Chimney cake, known as trdelník, is a beloved traditional Czech pastry that has gained popularity as a street food in the Czech Republic. This sweet spit cake is made from rolled dough, coated in cinnamon sugar, and often served with various fillings, including ice cream.
This recipe will guide you on how to make trdelník at home, allowing you to enjoy this authentic Czech dessert. The trdelník dough recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for anyone looking to explore Eastern European pastries.
Delicious Homemade Chimney Cake
Chimney cake, or trdelník, is a cherished traditional Czech pastry that has captured the hearts of many, especially as a popular street food in the Czech Republic. This sweet spit cake is crafted from rolled dough, generously coated in cinnamon sugar, and often served with delightful fillings like ice cream.
This chimney cake recipe is perfect for those eager to recreate this authentic Czech dessert in their own kitchens. The trdelník dough recipe is simple, making it an excellent choice for anyone interested in exploring Eastern European pastries.
The Art of Making Trdelník
The process of making chimney cake begins with a sweet rolled dough that transforms into a golden brown and crispy delight. The preparation takes about one hour, yielding six delicious servings. You can personalize your creation by adding toppings such as crushed nuts or chocolate, or indulge in a trdelník with ice cream for an extra special treat.
To get started, gather the essential ingredients, including all-purpose flour, warm milk, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, eggs, active dry yeast, vanilla extract, and salt. Don’t forget the cinnamon sugar for that signature coating!
Shaping and Baking the Chimney Cake
Once the dough has risen, it’s time to shape the chimney cakes. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and roll the risen dough into long strips. These strips are then wrapped around wooden dowels or metal cylinders, overlapping slightly to create that iconic chimney shape.
Brush the dough with melted butter and roll it in cinnamon sugar, ensuring an even coating. Place the prepared dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, rotating occasionally until they achieve a beautiful golden brown color.
Serving Suggestions for Your Chimney Cake
Once baked, allow the chimney cakes to cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed plain or filled with ice cream, offering a delightful contrast of warm pastry and cold creaminess. The combination of the crispy exterior and the soft, sweet filling makes for an irresistible dessert experience.
For those who wish to elevate their chimney cake further, consider adding toppings like crushed nuts or drizzling chocolate over the top. Each bite can be a new experience, making this sweet rolled dough dessert a favorite for gatherings or a special treat at home.
Embracing the Rustic Charm of Chimney Cake
The rustic kitchen setting enhances the homemade feel of this traditional Czech pastry. Picture a freshly baked chimney cake, golden brown and crispy, resting on a wooden table, with a few pieces of ice cream melting beside it. This scene captures the essence of enjoying a Bohemian chimney cake in a cozy atmosphere.
Whether you’re reminiscing about a trip to Prague or simply looking to indulge in a delicious dessert, this chimney cake recipe brings the flavors of the Czech Republic right into your home. It’s a wonderful way to share a piece of culture and tradition with friends and family.
Conclusion: A Sweet Tradition to Share
Making chimney cake at home is not just about the end result; it’s about the experience of creating something special. The process of preparing the trdelník dough, shaping the cakes, and watching them bake is a delightful journey that culminates in a delicious treat.
So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy the sweet, cinnamon-sugar-coated goodness of homemade chimney cake. Whether you choose to savor it plain or with ice cream, this traditional Czech pastry is sure to become a beloved addition to your dessert repertoire.
Delicious Homemade Chimney Cake
This chimney cake features a sweet rolled dough that is baked until golden brown and crispy on the outside. The recipe takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves 6 people. You can customize it by adding toppings like nuts or chocolate, or even try a trdelník with ice cream for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk, warmed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cinnamon sugar for coating
- Optional toppings: crushed nuts, chocolate, or ice cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Chimney Cakes: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll the risen dough into long strips and wrap them around wooden dowels or metal cylinders, overlapping slightly. Brush the dough with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar.
- Bake: Place the prepared dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, rotating occasionally, until golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. You can serve the chimney cakes plain or fill them with ice cream or other toppings as desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 pieces
- Calories: 300kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
