Traditional Slovak Sweets
Pastries you simply have to try when you visit Slovakia. Slovak cuisine is pretty amazing. It is extremely comforting and rich, and very tasty at that. But once you look away from all the traditional cheese and potato dishes, and into the world of desserts, you are in for an even better treat. Let me take you on an exploration of some of the must try pastries and sweets the country has to offer.
I have to start with poppy seed roulades Makovník, which are sold at every bakery in every town. These thin dough roulades are stuffed with a delicious filling of sweet poppy seeds, and are the breakfast of choice of many locals. The poppy seeds are notorious for getting hopelessly stuck in your teeth, so make sure you have a toothbrush at hand after you consume this breakfast.
Photo: http://sistersbakery.sk/recipe/makovnik-najlepsi-na-svete/
Similarly to makovník, something very traditional for Bratislava specifically, is the small Bratislava rolls (Bratislavké rožky). These are bitesize pastries, comprised of 90% filling, and minimal dough. The most popular variations are poppy seed and walnuts, although you can find some with sweet cheese filling as well.
Photo: http://sistersbakery.sk/recipe/bratislavske-rozky-podla-streho-receptu/
We move on to a grandmother’s recipe of steamed sweet dumplings, or buchty na pare.These fluffy buns are filled with jam and topped with a big amount of poppy seeds and sugar, or cacao powder, and then covered in melted butter. What is not to like?
Melted butter plays a big role in the poppy seed version of šúľance, which are essentially pieces of rolled potato dough, topped once again with poppy seed, sugar, and butter. This is often served as a main dish in itself, and it is no wonder people choose it over many other salty dishes.
Photo: https://www.lenivakucharka.sk/makove-sulance-ako-od-babicky/
Another meal mainly eaten by children or served in schools is the traditional dukátové buchtičky. These are small square baked buns, which are put to soak in a deep dish of vanilla custard. It’s unbelievable comforting, although quite difficult to make at home from scratch.
Photo: https://www.korunnycukor.sk/sladky-magazin/6-dukatove-buchticky/
If you want to try a traditional cake from Slovakia, you should definitely opt for the famous bublanina. This is perhaps the most versatile and easy to make cake there is. It requires no special baking abilities, and all you need for it is a cup to measure all the ingredients. The basic dough is always topped with seasonal fruits, and usually involves the whole family participating in the baking. From gathering the fruits, to slicing it over tea time, it’s the perfect dessert to exemplify the utter joy of sweet things.
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