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If you ever find yourself in Hungary and ask the locals about their favorite childhood snack, chances are you’ll hear one name again and again: túró rudi. It’s simple, unpretentious, and completely addictive. A bar of sweet, slightly tangy cottage cheese wrapped in a thin coat of chocolate – that’s it. But somehow, this little treat has become a national icon, loved by generations.
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 400 g dry cottage cheese
- 60 g powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of ½ lemon optional, for freshness
For the coating:
- 200 g dark or milk chocolate
- 2 tsp neutral oil e.g., sunflower or canola
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: Push the cottage cheese through a fine sieve or blend until smooth. In a bowl, combine it with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest if using. Mix until creamy and well combined.
- Shape the bars: Take small amounts of the mixture and shape into bar-like logs, about 8–10 cm long and 2 cm thick. Place them on a tray lined with parchment paper.
- Chill: Refrigerate the shaped bars for at least 1 hour (or 30 minutes in the freezer) until firm.
- Melt the chocolate: Using a double boiler or microwave, melt the chocolate together with the oil. Stir until smooth and glossy.
- Coat the bars: Carefully dip each chilled bar into the melted chocolate, turning to coat all sides. Let the excess drip off and place on a clean parchment-lined tray.
- Set the coating: Refrigerate the coated bars until the chocolate is fully set. Store chilled and enjoy cold for the best texture!
Notes
Where it all began
Túró rudi first popped up in the late 1960s, thanks to the Hungarian brand Pöttyös (you’ll recognize it by its red polka dots – they’re everywhere). The idea was actually inspired by a similar curd snack from the Soviet Union, but Hungarians made it their own, using local ingredients and tweaking the taste. It caught on quickly – and hasn’t gone out of style since.
So... what’s so special about it?
It’s hard to explain unless you’ve tried one, but here’s what makes túró rudi stand out:- The filling isn’t your typical creamy dessert. It’s made with túró, a type of Hungarian cottage cheese that’s a little tangy and super light.
- The chocolate coating is thin and just sweet enough – it doesn’t overpower the filling.
- It’s refreshing, not too sugary, and surprisingly satisfying for something so small.
- You can toss one in your bag, keep it in the fridge, or grab one from a vending machine – it’s the ultimate low-effort snack.
- And the best part? There are so many versions now – fruity, nutty, even coconut-covered.
Not just one flavor anymore
Over time, túró rudi has evolved way beyond the classic version. You can now find all sorts of spins on the original:- With fruit – think raspberry, apricot, sour cherry… little bursts of sweetness inside
- Different chocolates – dark, milk, white – even double chocolate versions
- Nutty or coconut coatings – for that extra crunch or tropical vibe
- Extra creamy fillings – softer, silkier textures for a more dessert-like feel
When and how people eat it
Hungarians eat túró rudi like people in other countries eat candy bars or yogurt cups. It’s perfect for:- A mid-morning or afternoon snack
- That sweet craving after lunch
- Pairing with coffee or tea
- A quick fix when you're in a rush
Some even keep them in the freezer and eat them like mini ice cream bars on hot days.
