Here’s a long and detailed article about Hungarian Walnut Bars (Dióhabos Sütemény)—a classic Hungarian dessert beloved for its rich, nutty topping and buttery crust.

Hungarian Walnut Bars (Dióhabos Sütemény): A Timeless Treat

Hungary is known for its rich culinary traditions, especially when it comes to desserts. From dobos torte to beigli, Hungarian pastries are famous for their unique textures, balanced sweetness, and deep flavors. Among these delicious confections is Dióhabos Sütemény, a simple yet irresistible dessert made with a buttery shortcrust base and a fluffy walnut meringue topping.

These walnut bars have been a staple in Hungarian households for decades, often served at family gatherings, tea time, and festive occasions like Christmas and Easter. The combination of crispy crust and soft, nutty meringue makes this dessert an unforgettable treat.

The History of Hungarian Walnut Desserts

Hungary has a long history of baking with walnuts, as the country’s climate is ideal for growing them. Many traditional Hungarian desserts, such as bejgli (walnut roll), zserbó (layered walnut cake), and dios kifli (walnut crescent cookies), feature walnuts as a key ingredient. Dióhabos Sütemény follows this tradition, pairing ground walnuts with meringue to create a light yet indulgent texture that contrasts beautifully with the buttery base.

This recipe is a true Hungarian classic, often made by grandmothers and passed down through generations. Many people associate the rich aroma of baking walnut bars with childhood memories of cozy kitchens and holiday celebrations.

Why You’ll Love Hungarian Walnut Bars

Simple Ingredients – This dessert is made from basic pantry staples like flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and walnuts.
Delightful Texture – The contrast between the buttery crust and airy walnut meringue makes each bite deliciously satisfying.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether you’re making these bars for a holiday gathering, afternoon tea, or a family dessert, they are sure to impress.
Authentic Hungarian Flavor – If you love traditional European desserts, this one will quickly become a favorite.

Hungarian Walnut Bars (Dióhabos Sütemény) Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Base (Shortcrust Pastry):

1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (100g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 egg yolk
2 tbsp sour cream (or milk)
½ tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp baking powder
Pinch of salt

For the Walnut Meringue Topping:

3 egg whites
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
1 ¼ cups (150g) finely ground walnuts
½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Shortcrust Base

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Add cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in sugar, egg yolk, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Mix until the dough comes together into a smooth ball. If the dough is too dry, add an extra 1 tbsp of sour cream.
Roll out the dough to fit the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Press it down evenly.
Use a fork to prick the dough all over to prevent bubbling. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until slightly golden but not fully cooked.