy.
In another clean bowl, whip the egg whites with the remaining sugar (50 grams) until stiff peaks form.
Gradually fold the egg yolk mixture into the whipped egg whites, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
Gently fold in the dry ingredients and then the melted, cooled butter until fully incorporated.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spread it evenly, and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely in the pan.
For the mousse: Melt the dark chocolate (200 grams) in a heatproof bowl over a simmering pot of water (double boiler) or in the microwave. Let it cool slightly.
In a small bowl, dissolve the gelatin powder in water and allow it to bloom for 5 minutes. Heat the bloomed gelatin gently until liquid, then mix it into the melted chocolate.
Whip the heavy cream (300 milliliters) with the powdered sugar until soft peaks form, and fold it into the melted chocolate mixture until smooth.
Cut the cooled sponge cake horizontally into two equal layers. Spread the chocolate mousse evenly over the bottom layer of the sponge cake, then place the second layer on top. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.
For the glaze: Heat the heavy cream (100 milliliters) in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the dark chocolate (150 grams), stirring until melted and smooth.
Pour the glaze over the top of the cake and spread it evenly with an offset spatula. Chill the cake for an additional 30 minutes to set the glaze.
Cut the cake into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife heated with hot water and wiped dry. Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy!
Calories |
4560 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 310.3 g | 398% | |
| Saturated Fat | 187.3 g | 936% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1306 mg | 435% | |
| Sodium | 735 mg | 32% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 392.6 g | 143% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 33.1 g | 118% | |
| Total Sugars | 294.8 g | ||
| Protein | 62.4 g | 125% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.1 mcg | 26% | |
| Calcium | 614 mg | 47% | |
| Iron | 50.8 mg | 282% | |
| Potassium | 2732 mg | 58% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.