Hungarian Apple Slice Cake (Almás Sütemény)

A classic Hungarian-style apple cake made with tender pastry layers and a generous cinnamon-spiced apple filling. Finished with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar, this traditional dessert is comforting, fragrant, and perfect with coffee or tea.

🇭🇺 Hungarian Apple Slice Cake

About This Recipe

Hungarian apple desserts are loved for their simple ingredients and homemade character. This Hungarian Apple Slice Cake features soft, buttery layers surrounding a sweet apple filling flavored with cinnamon and vanilla.

The apples become wonderfully tender during baking, while the pastry turns lightly golden and crisp around the edges. A final coating of powdered sugar gives the cake its traditional appearance.

Ingredients

For the Pastry

• 500 g all-purpose flour
• 200 g unsalted butter or margarine
• 120 g powdered sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 packet vanilla sugar or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• 120–150 ml sour cream, as needed

For the Apple Filling

• 1 kg apples, peeled, cored, and grated
• 100–150 g granulated sugar, according to taste
• 1–2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 packet vanilla sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons breadcrumbs or semolina
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For Finishing

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pastry

In a large bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, baking powder, vanilla sugar, and salt.

Add the cold butter and rub it into the flour mixture until it resembles fine crumbs. Add the egg yolks and enough sour cream to form a soft, smooth dough.

Knead briefly until combined. Divide the dough into two equal portions, cover, and refrigerate for about 20–30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Apple Filling

Peel and grate the apples. Place them in a saucepan and cook over medium heat with the sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and lemon juice.

Cook for approximately 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and some of their excess moisture evaporates.

Remove from the heat and allow the filling to cool slightly. Stir in the breadcrumbs or semolina to help absorb remaining moisture.

3. Assemble the Cake

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

Roll out the first portion of dough to fit a rectangular baking pan, approximately 20 × 30 cm.

Place the pastry in the lined pan and gently press it into place. Sprinkle lightly with breadcrumbs or semolina if desired.

Spread the apple filling evenly over the pastry.

Roll out the second portion of dough and carefully place it over the apples. Gently press the edges to seal the cake.

Prick the top several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.

4. Bake

Bake for approximately 35–40 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden.

Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely before cutting.

5. Finish and Serve

Generously dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar.

Cut into neat squares or rectangles and serve with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk.

Recipe Tips

• Choose firm, slightly tart apples for a balanced flavor.
• If your apples release a lot of liquid, cook them a little longer before assembling the cake.
• Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing so the layers remain neat.
• For a stronger traditional flavor, add a little extra cinnamon.
• The cake often tastes even better after resting for several hours, when the pastry has absorbed some of the apple filling.

Storage

Store the Hungarian apple cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Bring refrigerated slices to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Serving Suggestion

Serve each slice with a light dusting of powdered sugar. For a special dessert, pair it with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a cup of strong Hungarian-style coffee.

Recipe Card

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Hungarian
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 12 slices

Keyword: Hungarian Apple Cake, Hungarian Apple Slice, Almás Sütemény, Traditional Hungarian Dessert, Apple Pastry

Final Note

This Hungarian Apple Slice Cake is a wonderful example of traditional home baking: simple ingredients, a generous fruit filling, and delicate pastry come together to create a comforting dessert that is perfect for family gatherings and afternoon coffee.