Budapest’s Sweet Delights: A Journey Through Hungarian Desserts

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary, and is also the capital city of sweet treats in the country. Budapest is chock full of history, culture, and incredible architecture, but it is also quite renowned for its dessert culture. A lot of it is a result of the major influence of the Austro-Hungarian Empire that ruled the area for so long, and thus it is a crucial part of any trip to the city. Between the cakes, street food, and traditional cafes, there is so much to experience while you’re here that will leave you wanting more. Here are some of the most delightful treats to enjoy while in Budapest.

Kürtőskalács

You might have seen kürtőskalács, which are also called chimney cakes. These cakes are made by wrapping a piece of dough around a wooden spit, which gives the dessert its spiral shape. The dough is then roasted over a fire, and it is finished off with a coating of cinnamon sugar. The final result is a soft and warm dough inside of a crispy caramelized exterior, which makes it a perfectly comforting dessert any time, but especially on a windy and cold day.

Dobos Torte

This cake is named after József C. Dobos, its creator who invented it during the late 1800s. The Dobos Torte is made up of stacked layers of sponge cake with chocolate buttercream in between each layer. The whole cake is then topped with a caramel glaze that’s satisfyingly crunchy and gives it an elegant and polished look. You can crack the caramel top much like you would with a creme brulee.

Flódni

Flódni is a traditional cake that originates from the Hungarian Jewish tradition, and was often served during the holidays of Purim and Hanukkah. Flódni is made with poppy seeds, walnuts, and apple pie filling that’s all bound together in a delicious flaky crust. The layered dessert has so many satisfying textures and flavors that meld together into a uniquely delicious treat.

Somlói Galuska

Somlói Galuska is dessert that is made of cubes of sponge cake that are soaked in rum and then covered in a mound of pastry cream, whipped cream, and finally drizzled with chocolate sauce. For a final crunchy touch, chopped walnuts are sprinkled on top.

Rákóczi Túrós

Rákóczi Túrós is a Hungarian cheese cake made with cottage cheese that’s flavored with lemon zest and vanilla stop a shortcrust pastry, and then is topped with meringue and jam, usually adorning the top of the cake with an elaborate lattice design.

Palacsinta

Palacsinta are similar to crepes as they are thin pancakes that are filled with jam, namely apricot, cottage cheese, or chocolate, and then rolled up and enjoyed as a delicious snack or dessert.