Here’s a traditional Hungarian-style Coffee Cake recipe that draws inspiration from classic Hungarian desserts like Diós Kalács (walnut rolls) and Rétes (strudel), combining rich dough, nuts, cinnamon, and a tender crumb. This version is perfect for pairing with coffee.
🇭🇺 Hungarian Coffee Cake (Diós Sütemény)
🧁 Ingredients:
For the dough:
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2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
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¼ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
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3 tbsp granulated sugar
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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½ tsp salt
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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2 large eggs
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½ cup sour cream (adds tenderness)
For the filling:
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1 cup finely ground walnuts (or hazelnuts)
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⅓ cup brown sugar
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1 tsp cinnamon
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2 tbsp melted butter
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Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract or a splash of rum
For the topping:
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¼ cup chopped walnuts
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1 tbsp coarse sugar or demerara sugar
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Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
🧑🍳 Instructions:
1. Activate the yeast:
In a small bowl, combine warm milk, 1 tbsp sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
2. Make the dough:
In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, remaining sugar. Cut in the softened butter until the mixture is crumbly. Add eggs, sour cream, and the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
💡 Tip: Dough should be soft but not sticky. Add a touch more flour if needed.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
3. Prepare the filling:
Combine ground nuts, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir in vanilla or rum if using.
4. Assemble the cake:
Punch down dough and roll it into a 9×13-inch rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over the dough. Roll up jelly-roll style from the long side. You can:
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Option A: Place the rolled dough into a greased loaf pan (for a babka-style cake), or
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Option B: Coil it into a ring on a parchment-lined baking sheet (like a wreath).
Brush with a little milk or egg wash. Sprinkle chopped walnuts and sugar on top.
5. Bake:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30–35 minutes or until golden brown and a skewer comes out clean.
6. Cool and serve:
Let cool in pan for 10–15 minutes. Optionally dust with powdered sugar before serving.
☕ Perfect Pairing:
Enjoy with strong Hungarian coffee or an espresso. It also pairs well with sweet Tokaji wine for a decadent treat.
Would you like a poppy seed version (mákos sütemény) or a chocolate swirl variation too?
