Authentic Hungarian Kürtőskalács (Chimney Cake) Recipe

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of All-Purpose Flour
  • 100 grams of Granulated Sugar
  • 2 tablespoons of Active Dry Yeast
  • 250 milliliters of Milk
  • 50 grams of Unsalted Butter
  • 1 Egg
  • 1 teaspoon of Salt
  • 2 tablespoons of Vegetable Oil
  • 200 grams of Granulated Sugar for coating
  • 2 teaspoons of Ground Cinnamon for coating

Steps and instructions

  1. Warm the milk to approximately 110°F (43°C), then stir in the yeast and leave it for 5 minutes until frothy.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar and salt.
  3. Melt the butter and allow it to cool slightly, then add it to the flour mixture along with the yeast-milk mixture and the egg. Stir until a dough forms.
  4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a dish towel, and leave it to rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
  6. Punch down the dough, then divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 1 inch in diameter and 20 inches long.
  7. Wrap each dough rope around a wooden dowel or Kürtőskalács spindle, making sure the dough overlaps to completely cover the dowel.
  8. Brush each dough-covered dowel with vegetable oil, then roll them in the sugar and cinnamon mixture until fully coated.
  9. Bake the Kürtőskalács on the dowels in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Rotate them occasionally for even browning.
  10. Once the Kürtőskalács are baked and while still warm, roll them in the remaining sugar and cinnamon mixture to give them an extra coating.
  11. Let the Kürtőskalács cool slightly before removing from the dowels. Serve warm. Enjoy!

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Replace the All-Purpose Flour with Whole Wheat Flour for a healthier option.
  • Add flavors to the dough by incorporating ingredients such as vanilla extract, almond extract, or lemon zest.
  • Experiment with different coatings such as powdered sugar, cocoa powder, or chopped nuts.
  • Create a savory version by filling the Kürtőskalács with ingredients like cheese, garlic, or herbs.
  • Add a touch of spice to the dough by mixing in cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom.
  • Make a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
  • For a vegan option, replace the milk with plant-based milk, the butter with vegan margarine, and the egg with a suitable egg substitute.
  • Try using different sugars like brown sugar, coconut sugar, or maple syrup for the coating.
  • Experiment with different shapes such as braids, twists, or knots instead of the traditional spiral shape.
  • Add a filling inside the Kürtőskalács, such as Nutella, fruit preserves, or caramel.

Recipe overview

Enjoy the taste of traditional Hungarian street food in your own home with our recipe for Kürtőskalács, also known as chimney cake. This sweet, spiral-shaped pastry is a delightful combination of soft bread and crisp, sugar-coated crust, often flavored with a hint of cinnamon. Making Kürtőskalács involves wrapping a simple yeast dough around a wooden dowel or spindle, coating it with sugar, and baking it until golden. The result is a unique cylindrical shape, resembling a hot chimney. It's a bit of a showstopper for guests, but also just a treat for a regular afternoon. While the recipe might seem complex at first glance, it's quite straightforward. With a bit of patience and the right technique, you'll have a batch of warm, fragrant chimney cakes ready to enjoy. Perfect for breakfast with a cup of coffee or as a sweet snack anytime, these cakes are sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the process of making it and delight in every bite of this unique pastry!

Common questions

  1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Yes, you can use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast. However, you may need to adjust the quantities as per the instructions on the instant yeast packaging.
  2. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that it will result in a denser texture and slightly different flavor compared to using all-purpose flour.
  3. Can I substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative? Yes, you can use a non-dairy milk alternative such as almond milk or soy milk. Just make sure it is unsweetened and unflavored.
  4. Can I make Kürtőskalács without a spindle or dowel? Yes, you can use metal skewers or thick wooden chopsticks as an alternative to the traditional Kürtőskalács spindle or dowel.
  5. Can I freeze Kürtőskalács? Yes, you can freeze Kürtőskalács. Once they are completely cool, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven before serving.
  6. Can I add other toppings or fillings to Kürtőskalács? Absolutely! Traditional Kürtőskalács is coated in sugar and cinnamon, but you can experiment with other toppings such as crushed nuts, cocoa powder, or even Nutella. Just make sure to apply them after baking.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to combine the ingredients and knead the dough.
  • Wooden Dowels or Kürtőskalács Spindles - These are the specialized tools used to wrap the dough around and create the traditional shape of Kürtőskalács.
  • Baking Sheet - A flat sheet or pan used for baking the Kürtőskalács in the oven.
  • Pastry Brush - A brush used to apply vegetable oil on the dough-covered dowels and to brush the finished Kürtőskalács with sugar coating.
  • Cooling Rack - A rack used to cool the Kürtőskalács after baking, allowing air to circulate around them and prevent them from becoming soggy.
  • Kitchen Tongs - Tongs are handy for transferring the Kürtőskalács to and from the oven and for holding them while rolling them in the sugar coating.

Origin stories

Kürtőskalács, also known as chimney cake, originates from Transylvania, the historical region in the heart of Romania, often associated with tales of Dracula. However, this culinary delight is far from spooky. In fact, it's a sweet treat traditionally served at weddings and festivals. The name Kürtőskalács translates as "chimney cake" due to its unique shape, resembling a hot chimney with smoke spiraling upwards. Bakers would wrap the dough around wooden spindles, then cook it over open flames, adding an extra layer of allure to the process. As the cake cooked, it would rise and expand, creating a hollow center like a chimney's shaft. Today, Kürtőskalács is a beloved street food across Eastern Europe and has even made its way across the ocean to the bustling food markets of New York City. This delicious cake is a testament to the power of tradition, and a symbol of sharing and celebration in Hungarian and Romanian cultures.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.