Delicious Hungarian Beigli

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Delicious Hungarian Beigli.

1. Step 1

   Start by combining the sugar, cubed butter, egg yolks, and sour cream in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a dough blade. Process these ingredients until they blend together smoothly, creating a creamy mixture. Next, add the self-rising flour and active dry yeast to the bowl. Continue processing until the dough begins to come together. If the dough feels too wet, sprinkle in a bit more flour; if it seems too dry, add milk one tablespoon at a time until it reaches a moist, workable consistency.

2. Step 2

   Once your dough is ready, shape it into a ball and cover it with a damp towel. Set it aside to rest while you prepare the filling. For the filling, heat some milk and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens to a syrupy consistency. Stir in the chopped walnuts, mixing well. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the lemon zest and raisins, allowing the filling to cool completely.

3. Step 3

   Now, divide the rested dough into three equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one piece into a long rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. Keep the remaining dough covered to prevent it from drying out. Spread one-third of the walnut filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving about an inch of space at the edges. Carefully roll the dough up into a log, pressing the edges to seal it well. Place the log seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and filling.

4. Step 4

   To give your loaves a beautiful finish, beat an egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture over the loaves, then let them rest in a warm place for about an hour. After they have risen, brush them again with the egg wash and place the baking tray in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step will help achieve a lovely shiny crust when baked.

5. Step 5

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the oven is ready, bake the loaves for about 35 to 45 minutes, or until they turn a deep golden brown. The aroma of baking Beigli will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist!