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Hungarian Chocolate Frosting
Hungarian Chocolate Frosting is a luxurious, glossy frosting made with melted chocolate, eggs, and butter, enriched with confectioner’s sugar. It has a satiny finish and a deep chocolate flavor reminiscent of traditional European confections. Originally recorded in the fall of 1932, this frosting is ideal for layered cakes and can be refrigerated and gently reheated for easy spreading. It’s a testament to old-world decadence using simple pantry staples.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 13 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 205 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 oz unsweetened chocolate (cut in pieces)
  • 2 tbsp hot water
  • 2 eggs (well beaten)
  • 1 cup confectioner’s sugar (boiled in cold water to remove salt, if salted)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened and cut into tablespoons)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Melt Chocolate

  • Melt the chocolate in the top of a double boiler with 2 tablespoons of hot water.

Step 2: Combine with Eggs & Sugar

  • Add the well-beaten eggs and the confectioner’s sugar.
  • Remove from heat and transfer to a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
  • Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened (about 3 minutes).

Step 3: Cool and Add Butter

  • Cool the mixture quickly in a shallow bowl or pan.
  • Add butter, 2 tablespoons at a time, blending well after each addition.

Step 4: Frost Cake

  • Use to frost the top and sides of a 3-layer cake.
  • Frosting may be stored in the refrigerator. To use, warm slightly before spreading on cake layers that are nearly cool.

Tips

  • Beat the frosting longer for a fluffier, lighter texture.
  • Add ½ tsp vanilla extract for a rounder chocolate flavor.
  • For deeper flavor, add a pinch of espresso powder to the melted chocolate.
  • Chill briefly if frosting becomes too soft to spread.
  • Warm slightly if too stiff, this frosting spreads best just above room temperature.
  • Swap 1 to 2 Tbsp of the butter for cream cheese for a richer, tangier finish.
  • Use high-quality chocolate for the most authentic taste.
  • This frosting works well as a filling between cake layers or as a spread for tortes.
  • Add finely chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) for texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 205kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 2.5gFat: 16.5gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 5mgPotassium: 115mgFiber: 2gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 350IUCalcium: 12mgIron: 1.7mg
Keyword chocolate icing, comfort food, from scratch, frosting, heirloom recipe, homemade, old fashioned, retro baking, vintage recipe
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