Kürtőskalács (Hungarian Chimney Cake)

🧾 Ingredients

For the dough:

• 500 g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 tsp (7 g) dry yeast
• 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk
• 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar
• 2 eggs
• 80 g (1/3 cup) melted butter
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For coating:

• 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar
• 1/4 cup (50 g) melted butter

Optional toppings:

• Cinnamon sugar
• Ground walnuts 🌰
• Coconut flakes 🥥
• Cocoa powder

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👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the dough

• In a bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and a little sugar. Let it sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
• Add eggs, melted butter, sugar, salt, and vanilla.
• Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.
• Knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth.
• Cover and let rise for 1–1.5 hours (until doubled).

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2. Shape the cake

• Roll the dough out into long thin strips.
• Wrap the strips around a greased wooden cylinder (or rolling pin), slightly overlapping.
• Brush with melted butter.

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3. Coat with sugar

• Roll the dough-covered cylinder in sugar so it sticks well.

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4. Bake

Oven method:

• Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Place the cylinder over a baking tray so it can rotate or sit elevated.
• Bake for 15–20 minutes, turning occasionally until golden and caramelized.

Grill method (traditional 🔥):

• Rotate slowly over charcoal heat until evenly browned.

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5. Finish

• Brush lightly with butter again.
• Roll in your favorite topping (cinnamon, nuts, coconut, etc.).
• Slide it off the cylinder carefully.