Mix the warm milk, yeast, and one teaspoon of sugar.
Let stand for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, salt, egg yolks, vanilla, melted butter, and yeast mixture.
Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Cover and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled.
Step 2 – Shape the Cakes
Punch down the dough.
Roll it into a rectangle about 5 mm (¼ inch) thick.
Cut into long strips about 2 cm (¾ inch) wide.
Wrap each strip around a greased chimney cake mold, slightly overlapping the edges.
Press gently to seal.
Step 3 – Coat with Sugar
Brush the dough generously with melted butter.
Roll in granulated sugar until evenly coated.
Step 4 – Bake
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
Place the molds on a baking tray so they can rotate slightly during baking if desired.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, turning occasionally for even browning, until deep golden and caramelized.
Step 5 – Add the Toppings
Immediately after baking, brush lightly with melted butter.
Roll each hot chimney cake in your chosen topping:
Cinnamon sugar
Chopped walnuts
Cocoa
Coconut
Chocolate sprinkles
Rainbow sprinkles
Serve warm.
Expert Tips
Don’t wrap the dough too tightly—it needs room to rise.
Brush generously with butter for a crisp caramelized crust.
Apply toppings while the cakes are still hot so they stick well.
Serve fresh for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Kürtőskalács is delicious with:
Hot chocolate
Coffee
Vanilla ice cream
Nutella
Fresh berries
Whipped cream
Storage
Room Temperature: Best eaten the same day.
Refrigerator: Up to 2 days in an airtight container.
Reheating: Warm in a 170°C (340°F) oven for 5–7 minutes.
Variations
Cinnamon Chimney Cake
Coat with cinnamon sugar.
Walnut Chimney Cake
Roll in finely chopped toasted walnuts.
Chocolate Chimney Cake
Cover with chocolate sprinkles or cocoa sugar.
Coconut Chimney Cake
Finish with sweet shredded coconut.
Rainbow Sprinkle Chimney Cake
A colorful favorite for parties and children.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kürtőskalács?
Kürtőskalács, or Hungarian Chimney Cake, is a traditional sweet yeast pastry baked on a rotating cylinder until golden and caramelized.
Can I make it without special molds?
Yes. Many home bakers use foil-covered rolling pins, metal tubes, or homemade heatproof cylinders.
Why is it called Chimney Cake?
When removed from the mold, the pastry is hollow in the center, resembling a chimney.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze after baking for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: 395 kcal
Protein: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 60 g
Fat: 14 g
Fiber: 2 g
Final Thoughts
Traditional Hungarian Chimney Cake (Kürtőskalács) is a timeless street-food classic with a crisp caramelized crust, soft buttery interior, and endless topping possibilities. Whether coated in cinnamon sugar, walnuts, coconut, or chocolate sprinkles, this iconic Hungarian pastry is guaranteed to impress family and friends with its unique appearance and unforgettable flavor.
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