If you were lucky enough to grow up in a Slovak household or have Slovak roots, you probably already had the honor of trying traditional šuhajdy. This dessert is deeply rooted in the Slovak culinary tradition and is part of many holiday tables, especially during Christmas and Easter.
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Šuhajdy are basically small cups, usually made of the popular nut dough, filled with various fillings – from nuts and poppy seeds to various jams. Once filled, they are often covered in chocolate and sprinkled with coconut or ground nuts, giving them extra flavor and texture.
The key to a perfect recipe for šuhajdy is quality ingredients and filling. And of course, a little love! As always in traditional cuisine, the more the family is involved and the more a common Christmas atmosphere is created during preparation, the better the šuhajdy will be in the end.
So, have we inspired you to try making your own šuhajdy at home? It’s a great way to bring a piece of Slovak tradition into your home and at the same time start baking with family and friends.
Ingredients for šuhajdy
Filling
- 250 g of walnuts
- 150 g of granulated sugar
- 100 g of butter
- 150 ml of milk
- 1 package of vanilla sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons of rum
Frosting
- 300 g of dark chocolate
- 100 g of butter
Decoration
Candies for decoration or walnuts (to taste)
Procedure for preparing šuhajdy
Preparation of cupcakes
Melt the chocolate and butter in a water bath. Place the paper cups on the tray and put a little chocolate on the bottom of each one. Let it harden a little.
Preparation of ingredients
Slowly heat the milk, granulated sugar and vanilla sugar in a saucepan. Then add the butter and let it melt, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, dry-roast the walnuts in a pan and then grind them.
Cooking
When the butter melts, add the ground nuts, cover and let it cook for a few minutes until it forms a thick paste. Set aside and let cool. Add rum and mix well.
Filling and decorating
Fill the prepared cupcakes with the nut mixture. Then cover them with chocolate and sprinkle candies or nuts on top.
Video recipe for šuhajdy
The most frequently asked questions about šuhajdy
What are šuhajdy?
Šuhajdy are a traditional Slovak dessert in the form of small cupcakes, usually made of walnut dough and filled with various fillings.
When is šuhajdy traditionally prepared?
Šuhajdy is traditionally prepared especially during the festive period of Christmas and Easter, but of course they can be enjoyed throughout the year.
What fillings are used in šuhajdy?
Common fillings include nut, poppy seed or various jams. However, you can customize the fillings according to your own preferences.
How to decorate šuhajdy?
After creating the basket, they are often covered in chocolate and sprinkled with coconut, ground nuts or other decorations according to your imagination.
Can I freeze šuhajdy for later?
Yes, šuhajdy can be frozen. Make sure they are well wrapped to preserve their freshness and taste. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I add alcohol to šuhajdy?
Yes, some people add a bit of rum or other alcohol to the filling for extra flavor.
Can I make šuhajdy without nuts?
Of course! You can use other ingredients for the dough, such as poppy seeds or coconut. However, always make sure that the dessert is safe for people with allergies.
