Homemade Kurtos Kalacs (Chimney Cakes)
This Romanian pastry, called Kürtőskalács, is often known in English as chimney cakes. It’s a fluffy, sweet yeast dough (similar to brioche) rolled in a sugar and cinnamon mix, sometimes with ground walnuts. Traditionally, it was served at weddings, and today you can find them at street kiosks baked over coal grills.
My husband first tried them in Prague during a work trip and came back raving about how soft and delicious they were — saying I would surely love them! I found recipes online but never tried making them myself… until tasting them in Budapest, where I ate at least two a day 😄. Eventually, one busy evening, my husband surprised me by making them at home!
So here’s our homemade version, inspired by these two recipes (thank you!):
Tip: you’ll need several paper towel rolls to make the moulds before starting.
INGREDIENTS
Dough:
- 240 g all-purpose flour (high quality)
- 7 g active dry yeast
- 30 g sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 1 egg
- 45 g melted butter
- 120 ml lukewarm milk
Topping:
- Melted butter
- Sugar
- Cinnamon
INSTRUCTIONS
Prepare the moulds: Use paper towel rolls or similar. Cover completely with aluminum foil and brush with melted butter.
Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, mix milk, a little sugar, and yeast. Let it sit 10 min until foamy.
Make the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients with the milk-yeast mixture. Knead for about 5 min. The dough will be sticky — do not add more flour.
First rise: Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour (I like to cover mine with a blanket).
Shape ribbons: On a floured surface, roll dough into thick sheets. Use a pizza cutter to cut 1.5 cm wide ribbons.
Wrap the moulds: Wrap ribbons around the buttered moulds, brush with butter, and roll in the sugar-cinnamon mix.
Bake: Place on a tray and bake at 190°C (375°F) for about 20 min or until golden brown.
Cool and serve: Tap the cakes to release them from the moulds and let rest for a few minutes (if you can resist!).
Share these only with your loved ones! 💖
Love this recipe? Get 44 authentic Greek recipes in my eBook – Discover here!
