Hello, lovely readers! My name is Gabriella Simonyi, and today I am thrilled to share with you my favorite recipe for Hungarian Sweet Cheese Strudel. With its flaky, buttery layers and decadent cream cheese filling, this dessert is sure to become a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to enjoy with your family or a show-stopping dessert for your next dinner party, this recipe is definitely worth trying.
Gabriella Simonyi is a freelance writer and travel blogger who loves to explore different cultures, foods, and traditions around the world. Growing up in a multicultural family, she developed a passion for learning about different countries and their histories. When she’s not writing, she enjoys hiking, sampling new cuisines, and studying languages.
Gabriella Simonyi currently resides in the United States and grew up in Hungary.
As someone who grew up in Hungary, this recipe is particularly close to my heart. Hungarian cuisine is known for its delicious pastries, and Sweet Cheese Strudel is a classic dessert that many of us grew up eating. In fact, it’s often served on special occasions like weddings or holidays. But even if you’re not from Hungary, I think you’ll appreciate the unique blend of sweet and tangy flavors that this dessert has to offer. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make!
If you’re wondering where this recipe comes from, the origins of Sweet Cheese Strudel date back to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The traditional recipe consists of a flaky pastry filled with sweet quark cheese, which is a type of fresh cheese that’s commonly used in Central European cuisine. However, over time, the recipe has evolved to include cream cheese as well. Legend has it that the dessert was created by Hungarian bakers who wanted to use up leftover phyllo dough in their pastry shops. And thus, Sweet Cheese Strudel was born! Now, it’s a beloved dessert that can be found in bakeries and homes across Hungary and beyond.
What you need
Get ready to take your taste buds on a trip to Hungary with this incredible Sweet Cheese Strudel recipe! The star of the show here is undoubtedly the delicate and flaky phyllo dough that envelops the perfectly sweet and tangy cream cheese filling. A combination of cream cheese, sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla extract are mixed with egg yolks to create the decadent filling, making for a balanced and delicious dessert that isn’t too heavy. I particularly love how easy it is to make; by layering the phyllo dough and filling, and brushing each layer with melted butter, you’ll create a perfectly crispy and flaky pastry sure to impress your guests. Serve it warm with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a dessert that will transport you straight to Hungary!
Ingredients:
- Cream cheese – Adds a tangy creaminess to the filling. Can be substituted with ricotta cheese.
- Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to the filling. Can be substituted with honey or maple syrup.
- Lemon zest – Adds a bright citrus flavor to the filling. Can be substituted with orange zest.
- Vanilla extract – Adds a warm, sweet flavor to the filling. Can be substituted with almond extract.
- Egg yolks – Adds richness to the filling. Can be substituted with a vegan egg substitute.
- Butter – Melts into the layers of the strudel, adding flavor and richness. Can be substituted with margarine or vegan butter.
- Phyllo dough – Provides the flaky pastry layers for the strudel. Be sure to thaw the dough completely before using.
- Powdered sugar – A light dusting of powdered sugar adds sweetness and a decorative touch to the finished strudel.
Utensils:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper – Can be substituted with non-stick spray.
- Small bowl
- Electric mixer – Can be mixed by hand.
- Pastry brush
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Phyllo Dough: the Secret to Perfect Flaky Strudel Layers
When it comes to making pastries, phyllo dough is my go-to pastry dough. This delicate pastry is made of paper-thin sheets of unleavened dough, layered and brushed with butter to create a crispy, flaky texture. I love how easy it is to work with because it saves so much time in the kitchen. While traditionally used in Greek and Middle Eastern cuisine, it works wonders in sweet pastries like this Hungarian Sweet Cheese Strudel. And the best part is, the lightness of the dough allows the cheese filling to shine through and take center stage. Phyllo dough can be found in the freezer section of most grocery stores, already rolled and ready to go. Making this strudel has never been easier!
Cream Cheese: A Tangy Twist on Sweet Desserts
I’m a big fan of cream cheese when it comes to baking. It’s a versatile ingredient that adds a tangy flavor and creamy texture to any baked good. That’s why it’s the star of the show in this Sweet Cheese Strudel. In addition to the tangy flavor, cream cheese is also a great source of protein and calcium. It’s a healthier option than other cheeses that are high in fat and sodium. Plus, it’s easier to find a low-fat version of cream cheese than other cheeses. When combined with sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, it creates a sweet and tangy filling that complements the delicate phyllo dough perfectly. Pro tip: make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing for a silky smooth filling.
What to serve it with?
If you’re wondering what to serve with Hungarian Sweet Cheese Strudel, I highly recommend a cup of strong coffee or a steaming mug of tea. In Hungary, we often enjoy pastries like this with our morning coffee or as an afternoon treat. There’s something about the combination of sweet and bitter that really hits the spot. Personally, I love sipping on a cup of Turkish coffee while savoring a warm slice of Sweet Cheese Strudel. The strong, rich flavor of the coffee pairs perfectly with the creamy sweetness of the pastry. Plus, it’s a great way to start or end your day feeling energized and satisfied!
Summary
And that, my friends, is how you make a delectable Hungarian Sweet Cheese Strudel! I hope you enjoyed this recipe as much as I enjoyed sharing it with you. If you decide to give it a try, I would love to hear about your experience in the comments below. Was it your first time making a strudel? Did you make any creative adjustments to the recipe? Are there any other Hungarian desserts you would like to try next? Let’s keep the conversation going! And remember, if you’re ever in need of a little taste of Hungary, you can always rely on this Sweet Cheese Strudel to transport your taste buds to a land of creamy, flaky goodness. Küldöm a puszi!” (That means “sending a kiss” in Hungarian)
Here’s the recipe:
Delicious Hungarian Sweet Cheese Strudel: A Flaky Pastry Filled with Sweet Creamy Bliss
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- small bowl
- Electric mixer
- Pastry Brush
- Sharp Knife
- cutting board
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Cream cheese
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 2 Egg yolks
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) Butter
- 8-10 sheets Phyllo dough
- 1/4 cup Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the filling - In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Add in the egg yolks and mix until well combined. - Be sure to mix the egg yolks in thoroughly to avoid any lumps in the filling.
- Prep the phyllo dough - Lay out the phyllo dough and cover with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out. Melt the butter in a small saucepan or in the microwave. - Be gentle when handling the phyllo dough, as it tears easily. It can be helpful to brush the melted butter over the phyllo sheets as you layer them to help prevent tearing.
- Layer the phyllo dough and filling - Carefully lay out one sheet of phyllo dough and brush with melted butter. Repeat with 3-4 more sheets of phyllo dough. Spread half of the cream cheese filling on top of the layered phyllo dough, leaving a few inches of space at the edges. Layer 3-4 more sheets of phyllo dough on top of the filling, brushing each layer with butter. Spread the remaining cream cheese filling on top, leaving a few inches of space at the edges. Layer the remaining phyllo dough sheets on top of the filling, brushing each layer with butter. - It's important to work quickly when layering the phyllo dough, as it dries out fast. A damp towel can help keep the phyllo moist if you need a break. Don't worry if the edges of the dough tear or crinkle - it's part of the charm of homemade pastry!
- Bake the strudel - Brush the top of the strudel generously with melted butter, then bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and crispy. - Keep an eye on the strudel in the oven - it can brown quickly towards the end of the baking time. If it starts to brown too fast, cover it loosely with foil.
- Serve and enjoy - Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar and slice into portions. Serve warm and enjoy! - This sweet cheese strudel is best served warm, but can be enjoyed at room temperature as well. It pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea for a mid-day treat.
