Hungarian Sweet Cheese Strudel (Túrós Rétes)

Hungarian Sweet Cheese Strudel (Túrós Rétes) is a classic and beloved Hungarian dessert made with thin layers of pastry filled with a sweetened cheese mixture, typically using túró (a fresh curd cheese similar to farmer’s cheese or ricotta). It’s light, slightly tangy, and deliciously flaky!

Here’s a traditional recipe to make Hungarian Sweet Cheese Strudel:

Hungarian Sweet Cheese Strudel (Túrós Rétes)

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup (120ml) lukewarm water

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or melted butter

• 1 tsp white vinegar (helps with dough elasticity)

For the filling:

• 500g (about 2 cups) túró (or farmer’s cheese, ricotta, or quark)

• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

• 2 tbsp sour cream or heavy cream (optional, for creamier texture)

• Raisins (optional, soaked in warm water or rum)

For brushing:

• Melted butter

Instructions:

1. Make the dough:

   • In a bowl, mix the flour and salt.

   • Add water, oil, and vinegar, and mix until a soft dough forms.

   • Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

   • Form into a ball, coat lightly with oil, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rest for at least 1 hour at room temperature.

2. Prepare the filling:

   • In a bowl, combine the túró (or your chosen cheese), sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.

   • Add sour cream if using for a creamier texture.

   • Stir in raisins if desired.

3. Roll out the dough:

   • On a large clean cloth or parchment paper, roll the dough as thin as possible with a rolling pin.

   • Then gently stretch the dough with your hands, starting from the center outward, until the dough is almost transparent (very thin).

   • If it tears, don’t worry—just patch it gently.

4. Assemble the strudel:

   • Brush the thin dough lightly with melted butter.

   • Spread the cheese filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.

   • Using the cloth or parchment, carefully roll up the dough into a log, starting from one of the long edges.

   • Seal the edges gently.

5. Bake:

   • Transfer the strudel to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

   • Brush the top with more melted butter.

   • Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.

6. Serve:

   • Let it cool slightly before slicing.

   • Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

   • Serve warm or at room temperature.