What is a chimney cake?
Chimney cake is the English name used for the traditional Hungarian / Romanian product called Kurtoskalacs or as it is called in Czech & Slovakia, Trdelnik.
Chimney cake, also known as Kürtőskalács in Hungarian and Trdelník in Slovak and Czech, is a traditional sweet pastry made from yeast dough and baked around a cylindrical cooking roll. Once baked, it forms a hollow, golden-brown shell that resembles a chimney—hence the name. When the hot pastry is removed from the baking roll, steam often rises from the center, adding to its chimney-like appearance.
The name “Chimney Cake” became popular outside Central Europe because it’s easier to pronounce and market than its original names, especially in non-Hungarian-speaking regions.
Where Did Chimney Cake Originate?
Chimney cake originates from Transylvania, a region historically associated with Hungary but now part of Romania. The roots of the pastry are tied to the ethnic Hungarian communities living in this region. Today, it remains a beloved street food across Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.
Although debates continue between Hungarians and Romanians about the exact origin of Kürtőskalács, there’s no doubt it has deep historical ties to Hungarian culinary tradition—particularly among ethnic Hungarians in Transylvania.
What Is a Chimney Cone?
A chimney cone is a modern twist on the traditional chimney cake. Instead of the usual cylinder shape, the dough is wrapped and baked into a cone, then filled with ice cream, cream fillings, or savory ingredients.
The idea was born during a business trip to Turkey in 2011. Faced with hot weather and low demand for hot pastries, the concept of filling a chimney cake with cold treats was developed. To make the product easier to eat, the cooking roll was redesigned into a cone shape—and the Chimney Cone was born. When a photo of it went viral online, it helped make chimney cakes a year-round product instead of a seasonal treat.
What Is the Traditional Chimney Cake Recipe?
Chimney cake dough is made from yeast-based dough, with recipes varying by region. Some traditional recipes include eggs, but that can trigger stricter health regulations—especially for food trucks or trailers. That’s why our Kürtőskalács EASY mix was professionally developed to exclude eggs while maintaining elasticity and taste. We use natural enzymes to improve dough structure without compromising quality.
One of the most important ingredients is high-gluten flour, which ensures the dough is stretchy and easy to roll. Low-gluten flour can lead to tearing, difficulty rolling, or an uneven bake.
A well-made chimney cake should be crispy and caramelized on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside.
How to Make a Chimney Cake
Making chimney cakes is a hands-on process that combines skill and technique:
- Knead the yeast dough using a commercial mixer.
- Allow the dough to rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Portion the dough and let it rise again.
- Roll each portion into a long, even strip and wrap it around a cooking roll (wooden or stainless steel).
- Press the dough to bond the layers, brush with oil, and sprinkle with sugar.
- Let it rise a third time—this is crucial for lightness and texture.
- Bake in a chimney cake grill or oven for 4–6 minutes, depending on dough thickness.
- Once baked and caramelized, remove from the heat, sprinkle with your chosen toppings, and serve.
Are Chimney Cakes Sweet or Savory?
Traditionally, chimney cakes are sweet, rolled in sugar before baking and then coated with toppings like cinnamon, coconut, nuts, or chocolate.
However, in 2013, we pioneered the first-ever savory chimney cake. After years of sweet variations, we experimented with cheese, herbs, meats, and vegetables, eventually creating savory versions of both the classic chimney cake and the chimney cone.
Our dough recipe is neutral—not overly sweet or salty—allowing you to make both sweet and savory chimney cakes from the same dough. This reduces waste and speeds up production in commercial environments.
Why Chimney Cakes Are Gaining Popularity
With their eye-catching look, rich flavor, and flexibility for both sweet and savory menus, chimney cakes have become a hit at festivals, Christmas markets, food trucks, and café menus worldwide.
Whether you’re offering the traditional sweet roll or a modern filled cone, chimney cakes are a crowd-pleaser—perfect for year-round sales.
Dober Kürtős – The Chimney cake, Chimney cones, Trdelnik, & Baumstriezel experts
