Shared by Hean Zeidner Kaspi
Shared by Hean Zeidner Kaspi
Csusztatott Palacsinta (Hungarian Layer Cake With Pecans and Vanilla)
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Csusztatott Palacsinta (Hungarian Layer Cake With Pecans and Vanilla)
Yield: 6 to 8 servingsThis recipe was shared by Hean Zeidner Kaspi. Read more about her family in "The Hungarian Crepe Cake That Survived WWII" .
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 2 cups (7 ounces) raw whole pecans
- 3 tablespoons vanilla sugar*
For the Pancakes:
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for greasing
- 5 eggs, separated
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla sugar
- Confectioners’ sugar, for garnish
Preparation
Step 1
Make the filling: Combine the pecans and vanilla sugar in a food processor. Pulse until the pecans are ground into a fine powder, then transfer to a bowl. This can be done 1 day ahead to let the vanilla infuse with the nuts.
Step 2
Make the pancakes: Whisk together the flour, butter and egg yolks in a medium bowl until smooth, then slowly whisk in the milk to incorporate. Combine the egg whites in a separate bowl with the granulated and vanilla sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat until stiff peaks form, then carefully fold into the flour-and-egg mixture.
Step 3
Heat a greased, 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Pour ⅔ cup of batter into the pan and swirl to coat the surface evenly. Cook until the pancake has risen and is golden brown on the bottom, 2 to 3 minutes. Using a rubber spatula, carefully transfer the pancake to a platter, cooked-side down. Sprinkle the top, which will still be slightly uncooked, with ⅓ cup of the pecan filling.
Step 4
Repeat the process 5 more times, stacking each pancake on top of the last. For the 6th pancake, flip onto the stack cooked-side up.
Step 5
Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the pancakes firm up, then dust with confectioners’ sugar, slice and serve.
*If you cannot find vanilla sugar, combine ½ cup of granulated sugar with the seeds scraped from 1 vanilla bean and the pod itself. This cake is best served immediately; heat leftovers before serving for best results.
