Prhke Štrudlice – My Mili Cake: A Delicate Hungarian-Serbian Pastry

Prhke Štrudlice – My Mili Cake: A Delicate Hungarian-Serbian Pastry

Prhke Štrudlice, also known as My Mili Cake, is a traditional Hungarian and Serbian pastry that embodies the perfect balance of crumbly, buttery dough and rich, flavorful fillings. These delicate strudels are often filled with fruit preserves, poppy seeds, or walnuts, making them a favorite treat for holidays, special occasions, or an indulgent afternoon snack with coffee. If you love European pastries, this recipe will transport you straight to a cozy kitchen where generations have perfected the art of baking Prhke Štrudlice.

A Brief History of Prhke Štrudlice

Originating from the kitchens of Central Europe, these pastries share similarities with classic Hungarian Beigli and Serbian štrudla. While traditional strudels are typically made with yeast-based dough, Prhke Štrudlice stand out due to their buttery, crumbly texture that melts in your mouth. Passed down through generations, they are often made in large batches for Christmas, Easter, and family gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly crumbly texture – rich and buttery, yet light.
Versatile fillings – traditional versions use jam, walnuts, or poppy seeds.
Great for gifting – they keep well and make a beautiful homemade gift.
Pairs wonderfully with tea, coffee, or a glass of warm milk.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
½ cup (120ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp baking powder
Pinch of salt

For the Filling (Choose One or Mix & Match):

Jam Filling:
- 1 cup fruit jam (apricot, plum, raspberry)
Walnut Filling:
- 1 cup ground walnuts
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup warm milk
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Poppy Seed Filling:
- 1 cup ground poppy seeds
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup warm milk
- Zest of 1 lemon

For Dusting:

Powdered sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
Add cold butter and work it into the flour using your hands or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add sour cream, egg, and vanilla extract, and mix until a smooth dough forms.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

If using jam, simply stir it to loosen.
For the walnut or poppy seed fillings, combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix until smooth.

Step 3: Assemble the Štrudlice

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Divide the dough into two or three portions for easier rolling.
Roll out each portion into a thin rectangle, about ⅛-inch thick.
Spread a thin layer of your chosen filling over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border.
Carefully roll the dough into a log, sealing the edges by pressing gently.
Transfer to the baking sheet, seam side down.