Trdelnik - Slovakian chimney cake

Key takeaway

• Trdelnik is a chimney cake that has its origins in the Hungarian-speaking region of Transylvania.
• Traditional Trdelnik has a diameter of 8 to 10 centimeters and should be roasted over a fire or on a grill.
• Slovak chimney cake comes from the town of Skalica and has a 'Protected Geographical Indication' certificate in the European Union.

What is Trdelnik?

Trdelnik is a delicious cake made from yeast dough. He is known not only in Slovakia, but also in neighboring countries such as the Czech Republic and Hungary. Although in Hungary there is a separate recipe that comes from the same source.

I first encountered this cake over a decade ago when visiting the Kosice region. However, I didn't know its origin back then. Its taste made me decide to try to make such a cake myself. It turned out to be quite simple.

How is traditional Trdelnik made?

The previously prepared dough in the form of long strips is rolled onto the so-called 'trdlo', i.e. wooden roller. It should have a diameter of 8 to 10 centimeters, although there are also smaller ones. Traditionally, such a rolling pin should be toasted over a fire or on a grill. Due to the lack of access to a special station, I use the oven.

Nowadays, you can find metal rollers that are also suitable for this purpose. Theoretically, it is said that real Trdelnik cannot be made using such a roller. I use this one and I assure you that it also comes out tasty. Although maybe a little less traditional. Such a roller can be found quite easily on the Internet. It is also useful for other cakes of this type.

Just a few years ago, 'Trdelnik' could be found mainly at various fairs. It is now available year-round in many areas. This is a kind of fast food currently available in various food stalls almost throughout the region.

How was Trdelnik created?

The oldest mention of Trdelniki says that they were baked by a cook from Transylvania. The chef cooked and baked for the general, count and writer Józef Gvadáni. It all started in the town of Skalica at the end of the 18th century. Trdelnik actually comes from the Hungarian-speaking region of Transylvania. This is also where the source of this cake should be sought.

In those days, chimney cake quickly gained popularity. It quickly began to appear at fairs and festivals throughout the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Already in the mid-19th century it was known as a Slovak dish, and in the 20th century as a Moravian cake.

Currently, trdelník is very popular among tourists both in Slovakia and the neighboring Czech Republic. The traditional Slovak version of this cake from Skalica was registered in 2007. It is certified as a 'Protected Geographical Indication' in the European Union. It was the first Slovak dish to receive this designation, which may indicate its popularity.

How to prepare Trdelnik?

Making Trdelnik at home may seem very difficult, but in fact all you need to do is use a rolling pin wrapped in foil or a glass bottle. Special oven-safe baking tins are also available. I showed one of such forms in the image above.

The cake recipe is very simple. However, be careful to grease the rolling pin with melted butter or olive oil before applying the dough. During baking, you should also rotate the roller three or four times depending on the angle of rotation.

The topping used actually depends on our taste. Children like sprinkles with sugar or nuts. For me they taste good even without it. So it's worth trying a few variants. I assure you that each one will be delicious. None of my Trdelniks survived an hour after baking :)