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Hungarian Plum Cake (Szilvás Pite)
A buttery, yeasted dough filled with juicy plums and cinnamon—a classic Central European dessert!
Prep Time: 30 mins (+1.5 hrs rising) | Cook Time: 40 mins | Total Time: 2 hrs 40 mins
Servings: 12
🍑 Ingredients
Dough:
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3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
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¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
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1 packet (7g) active dry yeast
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½ cup (120ml) warm milk
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2 large eggs
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½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ tsp salt
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Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Filling:
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1.5 lbs (700g) ripe plums, pitted & sliced (or sub prunes)
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¼ cup (50g) sugar (adjust to taste)
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1 tsp cinnamon
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1 tbsp breadcrumbs or ground walnuts (to absorb juice)
Topping:
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1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
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Powdered sugar (for dusting)
📝 Instructions
1. Make the Dough
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In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 tsp sugar in warm milk. Let sit 5-10 mins until frothy.
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In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and lemon zest. Add yeast mixture, eggs, vanilla, and softened butter.
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Knead for 5-7 mins (by hand or mixer) until smooth. Cover and let rise 1-1.5 hrs until doubled.
2. Prepare Filling
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Toss plum slices with sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Assemble
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13″ baking pan.
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Punch down dough and roll out ⅔ of it to fit the pan. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the dough (to prevent sogginess).
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Arrange plums evenly over the dough. Roll out the remaining dough, cut into strips, and lattice over the plums.
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Brush with egg wash.
4. Bake
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Bake 35-40 mins until golden. Cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar.
🍯 Tips & Variations
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Best plums: Use Italian prune plums (firmer, less juicy) if available.
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Add nuts: Sprinkle crushed walnuts or almonds over the filling.
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Serve with: Whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of honey.
🇭🇺 Why Hungarians Love This Cake
Szilvás pite is a staple of Hungarian home baking, often made in late summer when plums are ripe. The yeasted dough makes it lightly sweet and fluffy, while the plums caramelize into jammy perfection.
Perfect for: Coffee breaks, family gatherings, or a taste of Central Europe!
Would you like a quick version with store-bought dough? 😊
