These Hungarian desserts will take your tastebuds straight to the heart of Hungary, where sweet treats are as rich and indulgent as the country’s history.
From jam-filled crepes to towering, multi-layered cakes, Hungarian sweets are seriously next level. If you’re planning a Hungarian-themed feast, don’t stress about dessert—I’ve got you covered!
Hungary is home to the legendary dobos torte, a seven-layer masterpiece packed with velvety dark chocolate buttercream.
And when it comes to flavors, Hungarians love using plums, jams, and poppy seeds, giving their sweets a unique and unforgettable taste.
With so many mouthwatering options, I’ve rounded up a list of the best Hungarian desserts you need to try.
Whether you’re craving buttery cookies, a nutty walnut torte, or a fruity roulade, there’s a Hungarian dish here that’s guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth!
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30. Szalagos Fánk (Hungarian Donuts)
These homemade Hungarian donuts (Szalagos Fánk) are the kind of treat you’ll want to make again and again. They’re simple, delicious, and the smell alone is absolutely irresistible. If you love Hungarian cuisine, this is a must-try!
The toughest part? Waiting. Seriously, it’s almost torture!
I remember watching them fry, the golden dough puffing up perfectly, filling the air with that rich, sweet aroma.
And just when you think it’s time to dig in—nope, you have to wait for them to cool down! That wait feels endless, but trust me, once you take that first bite, it’s all worth it.
29. Somlói Galuska – Hungarian Trifle Dessert (Recipe and Place to try Hungarian Desserts in Budapest 🙂
Peter, my Hungarian translator, met me at a cozy neighborhood café, ready to guide me through their impressive glass dessert case. As he shared his top picks (and a few skips), he suddenly stopped, eyes full of admiration.
In front of us was a bowl of cake “dumplings” layered with silky vanilla cream, drizzled in rich chocolate sauce, and finished with whipped cream rosettes.
This was Somlói Galuska, a dessert named after a wine town near Lake Balaton, but beloved in Budapest and beyond.
Peter explained that this indulgent treat was first created at Gundel, one of Hungary’s most legendary restaurants, but you don’t need to be a Hungarian chef to make it at home.
With the right ingredients and a little patience, you can bring this iconic dessert straight to your own kitchen!
28. Try Hungarian Dobos Torte Recipe
The Dobos Torte and Esterházy Torte are two legendary desserts that show off the incredible artistry of Hungarian and Austro-Hungarian baking.
The Dobos Torte is famous for its caramelized top, layered between soft sponge cake and rich chocolate buttercream. Meanwhile, the Esterházy Torte is a nut lover’s dream, with delicate hazelnut dacquoise and velvety buttercream stacked into a masterpiece.
Both of these beauties are sprinkled with powdered sugar and are guaranteed to impress—whether you’re drawn to the sweet crunch of caramel or the nutty richness of hazelnuts, you can’t go wrong. Try one, and you’ll definitely be craving the other!
27. Rákóczi Túrós – Hungarian Cottage Cheese Cake
I love exploring the world through its food and flavors, and if you’ve been following along, you’ve probably noticed!
There’s nothing better than diving into the gastronomy and traditions of a place, uncovering its hidden culinary gems, and sharing them with you.
Today, we’re heading to Hungary, a country that’s home to some seriously amazing pastries and desserts. And trust me, this one’s a real treat—Hungarian Cottage Cheese Cake, also known as Rákóczi Túrós.
It’s a delicious slice of Hungarian history, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
26. Diós és Mákos Kalács (Walnut and Poppy Seed Rolls from Budapest)
This classic Hungarian pastry has been a family favorite for generations, and for good reason! The buttery, flaky dough is filled with rich walnut and poppy seed citrus fillings, making it an absolute must for any holiday celebration.
Just thinking about it brings back memories of Mom and Grandma spending days in the kitchen, rolling out dough and baking batch after batch of traditional sweets.
They never needed recipes—everything was done by sight and feel, and somehow, it always turned out perfect.
These walnut and poppy seed rolls were the treats we waited for all year, especially during Christmas and Easter.
They were just one of many beloved desserts in our home, but without a doubt, they were always the ones we were most excited to see on the table!
25. Tradiutional Hungarian Plum Dumplings – Gombóc
These Hungarian Plum Dumplings, known as Gombóc, can be served as either a dessert or a side dish. Their dough, made from freshly mashed potatoes, results in a soft and creamy consistency.
Surprise your guests at a dinner gathering with this delightful treat!
While it may be tempting to use leftover mashed potatoes, it’s best to start with plain, unseasoned potatoes—meaning no added cream, salt, or butter.
Be sure to mash them thoroughly until smooth, or for an even finer texture, pass them through a ricer to eliminate any lumps.
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24. Hungarian Kiffles – Pastry Dessert Recipe
Kiffles (or kiflis) are classic Hungarian pastries made with a delicate cream cheese dough and filled with a variety of sweet fillings, such as apricot, almond, and poppy seed.
While these cookies take some time to prepare, their irresistible taste makes every effort worthwhile.
As a cherished tradition in our Hungarian family, kiffles have always been a staple at holiday gatherings. Though they require patience to make, just one bite will convince you they’re more than worth it!
23. Túrós Rétes – Hungarian Cottage Cheese Strudel
The best part of a cottage cheese strudel? The rich, creamy filling, of course! The delicate phyllo sheets are merely there to hold everything together—the true star is that luscious, thick layer of cottage cheese.
And in this Hungarian cottage cheese strudel (túrós rétes), the best part is the most generous layer of all.
This recipe is a simplified version—no rolling required! Instead, we’ll simply layer the ingredients, making it much easier to prepare.
The only thing I hesitated about in my mom’s original recipe was the fat. But guess what? We only need one tablespoon!
I once asked her if I could swap it for coconut oil, and her response? “If you want to make it with coconut oil, then don’t make it at all.” Alright, alright—message received, Mom!
Still, I might secretly try it with coconut oil one day… just don’t let her find out!
22. Easy and Tasty Hungarian Shortbread
This delightful dessert is made up of two layers of rich, buttery shortbread that crumble perfectly with every bite, sandwiching a sweet and fruity jam filling in between. It’s the perfect balance of texture and flavor—simple yet so satisfying.
Whether you’re serving it for a cozy afternoon tea, a family gathering, or just treating yourself, this classic treat is sure to impress.
What truly makes these cookie bars irresistible is the unbelievably light and crumbly shortbread. It practically melts in your mouth, creating a delicate contrast to the sticky, flavorful jam.
Honestly, even without the filling, the shortbread alone is absolutely delicious! But with that extra layer of jam, every bite becomes a perfect harmony of sweetness and buttery goodness.
So, if you’re looking for an easy-to-make dessert that delivers on both texture and taste, these shortbread jam bars are a must-try.
Whether enjoyed warm with a cup of tea or packed up as a sweet snack on the go, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
21. Simple to Make Hungarian Apple Pie (Almás Pite)
Also called apple cake or apple squares, Hungarian apple pie (almás pite) is a timeless classic that has been cherished for generations.
Take a moment to admire just how stunning these bars are—they truly are next level! The beautifully defined layers give them a picture-perfect look, while a light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch.
But don’t let their sophisticated appearance intimidate you—almás pite is surprisingly simple to make. In fact, it’s as easy as pie! With its tender, buttery crust and perfectly spiced apple filling, this dessert is as delightful to bake as it is to eat.
20. Sweet, Buttery, and Chewy Hungarian Treasure Cookies
These Hungarian treasure cookies live up to their name—each one hides a delightful surprise inside!
The dough itself is a perfect balance of flavors and textures: sweet, buttery, and irresistibly chewy, with a slight tang from the cream cheese.
But the real magic happens when you take that first bite—inside, a thick layer of jam awaits, adding a burst of fruity sweetness to every mouthful.
Feel free to get creative with the filling! While classic jams and preserves work beautifully, a rich nut filling is just as delicious. No matter what you choose, these cookies are little bites of joy, perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!
19. Strawberry Cake – only Flour, Eggs, and Sugar!
This is no ordinary strawberry cake—it’s a true summer delight!
Delicate layers of biskvit are generously filled with a luscious fresh strawberry purée, then topped with a dreamy frosting made from whipped cream, sugar, and cream cheese. Every bite is light, fruity, and irresistibly creamy—pure paradise on a plate!
This foolproof recipe requires just three simple ingredients: flour, eggs, and sugar. No butter, no leavening agents—just a light, airy cake that soaks up all that delicious strawberry goodness.
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as effortless as it is stunning, this strawberry biskvit cake is the one!
18. Prepare at Home Hungarian Chocolate Coconut Balls
If you’ve never experienced the magic of chocolate and coconut in one dessert, you’re truly missing out! Treat your taste buds to something special with these irresistible chocolate coconut balls.
Once shaped into bite-sized balls, they’re rolled in finely grated coconut, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. It’s a bite of pure chocolate-coconut bliss—easy to make and impossible to resist!
17. Aranygaluska – Melt-in-your-mouth Hungarian Golden Pull-Apart Cake
Aranygaluska is known by many names—monkey bread, butter puffs, golden dumpling cake—but I prefer to call it happiness you can eat.
There’s something irresistible about this dessert. Maybe it’s the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, or perhaps it’s the sweet, nutty coating of sugar and walnuts. Either way, one thing is certain—it’s downright addictive!
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself reaching for one pillowy, caramelized bite after another. Once you start, it’s nearly impossible to stop!
16. Sweet and Crunchy Hungarian Walnut Rolls
These Christmas cookies are so delightful, they’re sure to bring an extra dose of holiday cheer!
Shaped like little croissants, these treats are irresistibly flaky. Made with a rich cream cheese dough, they have a buttery texture with just a hint of tanginess.
Inside, a sweet and nutty walnut filling perfectly complements the tender pastry, adding just the right amount of crunch. With every bite, you’ll experience a delicious contrast of flavors and textures—guaranteed to put a smile on your face!
15. Beigli (Popular Hungarian Nut Rolls for Holidays)
Beigli is another beloved pastry roll that shines during the holiday season—and with its rich flavor and delightful texture, it’s easy to see why.
This incredibly soft, tender dough is wrapped around a sweet, nutty walnut filling, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Though the concept is simple, the taste is nothing short of extraordinary!
The walnuts add a wonderful depth, bringing both crunch and warmth to every bite. It’s this nutty goodness that makes beigli such a special holiday treat—one you’ll find yourself craving all year round!
14. Traditional Apple Strudel (Almás Rétes)
Rétes is a classic strudel enjoyed throughout Central Europe, and in Hungary, the traditional version is filled with sweet, spiced apples.
This delightful pastry features an ultra-thin, flaky crust wrapped around a smooth, creamy apple filling.
Unlike chunkier apple desserts, the apples in rétes are finely textured, blending beautifully with the warm flavors of brown sugar and cinnamon. A handful of raisins adds a chewy contrast, making each bite even more delicious.
Best of all, you won’t need to stress over making the delicate pastry from scratch—store-bought puff pastry works perfectly, making this recipe both easy and irresistible!
13. Kolachy Cookies for Christmas
The dough is incredibly light and fluffy, with a rich, slightly tangy flavor from the cream cheese that makes every bite irresistible.
When it comes to the filling, the possibilities are endless! Fruit preserves are a classic choice, but ground nuts or poppy seeds also create a wonderfully flavorful contrast.
As long as the filling adds a touch of sweetness to balance the dough, you’re guaranteed a perfect holiday treat.
12. Try to Make Hungarian Apple Cake
Almás pite may be called a pie, but it’s quite different from the American version. Instead of a traditional pastry crust, the apple filling is nestled between two delicate layers of ground walnuts, giving it a unique texture and nutty richness.
Unlike classic apple pie, this Hungarian treat is cut into squares and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, adding an elegant touch to every bite.
It’s a delicious twist on a beloved classic—one that’s definitely worth trying!
11. Chimney Cake with Ice Cream (Kürtőskalács)
One look at this dessert, and its name makes perfect sense! Though often called a “cake,” it’s actually a type of bread—but no matter what you call it, it’s an irresistible treat.
What sets it apart, beyond its signature cylindrical shape, is its delightfully crunchy and caramelized exterior. Rolled in sugar and dusted with a walnut-sugar mixture, every bite delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
And here’s a fun twist—its hollow center isn’t just for looks! Fill it with ice cream, whipped cream, or custard for an indulgent upgrade to an already unique and delicious dessert.
10. Beautiful Basic Hungarian Sponge Cake (Piskotatekercs)
This recipe guides you through making the perfect base—a classic sponge cake—that can be used for layer cakes, roulades, and more.
It’s also the foundation of piskótatekercs, an irresistibly delicious cake roll filled with jam and whipped cream.
The secret to achieving that beautifully light and fluffy texture? Gently folding the flour into the batter in small increments, ensuring an airy and delicate consistency every time!
9. Butterhorn Cookies with Walnuts and Cinnamon Sugar
Though they’re technically called cookies, these treats are more like delicate crescent rolls.
Made from a rich, tender dough, each crescent is rolled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar and walnut filling, then baked until beautifully golden. Whether enjoyed as a dessert or paired with coffee for breakfast, this Hungarian favorite is sure to impress.
What makes these cookies truly special is the addition of sour cream in the dough. Once baked, they develop an incredibly flaky, crispy, and slightly chewy texture—an irresistible combination in every bite!
8. Kakaós Csiga (Authentical Hungarian Chocolate Rolls)
If you’re craving dessert for breakfast, why not indulge in a serving (or two) of kakaós csiga?
These Hungarian chocolate rolls are so delicious, they’re worth getting out of bed for! With their soft, tender dough and rich chocolate filling, they’re an absolute dream for chocolate lovers.
A true Hungarian staple, kakaós csiga can be found everywhere—from bustling streets to supermarkets and bakeries.
It’s so beloved that people enjoy it at any time of day, making it the perfect treat whether you’re starting your morning or satisfying a sweet craving later on!
7. Hungarian Sweet Baked Noodles (Rakott Teszta)
Baked dessert noodles may sound unusual, but once you try them, you’ll wonder why you didn’t sooner!
It may have a variety of ingredients, but together, they create a perfectly balanced dish—comforting, lightly sweet, and irresistibly creamy.
Thanks to its satisfying, carb-rich base, rakott metélt isn’t just a dessert—it’s also a fantastic choice for breakfast or brunch!
6. Soft and Buttery Hungarian Chocolate Biscuits
If you love sandwich cookies, get ready to fall for this irresistible treat!
The real magic happens in the middle—a smooth, sweet buttercream frosting filling that makes them absolutely addictive.
If you’re tired of the same old Oreo cookies, these homemade biscuits are a must-try. Best of all, they’re made with simple, everyday ingredients and an easy-to-follow recipe. So why not whip up a batch and enjoy a fresh take on a classic favorite?
5. Delicious Hungarian Walnut Torte
This Hungarian walnut torte is the definition of indulgence—an ultra-rich dessert with four layers of soft, chewy walnut torte, all held together by a luscious chocolate pudding filling.
Unlike traditional cakes, tortes use little to no flour, relying instead on finely ground nuts for structure. This not only gives them a more complex texture but also enhances their deep, nutty flavor. The result? A dessert that’s both elegant and absolutely irresistible!
4. Amazing Hungarian Chocolate Layer Cake
Chocolate cake is just as adored in Hungary as it is in the US—but this Hungarian version might just become your new favorite.
If this is your first time hearing about it, get ready for a truly indulgent treat.
For chocolate lovers, this cake is an absolute must-try. It’s soaked in a rich rum syrup, making it unbelievably moist, while a touch of coffee enhances the deep, chocolatey flavor.
And the ganache? It’s not just chocolate—it’s infused with rum, taking this dessert to a whole new level of decadence. One bite, and you’ll see why this cake is in a league of its own!
3. Hungarian Poppy Seed Bread Pudding – Best Hungarian Dessert!
Many believe they bring good fortune and wealth, making them a popular addition to holiday dishes—especially during Christmastime. You’ll find them in pies, strudels, cakes, and, in this case, a comforting pudding.
Mákos guba is a traditional Hungarian sweet bread pudding made with crescent-shaped rolls called kifli. The poppy seeds not only carry symbolic meaning but also add a delightful nuttiness and satisfying crunch to this cozy, indulgent dessert.
2. Flavorful Hungarian Sweet Chestnut Cake
Chestnut-flavored desserts may be rare in America, but this Hungarian chestnut cake is an absolute must-try.
While it may take some effort to prepare, every bite proves it’s worth it. One glance at the recipe, and you’ll notice something interesting—there’s no flour! That alone tells you just how rich and fudgy this cake is.
Without flour to get in the way, the deep flavors of chestnuts, chocolate, butter, and rum truly shine. But the indulgence doesn’t stop there!
A velvety chocolate glaze is generously poured over the cake, making it even more decadent. And just when you think it couldn’t get any better, it’s topped with chocolate-coated candied chestnuts and a dollop of whipped cream.
This dessert isn’t just a treat—it’s an experience!
1. Hungarian Gerbeaud Cake Recipe with Almond Jam and Walnut Filling
Gerbeaud cake is a rich, indulgent dessert featuring thick layers of jam and walnut filling, all topped with a glossy dark chocolate glaze.
Unlike traditional cake layers, this masterpiece is made with shortcrust pastry, giving it a wonderfully crispy and crumbly texture that contrasts beautifully with the sweet, nutty filling.
This phenomenal treat was created in the 18th century by Emil Gerbeaud, a Swiss-born Hungarian confectioner.
His genius also gave us other beloved Hungarian sweets, including onyakos meggy (cognac-soaked sour cherries) and csokoládé drazsé (chocolate dragees).
Though it may sound intricate, Gerbeaud cake is surprisingly easy to make. The recipe yields a generous batch, but don’t expect it to last long—every bite is pure decadence!
30 Best Traditional Hungarian Desserts and Cakes in Budapest
Discover the 30 best traditional Hungarian desserts and cakes in Budapest! Indulge in delicious Hungarian sweets that showcase the rich flavors of Hungary.
Ingredients
- Szalagos Fánk (Hungarian Donuts)
- Somlói Galuska - Hungarian Trifle Dessert
- Try Hungarian Dobos Torte Recipe
- Rákóczi Túrós - Hungarian Cottage Cheese Cake
- Diós és Mákos Kalács (Walnut and Poppy Seed Rolls from Budapest)
- Hungarian Plum Dumplings - Gombóc
- Hungarian Kiffles
- Túrós Rétes - Hungarian Cottage Cheese Strudel
- Hungarian Shortbread
- Hungarian Apple Pie (Almás Pite)
- Hungarian Treasure Cookies
- Strawberry Cake
- Hungarian Chocolate Coconut Balls
- Hungarian Golden Pull-Apart Cake with Walnuts and Apricot Jam (Aranygaluska)
- Hungarian Walnut Rolls
- Beigli (Traditional Hungarian Nut Rolls)
- Apple Strudel (Almás Rétes)
- Kolachy Cookies
- Hungarian Apple Cake
- Chimney Cake (Kürtőskalács)
- Basic Hungarian Sponge Cake (Piskotatekercs)
- Butterhorn Cookies with Walnuts
- Kakaós Csiga (Hungarian Chocolate Rolls)
- Hungarian Baked Dessert Noodles (Rakott Teszta)
- Hungarian Chocolate Biscuits
- Hungarian Walnut Torte
- Hungarian Chocolate Cake
- Hungarian Poppy Seed Bread Pudding
- Hungarian Chestnut Cake
- Gerbeaud Cake (Hungarian Cake with Walnut and Almond Jam Filling)
Instructions
- Choose any Hungarian desserts from the post that you like
- Click on the link below the photo to get the full recipes and instructions.
- Try the best Hungarian desserts and share your photo under my pin on Pinterest!
I’m Anastasia and I’m a full-time blogger, online entrepreneur, and Pinterest marketing strategist. I help digital entrepreneurs and bloggers drive targeted traffic from Pinterest either through my online courses or through Pinterest consultancy.