Koláče
(Kolache, Kolach, Koláč, Kolace, Kolacky, Kalach, Kolaches)
Koláče or kolache (plural: kolaches) is a sweet pastry roll that is traditionally topped with plums or plum jam, cheese, or poppy seeds. Modern toppings might include fruit such as apricots, blueberries, cherries, lemon, pineapples, or raisins.
Its name is derived from the Czech word kola, meaning wheels, referring to the traditional, round shape of the pastry. The pastry originated in the 1700s in the Czech Republic, where round breads are some of the earliest ritual foods, usually symbolizing the sun and the moon.
With numerous Czech people immigrating to Texas in the early 1900s, koláče grew in popularity in the United States of America, and today there are numerous Czech-American koláče festivals throughout the country. Although many Czechs insist on preparing their own koláče at home, it has become a commercial product in America, sold in numerous bakeries, doughnut stores, and even in some restaurants.
Recipe variations
Kolache with Cheese and Plum Jam Filling
READY IN 1h 25minThe following is the recipe for kolache with cheese and plum jam filling. The dough is rich with eggs and butter, scented with vanilla and lemon peel, and needs to rise twice. For the filling, the cottage cheese is mixed with raisins and vanilla and placed in the indentations in the dough, then topped with plum jam.
Kolache with Cheese, Poppy Seed, and Fruit Jam Filling
READY IN 1h 40minThe following is the recipe for kolach with three different fillings — cheese, poppy seed, and fruit jam. The dough is enriched with lots of butter, lard, milk, and eggs and should rise three times. The recipe makes for 30 pastries, meaning 10 with each filling.
Kolache with Plum Filling
READY IN 1hThe following recipe gives instructions on how to prepare kolache with a plum filling, half of which are topped with a cinnamon crumb and the other half with poppy seeds and butter. The recipe is courtesy of Miša Landová, blogger, cooking instructor, cookbook author, and one of the judges on the Czech cooking show Peče Celá Země, a spin-off of the Great British Bake Off.
Kolache with Cheese, Raisins, and Plum Jam Filling
READY IN 1hThe following recipe gives instructions on how to prepare kolache cakes that have the filling enclosed in the dough. The dough is rich in eggs and butter, while the filling is a mix of cottage cheese and rum-soaked raisins. Once the kolache are assembled, they are topped with plum jam and streusel.
Koláče Authentic recipe
The following is the recipe for kolache with cheese and plum jam filling. The dough is rich with eggs and butter, scented with vanilla and lemon peel, and needs to rise twice. For the filling, the cottage cheese is mixed with raisins and vanilla and placed in the indentations in the dough, then topped with plum jam.
WHERE TO EAT The best Koláče in the world (according to food experts)
Koláče festivals
