Chimney Cake Recipe – Hungarian Chef

Welcome to a culinary journey that’s sure to delight your senses! Today, we’re diving into the world of traditional baking with an exquisite recipe that hails from the heart of Eastern Europe – the Chimney Cake. This delightful pastry, also known as Kürtőskalács in Hungary and Trdelník in the Czech Republic, is a beloved street food, famous for its unique shape and irresistible flavor.

The Chimney Cake is a sweet spiral of dough, wrapped around a wooden cylinder, generously dusted with sugar, and baked to golden perfection over an open flame. The result? A crispy exterior, a soft and fluffy interior, and a caramelized sugar coating that’s divine. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this recipe is sure to impress. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and embark on this delicious adventure!

What is chimney cake?

Chimney Cake, also known as stove cake or Hungarian wedding cake, is a traditional pastry that originated in Transylvania, Romania. It was created as a celebratory dessert for special occasions like weddings, but its popularity spread to other Eastern European countries over time. Today, the Chimney Cake can be found at street food stalls and restaurants all around the world.

It has even gained a cult following among foodies and social media influencers, making it a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Chimney Cake?

There are countless reasons why this chimney cake recipe is a must-try. Here are just a few:

• It’s incredibly delicious and addictive – the combination of crispy dough, soft interior, and caramelized sugar is simply irresistible.
• The unique shape and presentation make it a show-stopping dessert that will impress any guests.
• It’s versatile – you can experiment with different toppings and fillings to create your personalized version.
• The dough is easy to make, and the cooking process is simple, making it a great recipe for both beginner and experienced bakers.
• It’s a perfect dessert for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving something sweet on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

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The Ingredients 

1. Flour: This is the base of any cake or bread recipe and provides structure to the Chimney Cake. It helps in binding all the other ingredients together.
2. Milk: Milk adds moisture to the cake and aids in browning and flavor development. It also contributes to the texture of the cake, giving it a soft and delicate crumb.
3. Fresh yeast: Yeast is a leavening agent. It ferments the sugars in the dough, producing carbon dioxide gas that makes the dough rise. This results in a fluffy and light Chimney Cake.
4. Unsalted butter: Butter adds richness and flavor to the Chimney Cake. It also aids in browning and creates a tender texture in the final product.
5. Egg yolks: Egg yolks contribute to the color, flavor, and richness of the cake. They also provide emulsifying fats which help create a smooth batter that doesn’t separate, leading to a finer crumb in cakes.
6. Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract adds a sweet, creamy flavor that enhances the other flavors in the cake.
7. Salt: While not contributing to the taste directly, salt is an important flavor enhancer. It balances the sweetness of the cake and accentuates the flavors of the other ingredients.
8. Honey or sweetener: Honey or your preferred sweetener provides the sweetness to the cake. It also contributes to a nicely browned crust due to its sugar content and when brushed on the baked cake, it gives a shiny, appetizing appearance.
9. Optional Toppings (Crushed walnuts, Ground cinnamon, Coconut flakes, Crushed or flaked almonds): These add texture, flavor, and visual appeal to the Chimney Cake. Each topping offers a unique taste – walnuts and almonds add a nutty flavor, cinnamon gives a warm spice note, and coconut flakes add a tropical twist.

Step by Step Instructions 

Step 1: Preparing the dough

1. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast until combined.
2. Heat milk in a saucepan over low heat until warm (around 110-115°F).
3. Whisk in melted butter, egg yolks, and vanilla extract into the warm milk.
4. Slowly pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients while continuously mixing until a soft dough forms.
5. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise for about an hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Shaping the dough

1. After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles.
2. Cut the dough into equal-sized pieces (typically 8-10 pieces) and roll each piece into a long rope-like shape.
3. Take a wooden cylinder or rolling pin and wrap the dough around it in a spiral motion, making sure there are no gaps.
4. Sprinkle the dough with sugar and let it rest for 10-15 minutes while heating the oven to 375°F.

Step 3: Baking the Chimney Cake

1. Once the oven is heated, place the rolled dough on a lined baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
2. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
3. Carefully slide off the wooden cylinder or rolling pin from the center of the cake.
4. Brush the warm Chimney Cake with honey or your preferred sweetener and sprinkle with any desired toppings.

Step 4: Serving and Enjoying

1. Slice the Chimney Cake into individual servings and enjoy while it’s still warm.
2. You can also wrap the cake in foil and reheat it in the oven for a few minutes to get that freshly baked taste.
3. Serve with your favorite hot or cold beverage, such as tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.

Notes 

• Make sure the milk is warm, not hot. Hot milk can kill the yeast, resulting in a flat and dense cake.
• Don’t over-knead the dough as it can cause the gluten to develop too much, making it difficult to shape.
• For added flavor, you can use flavored extracts such as almond or lemon extract instead of vanilla extract.
• Experiment with different toppings to find your favorite combination. You can also use chocolate chips, dried fruits, or sprinkles.

Nutrition Information

How to store chimney cake?

If you have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), you can store the Chimney Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. To reheat, let it thaw at room temperature or heat it in the oven for a few minutes.

Variations 

• If you don’t have a wooden cylinder or rolling pin, you can use aluminum foil or an empty paper towel roll as a substitute.
• For a savory twist, skip the sugar topping and instead sprinkle the dough with herbs and spices before baking. You can also stuff the dough with cheese, meat, or vegetables before wrapping it around the cylinder.
• Use whole wheat flour instead of white flour for a healthier alternative.
• For a vegan option, use non-dairy milk and replace the egg yolks with 1/4 cup of applesauce or mashed banana.

FAQs

Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute fresh yeast with dry yeast. The general rule of thumb is to use half the amount of dry yeast. So if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh yeast, you would use 1.5 teaspoons of dry yeast. Also, make sure to activate the dry yeast in warm milk before adding it to the dough.

Can I make a Chimney Cake without a wooden cylinder or rolling pin?

Yes, you can shape the dough into traditional round rolls instead. Simply divide the dough into small balls and bake them on a lined baking sheet. Then, sprinkle with sugar and toppings after they are baked.

Can I use other types of flour for this recipe?
While all-purpose flour is commonly used for Chimney Cake, you can also experiment with whole wheat or bread flour for a different texture and flavor. However, these may alter the result.

Wrapping Up

Congratulations, you have successfully made your very own Chimney Cake! This delicious and unique treat is perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a cozy night in or a special celebration. With its crispy exterior, soft and fluffy interior, and caramelized sugar coating, this cake is sure to impress anyone who tries it.

So gather your ingredients and get baking – the result is well worth it! Put on your chef’s hat and let’s get started on this amazing journey of making a homemade chimney cake. Also, please share your experience and variations with us in the comments below. Happy baking!

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