Hungarian Beigli – Walnut & Poppy Seed Roll Cake 🇭🇺

A traditional Hungarian festive pastry, Beigli is a rolled yeast dough cake filled with rich walnut or poppy seed filling—perfect for holidays.


Ingredients

Dough

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 packet (7 g) dry yeast
  • ½ cup milk, warm
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 eggs
  • Zest of 1 lemon

Walnut Filling

  • 1½ cups ground walnuts
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Poppy Seed Filling (Optional)

  • 1½ cups ground poppy seeds
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Egg Wash

  • 1 egg, beaten

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough
    • Dissolve yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar.
    • Mix flour, sugar, salt, and lemon zest.
    • Add eggs, butter, and yeast mixture; knead into smooth dough.
    • Cover and let rise 1–1½ hours until doubled.
  2. Prepare Filling
    • Heat milk and sugar, stir in walnuts (or poppy seeds) and vanilla. Cook briefly until thick. Cool.
  3. Shape Rolls
    • Divide dough in half, roll into rectangles.
    • Spread filling evenly, leaving edges free.
    • Roll tightly from the long side. Pinch edges to seal.
  4. Bake
    • Place rolls on parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with egg wash.
    • Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30–35 minutes until golden.
    • Cool completely before slicing.

Tips

  • Chill filling slightly before spreading to avoid tearing dough.
  • Traditional Beigli has both walnut and poppy seed rolls.
  • Slice thinly to see beautiful spiral layers.

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