Hungarian Flódni is a traditional Hungarian layered cake that combines a rich filling of fruit, nuts, and spices with a flaky dough. It’s a beloved dessert often made for special occasions like holidays or family gatherings. The cake has multiple layers with different textures and flavors, including poppy seeds, apples, walnuts, and plum jam. This dessert is perfect for those who love a complex, flavorful cake!
Hungarian Flódni Recipe
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup cold water (as needed)
For the filling:
- Poppy Seed Layer:
- 1/2 cup poppy seeds
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Apple Layer:
- 4 medium apples (peeled, cored, and grated)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Nut Layer:
- 1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Plum Jam Layer:
- 1/2 cup plum jam (or any other fruit jam you prefer)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
- Add the cold cubed butter and mix it into the flour using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the egg, sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well to form a dough.
- Gradually add cold water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together in a ball.
- Divide the dough into four equal portions and wrap each in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Poppy Seed Layer:
- In a small saucepan, combine the poppy seeds, sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until it becomes thick and paste-like. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Apple Layer:
- Grate the apples and squeeze out excess moisture.
- Mix the grated apples with sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
4. Prepare the Nut Layer:
- In a bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, sugar, and honey. Stir well to combine.
5. Assemble the Flódni:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out one portion of dough into a rectangle and line the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan with the dough.
- Spread a thin layer of plum jam over the dough.
- Top the plum jam with the poppy seed mixture, spreading it evenly across the dough.
- Roll out the second portion of dough and lay it over the poppy seed layer.
- Spread the grated apple mixture over this dough layer.
- Roll out the third portion of dough and place it on top of the apple layer. Spread the walnut and honey mixture evenly over this dough layer.
- Finally, roll out the fourth portion of dough and cover the nut layer.
6. Bake:
- Bake the Flódni in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top layer is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing.
7. Serve:
- Once cooled, slice the Flódni into squares or rectangles and serve. The layers should be distinct and slightly sticky from the jam and fillings.
Tips:
- Chill the dough: Make sure to chill the dough portions to make them easier to roll out and work with.
- Jam: You can substitute plum jam with apricot or raspberry jam, depending on your preference.
- Make Ahead: This cake can be made a day ahead. In fact, it tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld together.
- Texture Variation: If you prefer a different texture for the nut layer, you can add a bit of ground cinnamon or a dash of vanilla extract to enhance the flavors.
Hungarian Flódni is an indulgent dessert that showcases traditional Hungarian flavors with its rich, nutty, fruity, and spiced layers. This cake is perfect for those who enjoy a sweet treat with a variety of textures and flavors, and it’s sure to impress your guests!