Hungarian Walnut Cake Bars (Diós Rácsos)

Instructions

1. Make the pastry

Combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add the butter, egg yolks, sour cream, and vanilla.

Mix until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough into three portions, cover, and chill for about 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the walnut filling

Heat the milk and sugar gently in a saucepan. Add the ground walnuts, honey, vanilla, and lemon zest.

Cook briefly until thickened, then remove from the heat and allow to cool.

Fold in the beaten egg white.

3. Assemble the cake

Roll one portion of dough into a rectangle and place it in a greased or parchment-lined baking pan.

Spread half of the walnut filling evenly over the dough.

Roll out the second portion and place it over the filling. Add the remaining walnut mixture.

4. Make the lattice

Roll out the final portion of dough and cut it into strips.

Arrange the strips diagonally across the top to create the classic lattice pattern.

Brush the pastry lightly with the egg yolk mixed with milk.

5. Bake

Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for approximately 35–45 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden.

Let the cake cool completely before cutting into squares.

Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.