🇭🇺 Hungarian Fruit Squares (Gyümölcsös Kocka)
These delightful Hungarian Fruit Squares are soft, buttery bars filled with jam or seasonal fruit — a nostalgic dessert often enjoyed with coffee or tea. 🍒🍎🍑
🧈 Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
- 2 egg yolks
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1 cup apricot jam, plum jam, or thick fruit preserves (or 2 cups fresh fruit — apples, plums, or cherries)
- 2 tbsp breadcrumbs (to absorb excess moisture if using fresh fruit)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
For the Top:
- 2 egg whites (lightly beaten, optional for brushing)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
👩🍳 Instructions
- Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
Add the butter and rub with your fingers or a pastry cutter until crumbly.
Mix in the egg yolks, sour cream, and vanilla until a soft dough forms.
Wrap and chill for 30 minutes. - Prepare the Filling:
If using jam, just stir until smooth.
If using fruit, slice it thinly and toss with sugar and cinnamon. - Assemble:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out half the dough and place it in a greased or parchment-lined baking pan (9×13-inch).
- Spread the jam or fruit evenly.
- Roll out the remaining dough and place it on top, sealing the edges.
- Optionally brush the top with beaten egg whites for shine.
- Bake:
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown. - Cool and Serve:
Let cool completely, then dust with powdered sugar and cut into squares.
🍽️ Serving Tip
Perfect with a cup of coffee or tea — or a dollop of whipped cream if you want extra indulgence!
Would you like me to include a variation with sour cherries (meggyes kocka)? It’s another beloved Hungarian version of this dessert.
