Prekmurska Gibanica (Slovenian Layered Cake)

Experience the rich heritage of Slovenian cuisine with Prekmurska Gibanica, a traditional layered pastry originating from the Prekmurje region. This indulgent dessert combines layers of poppy seeds, cottage cheese, walnuts, and apples between sheets of thin pastry, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Often enjoyed during holidays and celebrations, Prekmurska Gibanica is a true symbol of Slovenian culinary artistry.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1/2 cup lukewarm water

For the Fillings

• 1 cup ground poppy seeds
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 cup cottage cheese (or farmer’s cheese)
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 cup ground walnuts
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 large apples, peeled and grated
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

For Assembling

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 10–12 sheets of phyllo pastry (if not using homemade dough)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

   In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add egg, oil, and water, then knead until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes. If using phyllo pastry, skip this step.

2. Prepare the Fillings

   For the poppy seed layer: Combine poppy seeds, sugar, milk, and butter in a small saucepan. Warm gently until blended, then cool.

   For the cottage cheese layer: Mix cottage cheese with egg and sour cream until smooth.

   For the walnut layer: Combine ground walnuts, sugar, and warm milk.

   For the apple layer: Mix grated apples with sugar and cinnamon.

3. Assemble the Gibanica

   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a rectangular baking dish with butter. If using homemade dough, roll it out thinly; otherwise, use phyllo sheets. Layer one sheet of pastry in the dish, brush with melted butter, and spread a portion of each filling in this order: poppy seed, cottage cheese, walnut, apple. Repeat the layers until all fillings are used, brushing each layer of dough with butter. Top with the final pastry sheet and brush with a mixture of sour cream and beaten egg.

4. Bake

   Bake for 60–70 minutes, until golden brown on top and set in the middle. Let cool slightly before slicing.

5. Serve

   Serve Prekmurska Gibanica warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea and is often dusted with powdered sugar before serving.

Serving

Delight in the comforting and nostalgic taste of Prekmurska Gibanica - a dessert that captures the essence of Slovenia’s cultural and culinary richness. Each layer tells a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and the joy of sharing sweet moments with family and friends.