Hungarian Chimney Cake, known as Kürtőskalács, is one of Hungary’s most iconic traditional pastries. Made from a sweet, yeast-based dough wrapped around a cylindrical mold and baked until golden, caramelized, and beautifully crisp on the outside, this famous treat is soft and fluffy inside with a delicious crunchy coating.

Traditionally sold at Hungarian festivals, Christmas markets, fairs, and street-food stalls, Kürtőskalács is especially popular because of its irresistible combination of buttery dough, caramelized sugar, and warm spices.

What Is Kürtőskalács?

The name Kürtőskalács is often translated as “chimney cake” because the finished pastry resembles a hollow chimney.

The dough is rolled into long strips, wrapped around a cylindrical baking mold, brushed with butter, and coated with sugar. During baking, the sugar caramelizes while the dough develops a beautiful golden-brown exterior.

Once cooked, the chimney cake can be coated with:

• Cinnamon sugar
• Ground walnuts
• Ground hazelnuts
• Cocoa
• Coconut
• Vanilla sugar
• Crushed cookies

The hollow center makes it especially fun to eat while warm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🇭🇺 Traditional Hungarian street food
• 🍞 Soft, fluffy yeast dough
• 🍬 Crispy caramelized sugar coating
• 🌿 Delicious cinnamon flavor
• 🌰 Easy to customize with different toppings
• ☕ Perfect with coffee or tea
• 🎄 Wonderful for holidays and Christmas markets
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Fun recipe for the whole family

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/3 cup (70 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) warm milk
• 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest, optional

For the Coating

• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For Brushing

• 4 tablespoons melted butter

Optional Toppings

• Ground walnuts
• Ground hazelnuts
• Coconut
• Cocoa powder
• Vanilla sugar
• Chopped pistachios