Rétes (Hungarian Strudel) 🇭🇺🥧

Rétes is a traditional Hungarian strudel made with thin, flaky pastry and a sweet filling. Some of the most popular versions are made with apple, sour cherry, cottage cheese, or poppy seeds.

It is a wonderful homemade dessert to serve with coffee or tea and can easily be adapted to your favorite filling.

Ingredients

For the Pastry

  • 8–10 sheets filo pastry
  • 80 g melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs

Apple Filling

  • 4 medium apples
  • 60 g sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Cherry Filling

  • 300 g pitted sour cherries
  • 60 g sugar
  • 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs

Cottage Cheese Filling

  • 300 g cottage cheese
  • 60 g sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon semolina

Poppy Seed Filling

  • 200 g ground poppy seeds
  • 100 g sugar
  • 100 ml milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

How to Make Rétes

1. Prepare the Filling

For the apple filling, peel and grate the apples. Mix them with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and breadcrumbs.

For the cherry filling, drain the cherries well and combine them with sugar and breadcrumbs.

For the cottage cheese filling, mix the cottage cheese with sugar, egg, vanilla, lemon zest, and semolina until smooth.

For the poppy seed filling, heat the milk and sugar gently. Stir in the ground poppy seeds, vanilla, and lemon zest. Allow the mixture to cool before using.

2. Prepare the Pastry

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

Place one sheet of filo pastry on a clean surface and brush lightly with melted butter. Add another sheet and brush again. Continue layering until you have several sheets.

Sprinkle a little breadcrumbs over the pastry.

3. Add the Filling

Spread your chosen filling evenly over the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.

Fold the sides inward and carefully roll the pastry into a log.

Place the strudel seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking tray.

4. Bake

Brush the top with the remaining melted butter.

Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the pastry is crisp and golden brown.

5. Serve

Allow the strudel to cool for several minutes before slicing.

Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm or at room temperature.

Helpful Tips

  • Drain fruit thoroughly before adding it to the pastry.
  • Avoid using too much filling, which can make the pastry difficult to roll.
  • Keep unused filo sheets covered so they do not dry out.
  • Brush the pastry lightly with butter for a crisp finish.
  • Let the strudel rest briefly before cutting.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Bake Time: 30–40 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Servings: 8–10 slices
Cuisine: Hungarian
Course: Dessert

A Classic Hungarian Favorite 🇭🇺

Rétes is a versatile Hungarian dessert that can be filled with apples, sour cherries, cottage cheese, or poppy seeds. Each version has its own character, while the crisp golden pastry remains the delicious centerpiece.

Related Posts:

Leave a Comment