It was invented by Budapest confectioners in the late 19th century[1] and soon became one of the most famous cakes in the lands of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy.

[citation needed] Esterházy torta consists of buttercream spiced with cognac or vanilla, sandwiched between four and five layers of almond meringue (macaron) dough.

[2] The torte is iced with a fondant glaze and decorated with a characteristic chocolate striped pattern.

[4] A popular variant,[5] although not in Hungary, are Esterházy Schnitten: while a Torta is always of round shape, Schnitten are made in square shape.

Other versions based on sponge cake or decorated with crystallized fruit also exist.