It's a shame that the Czech aren't known for their food. When it comes to European cuisines, French, Italian, British, Greek, and Spanish almost always reign supreme. It's up to the point that even when visiting other countries, tourists would rather eat turn to these cuisines than to eat local food. But if you ever go to the beautiful Czech Republic, you simply have to indulge in a few Czech desserts. Some of them are so sweet and delicious, they can rival any sweets that can come from the French or the Italians. Particularly, these five notable treats.
Vánoční Cukroví
Wafer biscuits, jam-filled cookies, gingerbread men, and powder crescent-shaped cookies. A whole plate of these delectable treats is what the Czech call
Vánoční Cukroví. Mostly served during
the holidays, these cookies are sweet, easy to eat, and are always made in batches. Though most Vánoční Cukroví is served for kids, some batches include liquor-infused pastries that are reserved for adults. Since this is the type of dessert that can be shared and that many more people can enjoy, it's also often served as dessert for big feasts. It helps that you can easily eat them with your hands too.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Lívance
Lívance is essentially the Czech version of pancakes, perfect for a breakfast treat at
home. Though they add yeast to the batter to make it softer and produce a butter texture, the recipe for this traditional dessert largely remains the same as any other pancake recipe out there. The main difference is its size and how they're cooked. Lívance is mostly served in small sizes, looking like baby pancakes served to toddlers. Also, they're cooked to a golden-brown that produces crispy edges. And when served on a plate, the Czech usually top them with powdered sugar, fruit jams, or marzipan cream. Very rarely do they use maple syrup or honey like in the US or Canada.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Buchty
If you thought yeasted buns are plain and boring, you haven't tasted those from the Czech Republic yet! One of this country's popular desserts,
Buchty, is essentially a sweetened bun filled with all sorts of sweet treats. The most commonly used is jam, but using fruits, cream, and more have become more common as well. Enriched with vanilla or citrus extracts, the yeasted bun on its own will already taste just as sweet. But it's the filling that makes it the delectable dessert it is today. And before you serve it, make sure to sprinkle some powdered sugar on it first!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Vdolky
Vdolky is another yeasted pastry from the Czech Republic. This time, however, it's in the form of a doughnut. The added yeast makes it softer and fluffier than a regular doughnut, making it a hit with the sweet tooths already. Fried until golden brown, biting into one is like biting into a cloud; it's that soft and chewy! And when you add the jam ad whipped cream toppings, it becomes an even more delectable treat! Though it looks like a typical jelly doughnut at first glance, its sweetness is definitely far from ordinary!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Mazanec
Christmas isn't the only
holiday in the Czech Republic with its own commonly-served treats. Every Easter Sunday, the people here also make and indulge in
Mazanec. This brioche-like pastry is far from the soft and fully yeast-induced desserts that are on this list. Shaped into large loaves of bread, it has a sturdier texture than the other pastries, not to mention a more complex flavor too. This is because Mazanec is made with lemon-zest, rum, and raisings, downgrading the sweetness with a subtle yet more earthy flavor. Adults mostly enjoy this dessert during this sacred holy day.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Chmee2
Czech cuisine might not be the most popular in the world, but that doesn't mean they don't have anything delicious to offer. In fact, a few Czech desserts might just change your life, in more ways than one, at first bite!
