Homemade Parené Buchty: Traditional Slovak Sweet Buns Recipe

Ingredients

  • 500g all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (7g) dry yeast
  • 70g sugar
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 250ml milk
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 80g unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 jar (approximately 350g) fruit jam of your choice
  • Additional butter for greasing the pan and basting
  • Confectioners’ sugar for dusting

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
  2. Warm the milk in a saucepan until it's lukewarm. Be careful not to overheat as it could kill the yeast.
  3. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the warmed milk, egg yolks, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
  4. Stir the mixture until it forms a dough then knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, or until it's smooth and elastic.
  5. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
  6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
  7. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten it into a circle. Place a spoonful of your chosen jam in the center of each circle.
  8. Bring the edges of the dough up and over the jam, pinching them together to seal. Place the stuffed dough balls, seam-side down, in a greased baking dish.
  9. Cover the baking dish with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise for another 30 minutes.
  10. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the buchty for 20-25 minutes, or until they're golden brown.
  11. Remove them from the oven and while they're still hot, brush them with melted butter. Let them cool slightly.
  12. Before serving, dust the buchty with confectioners’ sugar.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Instead of using all-purpose flour, try using bread flour for a chewier texture.
  • For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Experiment with different flavors of jam, such as strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or plum.
  • Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for extra flavor.
  • For a savory twist, substitute the fruit jam with cheese or a savory filling like spinach and feta.
  • Include chopped nuts or dried fruits in the filling for added texture.
  • Try brushing the buchty with melted apricot or peach jam instead of butter.
  • For a crustier exterior, brush the dough with an egg wash before baking.
  • Add a drizzle of chocolate ganache or a dusting of cocoa powder on top for a chocolatey variation.
  • Incorporate a cream cheese filling for a rich and creamy center.

Recipe overview

Get ready to make delicious Parené buchty, a delightful sweet treat hailing from Slovakia. These soft, fluffy buns are filled with your choice of fruit jam and dusted with a sweet layer of confectioners’ sugar, making them the perfect dessert or snack for any time of the day. Although the recipe involves several steps, including a few periods of letting the dough rise, don't let that intimidate you. With a bit of patience and care, even novice bakers can bring this delightful Slovakian tradition to their own kitchen. Expect to spend a few hours making these buns, but rest assured, the result is absolutely worth it. Enjoy the process of making these heartwarming buns and the sweet reward at the end.

Common questions

  1. Can I use instant yeast instead of dry yeast? Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for dry yeast in this recipe. Use the same amount of instant yeast as specified for dry yeast.
  2. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? While it is possible to use whole wheat flour, the texture and taste may differ. Whole wheat flour tends to be denser, so the buchty may not be as light and fluffy. If using whole wheat flour, consider using a combination of whole wheat and all-purpose flour to achieve a better texture.
  3. Can I use a different type of jam? Absolutely! You can use any fruit jam or preserves of your choice. Popular options include strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or plum jam.
  4. Can I freeze the buchty? Yes, you can freeze the buchty. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw them at room temperature or reheat in the oven before serving.
  5. Do I need to let the dough rise twice? Yes, the dough needs to rise twice in this recipe. The first rise allows the yeast to activate and the dough to double in size. The second rise helps the dough balls become lighter and fluffier before baking.
  6. Can I skip brushing the buchty with butter after baking? Brushing the buchty with melted butter after baking adds a delicious buttery flavor and helps keep them moist. However, if you prefer to omit this step, you can do so.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for mixing the dough ingredients.
  • Saucepan - Used to warm the milk for the dough.
  • Clean Kitchen Towel - Used to cover the dough while it rises.
  • Baking Dish - A greased dish for baking the buchty.
  • Pastry Brush - Used to brush melted butter on the baked buchty.
  • Sifter - Optional, for dusting confectioners' sugar on the buchty.

Origin stories

Parené buchty, a cherished staple of Slovak kitchens, can trace its lineage back to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This humble, sweet bun has a place in the heart of every Slovak, often evoking nostalgic memories of grandmothers' kitchens and simpler times. Its name literally translates to "steamed buns", even though they're actually baked. The 'steaming' part of the name comes from the tradition of serving them hot, straight from the oven, when they're still so soft that they seem steamed. Buchty are often filled with a variety of fillings, from traditional plum jam to modern chocolate and Nutella. And if you ever find yourself in Slovakia, don't be surprised if you're welcomed with a warm, buttery buchta - it's a customary symbol of hospitality.

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.