Traditional Trdelník Recipe: Czech Sweet Chimney Cake

Dish recipes: Trdelník
Photo from pinterest.com

Trdelník, also known as chimney cake, is a beloved pastry originating from Central Europe, especially popular in the Czech Republic. This delicious treat is made from sweet dough that’s wrapped around a rod, baked over an open flame, and coated with sugar and cinnamon. Perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, Trdelník is a must-try dessert that will transport you to the streets of Prague.

Ingredients

Dough:

4 cups (480 g) all-purpose flour

1 packet (7 g) active dry yeast

1/2 cup (120 ml) warm milk

1/2 cup (120 g) unsalted butter, melted

1/4 cup (60 g) granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1/2 tsp (3 g) salt

Coating:

1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar

2 tsp (10 g) ground cinnamon

Melted butter for brushing

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, combine the yeast, warm milk, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours until doubled in size.

Shape the Trdelník: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a traditional trdelník rod, use oven-safe cylindrical objects like rolling pins or thick wooden dowels wrapped in aluminum foil. Roll the dough out into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thick. Cut the dough into long strips, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide. Wrap the strips around the rods, slightly overlapping the dough.

Coat and Bake: Brush the wrapped dough with melted butter and roll it in the sugar and cinnamon mixture until fully coated. Place the rods across the edges of a baking tray, ensuring the dough does not touch the bottom of the tray. Bake for 15-20 minutes, rotating occasionally, until the trdelník is golden brown and crisp.

Serve: Once baked, remove the trdelník from the rods and allow them to cool slightly. Enjoy them warm, optionally filled with whipped cream, Nutella, or ice cream for a decadent treat.

Serving

Trdelník is best served warm, fresh from the oven. It can be eaten on its own, dusted with extra cinnamon sugar, or stuffed with various fillings like chocolate spread, fruit, or cream. The crispy exterior and fluffy inside make it an irresistible dessert or snack.

Trdelník is a delightful pastry that has won the hearts of many. Whether you're strolling through the streets of Prague or baking this treat at home, its simple yet unique flavor and texture are sure to please. With this recipe, you can recreate the magic of Trdelník and enjoy a traditional Czech delicacy.