Top 10 Czech Desserts

Top 10 Czech Desserts

The Czech Republic is pretty sweet – in more ways than one. Not only will you get to see some amazing sights, drink some cheap beer, and meet some interesting people, you’ll have a variety of sweet treats to choose from to end your day on a high note.

You’ve just enjoyed a nice beef goulash and glass of wine for dinner. You’re no rookie in the Czech food scene now – it’s your last night out in Prague, and you have thoroughly enjoyed the traditional food served at all meals of the day. Unlike the previous nights, you have saved enough room for dessert. And you can’t wait.

The Czech pastries, pies, and cakes all look just as good as you’re sure they’re going to taste. The swirls of vanilla and chocolate, icing and spreads on top of the cakes, and designs all make it just that little bit harder to resist temptation.

In your time in this beautiful country, you’ve seen amazing architecture, gorgeous nature, friendly people, and fun attractions. But some of the most beautiful sights have to be the rows and rows of delectable pastries in the windows of bakeshops and cafes.

With numerous options to choose from for an after-dinner treat, we have attempted to count down the top 10 Czech desserts we have come across in our travels.

1. Sweet fruit dumplings

First up, we’ll start with one of the most popular options – fruit dumplings. Change whatever picture you have in your mind of a dumpling – these are no Asian savory dumplings, but warm, jam-stuffed delicious bite-sized treats.

Coming in a variety of sizes, they can range from either baseball-sized to smaller golf-ball sized, with a variety of fruit as the inside stuffing. The traditional fillings are typically peach or plum, and the Czechs have engineered a not-so-sweet potato dough to perfectly combine with the sweet inside, making this not as bad for your health as you might think.

Calories are added via a huge dollop of melted butter over the top that is then topped with crumbled cheese or sugar. These dumplings pack a punch into a small package, which lets you order usually one plate for dessert that you can easily share with your meal companions since most restaurants bring at least two on a plate. Trust me, you might not be able to handle more than one serving of sugary-sweet-goodness.

2. Makovy koláček

Next on our list, we bring to you Makovy koláček, which is sometimes just known as kolache. The popularity of this pastry has surpassed the Czech borders, and can now be seen in various countries across the world.

The traditional kolach is typically filled with a sweet flavor, surrounded by brioche-like bread, and topped with plums, jam, or poppy seeds. The fillings can be a variety of fruits, like blueberries, lemon, cherries, or apricots.

The name of the pastry actually means “wheels,” referencing the round shape, and rose to prominence in the 1700s. The growing popularity can be seen through the various regions in American and festivals that now celebrate this beloved pastry, with Minnesota being the Kolacky capital of the world, and Nebraska claiming to have the world’s largest version of this tasty dessert.

Regardless of this Nebraskan monstrosity, the typical pastry is only about cookie-sized, and perfect for pairing with coffee after a savory dinner.

3. Trdelník

Trdlenik Basket – By Tamorlan [CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)]

Number three on our list is Trdelník, a pastry that is commonly sold on the streets of the biggest cities in the Czech Republic. These sweet treats are made from rolled dough, grilled on a stick, and generously-coated with sugar.

For the non-traditional snackers out there, you can also add an additional topping (if sugar isn’t sweet enough for you). Cinnamon is one of the most popular additions, and many of the other options can sell out due to the popularity and convenience of purchasing these to-go dessert-like snacks.

If you find yourself in Prague during your Czech trip, head to Krusta where the snacks are made outside, giving you a front-row seat to the process. You can sit outside overlooking the Charles Bridge, while watching the worker methodically make each individual trdelník to the consumer’s delight. Pair this treat with some mulled wine for a great after-dinner treat, or a mid-day pick-me-up.

4). Valašský frgál

Vlčnovský_vdolek – By Matěj “Dědek” Baťha [CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)]

Ringing in number four on this sweet list, we have Valašský frgál – a dessert with more nicknames than rappers these days. Also known as vdolek, pecák or lopaták, this round-shaped cake boasts various toppings and an outer crumble, sprinkled with sugar, cinnamon, or coated with butter.

Almost half of the cake consists of the sweet topping, comprised of dried pears, poppy seeds, nuts, cabbage, or jam. Don’t ask for a faux-pas and request a mixture of toppings – Czech blasphemy right there. Instead, choose one of the traditional offerings that date back to the early 19th century, when this treat would be enjoyed during holidays and special occasions only. Your holiday in Prague counts as a special occasion, right?

5). Buchty

Veganské_”tvarohové”_buchty – By Ceridan [CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)]

A traditional pastry that you’ll find in all Czech pastry shops and cafes, buchty is a yeasted bun filled with a variety of sweet ingredients, and holds number five on this list. This pastry can also be enjoyed as breakfast for locals who want to splurge on the weekends, or tourists wanting to enjoy a sweeter start to their day instead of the traditional bread and spread.

The buchty’s dough is usually enriched with vanilla or citrus flavors, and filled with homemade jams. Baked until they reach the sought after golden-brown color, the end product has a unique shape that makes this pastry so recognizable in store-front windows.

Traditionally enjoyed with just a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top, this Czech-born pastry has spread to Austria, Slovenia, and other Eastern-European countries, and has been met with acceptance. Seems like everyone enjoys some dessert now and then.

6). Bublanina

Bublanina – By Matěj “Dědek” Baťha [CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)]

The sixth Czech dessert that we feel deserves some recognition is the famous bublanina. This light sponge cake continues the trend of sweet fruits incorporated into desserts, and typically uses either cherries, strawberries, blueberries, apricots, or plums.

The mixture of eggs, butter, sugar, flour, and fruits all create a lightweight sponge texture that works perfectly with the fruit throughout the cake. The sponge can sometimes be additionally flavored with vanilla or lemon zest, adding some refreshing tastes to the sweetness. Dusted with powdered sugar, this cake is traditionally served warm, creating a great treat for the cold winter days, and pairs well with mulled wine.

Even though this dessert isn’t the most upscale option or the most difficult to make, bublanina is one of the most recognized and popular desserts in the Czech Republic. You can easily find this offering as you walk down the streets of any town or city, and also find that many families enjoy baking this treat in the comfort of their own homes.

7). Ovocné knedlíky

Tri ovocne knedliky – By Juan de Vojníkov [CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)]

Lucky number seven on our dessert list is occupied by Ovocné knedlíky – a fruit-filled dumpling that is a staple in all parts of the Czech Republic. This sweet dessert or snack is made with either leavened or potato dough, and filled with apricots, blueberries, strawberries, or plums.

After being cooked in boiling water, this treat is served hot, coated with butter, and gently dusted with sugar and quark cheese. Quark resembles cottage cheese, and consists of warmed soured milk – doesn’t sound the most appealing, but the combination of this fragrant topping with the sweet fruit and absorbent dough make for a tasty treat.

8). Medovnik

Medovnik Honey Cake – By Sweetlovers [CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)]

Another succulent snack that is popular across the country, especially in the capital city of Prague, is Medovnik. This honey cake has been a staple in Eastern Europe since the Middle Ages, with a barrel of honey being given as part of a woman’s dowry. Nowadays, you won’t find many people presenting honey barrels, but rather a homemade medovnik as a gift for family and friends.

This sweet cake that resembles a fruit cake can actually be left out for months before being eaten – sounds a bit off-putting, but the combination of flavors and the preparation actually let this be possible – and a great way to enjoy this dessert. If you’re hanging out in Prague, check out Coffee Lovers, where you can enjoy this sweet, honey-flavored icing, combined with the savory crumb outer.

9). Marlenka

Medovnik – Maciarka [CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)]

Continuing on this honey trend, Marlenka is another type of popular honey cake that can be clearly distinguished from its predecessor by its rectangular shape. The confusing bit about this treat is that ‘medovnik’ is a word used for any type of honey cake, or an off-brand marlenka.

This can make the finding of this dessert particularly difficult – but the search is worth it. This treat is more like a moist cake topped with thin layers of honey buttercream. For those who want to pretend they’re at a birthday party with the world’s best birthday cake, try this marlenka – you can even get some from the bakery case at a Tesco in Prague.

10). Miša

Last on our list of sweet treats, we have one that the kids might like on some hot summer days – Miša. This popsicle concoction is made from cream, quark cheese, and a dark chocolate coating.

Away from the traditional offering, you can also get this nowadays with strawberry or apricot flavors mixed in. We can all credit Eva Marnounová with this interesting recipe in 1962, creating the now-nostalgic frozen treat that is loved by the Czech people today.

Dessert is a concept that is widely loved all across the world – and the Czech sure know what they’re doing.

The Czech Republic is known for cheap beers, beautiful sights, friendly people, numerous attractions, and no shortage of great food. Fortunately, the decadent cuisine extends to Czech dessert. Even though it might be tempting to always finish your savory schnitzel, saving some room for dessert might be one of the best vacation decisions you’ve ever made.

The choice of honey cake, baked-fruit treats, or frozen delicacies have been consistently popular since their creation, extending past the borders of the Czech Republic and providing the rest of the world with unique and sweet flavor combinations that have created mouth-watering treats.