Overview

Sweet, sweet, delectable trdelnik. My favorite part of Prague and the one European food I crave the most. This soft, chewy, and crispy dessert is a type of spit cake since it is baked over coals on a spit. Trdelnik has a crispy and flaky outside with a soft and chewy inside. There are variations of this cake; either plain or chocolate hazelnut spread covering the inside. I am allergic to hazelnuts so I had to opt out of the more indulgent option. The group of people I was with tried both and it was a unanimous vote that everyone liked the plain version better. Try it for yourself and let me know your thoughts!

How Trdelnik is Made

  1. The dough is wrapped around a thick metal spindle
  2. Placed on a spit to rotate until it is a dark golden brown
  3. The stick is lifted out of the fire and rolled into a sugar and nut mixture
  4. The trdelnik is then taken off the metal rod and either eaten plain or chocolate hazelnut spread (aka Nutella) is slathered inside
  5. Enjoy!

Where to Find

Trdelnik can be found in almost any tourist area in Prague, Czech Republic, but they are most prominently found during Christmas time. They can also be found in other countries such as Slovakia, Germany, and Hungary since they are not a solely Czech food (for more Czech food, be sure to check out my Prague Food Tour). The name Trdelnik is a Czech word, but the origin dates back to the Greeks starting this recipe first. Many countries have adapted this pastry over the years and it has become wide spread over Europe.

Another common name that spans most of Europe is “chimney cakes.” Surely with the variety of names I have provided you with, someone can point you in the right direction of a good trdelnik/chimney cake/spit cake. Or just follow the scent of sugary baked dough!

-My hands are full of happiness; a trdelnik in one hand and hot mulled wine in the other.