SkruzdÄ—lynas (Ant Hill Cake)
SkruzdÄ—lynas is a traditional Lithuanian dessert made from thin, fried dough strips layered with a sweet condensed milk and poppy seed mixture, resembling an anthill. It's a rich, sweet, and crunchy treat.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g All-purpose flour(plus more for dusting)
- 2 large Eggs
- 150 g Sour cream
- 1 tsp Baking soda
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 500 ml Vegetable oil(for frying)
- 400 g Sweetened condensed milk
- 100 g Poppy seeds(ground)
- 2 tbsp Honey(optional, for extra sweetness)
👨‍🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and sour cream. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a stiff dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rest for 20 minutes.
- 2
Roll and cut the dough: Divide the dough into several portions. Roll each portion very thinly (almost translucent) on a floured surface. Cut the thin dough sheets into long, narrow strips, about 1/4 inch wide.
- 3
Fry the dough strips: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully fry the dough strips in batches until golden brown and puffed up. This happens very quickly, so watch closely. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- 4
Prepare the filling: In a bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, ground poppy seeds, and optional honey. Mix well.
- 5
Assemble the SkruzdÄ—lynas: In a large bowl, gently toss the fried dough strips with the condensed milk and poppy seed mixture until evenly coated. The goal is to coat the strips without breaking them too much.
- 6
Shape and chill: Mound the coated dough strips onto a serving platter, shaping them into a dome or 'anthill' form. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours, or until firm.
đź’ˇ Pro Tips
- âś“Rolling the dough very thin is crucial for the right texture.
- âś“Fry the dough strips quickly; they burn easily.
- âś“Ensure the dough strips are well-drained of excess oil before mixing with the filling.
- âś“Allow ample chilling time for the dessert to set properly.
🔄 Variations
- Add chopped nuts (like walnuts or almonds) to the filling for added crunch.
- Use a mixture of condensed milk and regular milk if you prefer a less intensely sweet filling.
- For a more rustic look, break some of the fried dough strips into smaller pieces before mixing.