Meet the Finalists: Hungary’s Cake of the Year 2025 – The Sweetest Competition in Town
If you’re planning a trip to Budapest this summer and you have a sweet tooth, you’re in for a real treat. Every August, Hungary’s most talented pastry chefs go head-to-head in the country’s most delicious contest: the Cake of Hungary competition. While the winner will only be revealed in August, the list of finalists is already out—and it’s making dessert lovers across the country (and beyond) very excited.
What Makes This Cake Competition So Special?
The Cake of Hungary contest isn’t just about baking a tasty cake. It’s a celebration of Hungarian tradition, creativity, and local flavors. This year, the competition is extra special because it honors the 140th anniversary of the legendary Dobos cake—a classic Hungarian cake known for its layers of sponge, chocolate buttercream, and caramel. The challenge for 2025? Pastry chefs had to use the signature ingredients of the Dobos cake, but with a modern twist, and add at least two elements from a list of Hungarian specialties like native herbs, local fruits, or even a splash of pálinka or regional wine.
The 2025 Finalists: A Feast for the Eyes (and Taste Buds)
After tasting their way through 34 creative entries from all over Hungary, the expert jury has narrowed it down to six spectacular cakes. Each one is a unique take on the Dobos cake, featuring everything from juicy pears and apricots to aromatic herbs and Hungarian spirits. The finalists are:
Aranykörte (Golden Pear) – Krém Cukrászda, Székesfehérvár
This cake highlights the delicate sweetness of native Hungarian pears, layered with creamy fillings and a touch of caramel. The flavor profile is fresh and fruity, with subtle notes of vanilla and a hint of spice, all inspired by the classic Dobos torte but reimagined with a modern, orchard-inspired twist. The cake’s lightness and elegant pear flavor make it a standout for fruit lovers.
Aranyliget (Golden Grove) – Papp Cukrászda, Makó
Aranyliget brings together the flavors of sun-ripened apricots and aromatic herbs, such as thyme or sage, which are native to the Carpathian Basin. The cake is balanced with a rich, buttery sponge and a smooth chocolate cream, offering a harmonious blend of sweet, tart, and herbal notes. Its taste is reminiscent of a summer walk through a Hungarian orchard.
DCJ stílusgyakorlat (DCJ Style Exercise) – Kézműves Cukrászda, Gyula
This creation is a bold reinterpretation of the Dobos torte, featuring layers of dark chocolate, caramel, and a touch of Hungarian fruit brandy or wine. The cake is known for its deep, complex flavors, with bittersweet chocolate and caramelized sugar at the forefront, complemented by the warmth of spirits and the freshness of local fruits.
Fürtös menyecske (Clustered Bride) – Mozart Cukrászda, Hévíz
Fürtös menyecske is a celebration of Hungarian grapes and berries, with layers of grape or berry jelly, light sponge, and a creamy filling. The cake’s taste is juicy and vibrant, with a natural sweetness from the fruit and a gentle tartness that balances the richness of the cream. It’s a playful, colorful cake that captures the essence of Hungarian vineyards.
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Napsugár (Sunbeam) – REÖK Kézműves Cukrászda, Szeged
Napsugár shines with the flavors of sun-drenched apricots and honey, paired with a soft, airy sponge and a hint of vanilla. The cake is light and refreshing, with a golden color and a taste that evokes the warmth of a Hungarian summer. Its subtle sweetness and fruity aroma make it a perfect choice for those who enjoy delicate, uplifting desserts.
Vadszüreti csábítás (Wild Harvest Temptation) – Hisztéria Cukrászda, Tápiószecső
This cake is inspired by the wild fruits of Hungary’s forests and fields, such as wild cherries, plums, or rowanberries. It features layers of tangy fruit compote, rich chocolate, and a nutty sponge, creating a bold and adventurous flavor profile. The combination of tart wild fruits and deep chocolate makes it a tempting and memorable treat.
Each cake is a little piece of edible art, and the stories behind them are just as rich as their flavors. The chefs have drawn inspiration from Hungary’s orchards, vineyards, and spice gardens, making these cakes a true taste of the country.
Sugar-Free Finalists: Guilt-Free Indulgence
If you’re watching your sugar intake, don’t worry—Hungary’s Cake of the Year competition also has a sugar-free category. These cakes are crafted without added sugar or white flour, but they’re just as tempting as their classic counterparts. This year’s sugar-free finalists include:
Bíborköd (Purple Haze) – Papp Cukrászda, Makó
Bíborköd is a sugar-free delight featuring the intense flavors of blackcurrant and pumpkin seed, layered with a silky English cream. The cake is both tart and creamy, offering a sophisticated balance of flavors without added sugar.
Nyári ébredés (Summer Awakening) – Promenád Kávéház, Balatongyörök
This cake combines the earthy richness of walnuts with the bright, sunny taste of apricots and the smoothness of mascarpone. It’s light, nutty, and fruity, perfect for a guilt-free summer treat.
Álmodozó (Dreamer) – Édes Vonal Cukrászda, Vác
Álmodozó features sour cherries, dark chocolate, and white chocolate, creating a harmonious blend of tart, sweet, and creamy flavors. The cake is indulgent yet sugar-free, making it suitable for health-conscious dessert lovers.
Cseppharmat (Dewdrop) – Levendula és Kert Cukrászda, Szigetszentmiklós
Cseppharmat offers the crispness of apples, the richness of walnuts, and the smoothness of vanilla white chocolate. The result is a refreshing, nutty, and creamy cake that’s both satisfying and light.
Meggy Mandula Szimfónia (Sour Cherry Almond Symphony) – Marcipán Cukrászda, Hódmezővásárhely
This cake is a symphony of flavors, combining tart sour cherries, aromatic almonds, and a hint of raspberry. The layers are moist and flavorful, delivering a classic Hungarian fruit-and-nut experience without added sugar.
They prove that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for a healthier option.
When and Where Can You Try Them?
The big reveal happens in early August, just in time for Hungary’s national holiday on August 20th. That’s when the winning cakes will be available in pastry shops all over Budapest and across the country. If you’re in town, make sure to stop by one of the participating bakeries and treat yourself to a slice of Hungarian tradition—whether you go for the classic or the sugar-free version.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss This
The Cake of Hungary competition is more than just a contest—it’s a celebration of the country’s love for sweets, its culinary heritage, and the creativity of its pastry chefs. For visitors, it’s a delicious way to connect with local culture and discover flavors you won’t find anywhere else. So, if you’re in Budapest this summer, keep an eye out for the Cake of Hungary finalists. Who knows? You might just find your new favorite dessert.
Where to Enjoy Traditional Hungarian Cakes in Budapest
However, you don’t have to wait to get your hands on some of the best cakes and pastries! Budapest is a paradise for dessert lovers, offering a vibrant pastry scene that blends centuries-old traditions with modern creativity. If you want to taste the very best of Hungarian cakes—including the annual Cake of Hungary finalists—there are several renowned pastry shops and cafés across the city where you can indulge in these sweet masterpieces.
Café Gerbeaud, located on Vörösmarty Square, is perhaps the most iconic confectionery in Budapest. Established in 1858, Gerbeaud is famous for its Dobos torte, a classic Hungarian cake with layers of sponge, chocolate buttercream, and caramel. The café’s elegant, historic setting makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking a true taste of Hungarian pastry heritage. Here, you can also sample other traditional favorites like Eszterházy torte and Rákóczi túrós, all crafted with meticulous attention to detail.
Ruszwurm Cukrászda, nestled in the Buda Castle District, is one of the city’s oldest pastry shops, dating back nearly 200 years. Its charming, old-world atmosphere and legendary cream cakes have made it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Ruszwurm is especially known for its krémes (vanilla custard slice) and traditional Hungarian cakes, making it an essential stop for those exploring the historic heart of Budapest.
Auguszt Cukrászda is another family-run institution with a legacy stretching back to 1870. With several locations in the city, the Fény utca shop stands out for its blend of tradition and innovation. Auguszt is celebrated for its classic Hungarian desserts, including Esterházy torte, Somlói galuska, and beigli, as well as seasonal specialties. The welcoming atmosphere and commitment to quality ensure a memorable experience for every guest.
Málna The Pastry Shop in Óbuda has quickly risen to fame for its modern reinterpretations of Hungarian classics. Awarded as one of Hungary’s top pastry shops, Málna is especially praised for its Eszterházy cake and creative, high-quality desserts. The shop’s contemporary style and dedication to using premium ingredients make it a favorite among those seeking both tradition and innovation.
For a taste of marzipan artistry, Szamos Marcipán is the place to go. With multiple locations throughout Budapest, including a flagship café near Parliament, Szamos is renowned for its intricate marzipan creations and a wide selection of traditional cakes. The Szamos Chocolate Museum offers an added treat for those interested in the history of Hungarian confectionery.
If you’re looking for a local favorite, Daubner Confectionery in Óbuda is highly recommended by Budapest residents. Known for its outstanding Somlói galuska and a wide variety of cakes and pastries, Daubner is a beloved spot for those who appreciate quality and tradition.
Don’t miss Centrál Café, a grand café with a storied past and a menu full of Hungarian dessert classics. The Art Nouveau interior provides the perfect backdrop for enjoying Dobos torte, Eszterházy torte, and Rákóczi túrós, all served with a side of Budapest’s literary and artistic history.
Wherever you go in Budapest, you’ll find that the city’s pastry shops are more than just places to eat—they are living museums of Hungarian culinary culture. Whether you’re sampling the latest Cake of Hungary winner or savoring a timeless classic, each bite is a celebration of Budapest’s rich and delicious heritage.
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