Here’s a traditional Hungarian Chimney Cake recipe — also known as Kürtőskalács — a sweet, spiral-shaped pastry with a caramelized sugar crust. It’s usually baked over an open flame, but this version is adapted for home ovens (or even grills) so you can enjoy this street-food favorite anywhere!
🇭🇺 Hungarian Chimney Cake (Kürtőskalács)
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Rise Time: 1.5–2 hours
Bake Time: 20 minutes
Makes: 6 cakes (about 8–10 inches tall)
🍞 Ingredients:
For the dough:
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3 1/4 cups (400g) all-purpose flour
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1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
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1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk
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1/4 cup (60g) granulated sugar
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1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter, melted
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2 eggs
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Pinch of salt
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for a traditional twist)
For coating:
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1/4 cup (60g) melted butter (for brushing)
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1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar mixed with 1 tsp cinnamon (or your favorite flavor)
Optional toppings:
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Crushed nuts (walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts)
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Shredded coconut
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Cocoa powder
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Chocolate drizzle
🔧 You’ll also need:
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Rolling pin, foil-covered paper towel tubes, or metal molds
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Parchment paper or baking sheet
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Oven or grill
🧑🍳 Instructions:
1. Make the dough:
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Warm the milk and mix in a pinch of sugar and the yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
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In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add eggs, melted butter, vanilla, lemon zest, and the yeast mixture.
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Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. (Use a stand mixer or knead by hand.)
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Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the molds:
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Wrap paper towel tubes or rolling pins with foil. Lightly grease with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
3. Shape the cakes:
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Punch down the dough and divide into 6 equal parts.
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Roll each into a long rope (~3/4 inch thick, 3 feet long).
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Wrap the dough spirally around the greased tube, overlapping slightly like a spiral staircase.
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Gently roll the whole tube on a flat surface to press the layers together evenly.
4. Butter and sugar coat:
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Brush the dough with melted butter.
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Roll the whole cake in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.
5. Bake:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Stand tubes upright on a baking sheet or lay horizontally, rotating halfway through.
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Bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden brown and caramelized.
🔥 Grill method: Place molds on a rotating spit or rotate manually over medium heat until evenly browned and crisp — this gives the most authentic flavor.
6. Finish:
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Slide off molds while still warm.
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Optional: Brush again with butter and roll in more sugar or your choice of toppings.
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Let cool slightly, then enjoy warm — the crust should be crisp and the inside soft and pillowy!
📝 Tips:
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Serve as-is or fill with whipped cream, Nutella, or ice cream for a modern twist.
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Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be reheated in the oven to crisp back up.