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Chocolate-Hazelnut Matzo Cake

Chocolate-Hazelnut Matzo Cake

Indulge in this Chocolate-Hazelnut Matzo Cake, a delightful dessert combining liqueur-soaked matzo, rich chocolate ganache, and crunchy hazelnuts for a perfect treat.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 33 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Jewish
Servings 8 slices
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • Double Boiler
  • liquid measuring cup
  • 8-inch square pan

Ingredients
  

Liquids

  • 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons espresso liqueur such as Don Ciccio Concerto
  • 6 ounces additional espresso liqueur as needed

Matzo & Chocolate

  • 5 squares matzo about 6 ¼ ounces total
  • 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate chopped, 58% cacao

Sugar & Eggs

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large egg yolks

Butter & Nuts

  • ½ cup cold unsalted butter cubed, 4 ounces
  • 1 ½ cups toasted hazelnuts finely chopped

Toppings

  • Flaky sea salt

Instructions
 

  • Pour liqueur into an 8-inch square pan or rimmed plate that can fit a whole matzo square. Working with one matzo square at a time, press matzo gently into liqueur and let stand 1 minute, flipping once halfway during soaking time. Set squares aside on a plate.
  • Pour remaining soaking liqueur into a liquid measuring cup. (You should have about 6 ounces; if not, add additional liqueur to equal 6 ounces in measuring cup.).
  • Place chocolate, sugar, and 6 ounces liqueur in a double boiler or a bowl placed on top of a steaming pot of water. Whisk over medium-low until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth, about 3 minutes; turn off heat.
  • Add egg yolks, one at a time, to double boiler or bowl, whisking constantly until combined. Turn heat to medium-low and whisk constantly for 3 minutes or until mixture has reached 160°F over simmering water.
  • Remove from heat and whisk in butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, until smooth and emulsified.
  • Place 1 soaked matzo square on a plate; cover with a thin layer of chocolate mixture (about ¼ cup) and sprinkle evenly with about ¼ cup of finely chopped hazelnuts. Continue to layer matzo squares, chocolate, and hazelnuts (four more layers), spreading chocolate over edges to coat sides of cake and making sure top layer of chocolate is smooth. Use any additional chocolate to coat any gaps on the sides. Sprinkle sea salt and remaining hazelnuts over top.
  • Place cake in refrigerator, uncovered, until chocolate is thick and cake is set, about 2 hours. Remove from refrigerator about 1 hour before serving.

Notes

This recipe is from Rochelle Cooper of The Duck and the Peach in Washington, D.C. It’s a family recipe used for Passover Seder, and a delicious option anytime you want an easy, flavorful, no-bake dessert.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 4gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Cake, Chocolate, dessert, hazelnut, matzo, no-bake
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