chimney cake: preservation of tradition and modern trend

2022. 05. 03.

The history of the chimney cake

Chimney cake is a holiday dish in Transylvania. The earliest recipe for the braided cake, rolled on a wooden cylinder and baked over coals, can be found in a later Hungarian translation of a cookbook from 1581. 
The recipe was perfected in the 19th century, and today's version is known as chimney cake. An important rule was, for example, that the cylinder used to roll the cake over the fire was made of beech wood, and after it was finished, it was rolled in sugar and nuts. 

How is it made?

The heart and soul of the chimney cake is the wooden cylinder with a diameter of 10 cm and a length of 30-35 cm, with which the risen dough is baked on an open stove over coals. In reality, of course, this is not the most efficient solution today, buffets and restaurants already use chimney cake baking machines for this purpose, which can hold 6 or 8 wooden holders, so that many cakes can be baked in them at the same time. 

Chimney cake as street food

In the last 10-15 years, the fashion for street food has gradually developed here. In addition to traditional hamburgers and kebabs, however, quality street food dishes composed by chefs have been constantly appearing. At the stands of festivals and events, authentic dishes such as flatbread or chimney cake have proliferated in parallel with them.

Fortunately, chimney cake firmly dominates the streets, so those who want a traditional chimney cake do not need to travel to Transylvania.

However, with the growing trend of street food came competition. They rework and rethink food. There are also many versions of the chimney cake. Some are imaginative, some are exaggerated, but it is important that the authentic version does not disappear from the public consciousness.

If you're interested in baking chimney cakes, visit our website, where you'll find many chimney cake baking machines and accessories! In our offer, you will find the GÁZGRILL electric chimney cake baking machine, which is suitable for baking six chimney cakes at the same time. If you're thinking about even bigger quantities, then the GÁZGRILL 8+8 wood-burning electric chimney cake machine is for you!  Take a look at our entire selection and find the most suitable oven for you.