Prune Kolaches: 5 Delicious Recipes You Must Try

Prune kolaches, a delightful treat hailing from Eastern European and Czech heritage, embody a comforting blend of sweet dough and the unique tartness of prunes. These delightful pastries have won the hearts of many food enthusiasts not only for their taste but also for their cultural significance. In this blog post, we will explore five delectable prune kolache recipes that are sure to entice your taste buds and perhaps become a cherished part of your baking repertoire.

Why Prune Kolaches?

Before diving into the recipes, let’s understand what makes prune kolaches so special:

• Traditional Heritage: Originating from the Czech Republic, kolaches are a symbol of culinary tradition and are often made for special occasions and family gatherings.
• Nutritional Value: Prunes, while delicious, also pack a punch of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making these pastries a guilt-free indulgence.
• Versatile: The dough of kolaches can be paired with numerous fillings, but prunes offer a unique flavor profile that is both sweet and subtly tart.

Classic Prune Kolache Recipe

Here’s a recipe to start your kolache journey with the classic version:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 3 ¹⁄₂ cups all-purpose flour
• ¹⁄₄ cup sugar
• ¹⁄₄ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Filling:
• 2 cups prunes, pitted
• ¹⁄₂ cup water
• ¹⁄₄ cup sugar

Instructions:

1. Activate the yeast in the warm milk, letting it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, butter, egg, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and knead until a soft dough forms.
3. Let the dough rise until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
4. Prepare the filling by cooking the prunes in water and sugar until they soften, then mash or blend to a spreadable consistency.
5. Divide the dough into 12 pieces, shape into balls, and flatten slightly. Make an indentation in the center of each dough ball and fill with prune filling.
6. Let the kolaches rise for another 30 minutes.
7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Vegan Prune Kolache Recipe

For those looking for a plant-based option, this vegan prune kolache recipe modifies the traditional recipe to exclude animal products:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm almond milk
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 3 ¹⁄₂ cups all-purpose flour
• ¹⁄₄ cup sugar
• ¹⁄₄ cup vegan butter or margarine
• 1 flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tbsp water)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Filling:
• 2 cups prunes, pitted
• ¹⁄₂ cup water
• ¹⁄₄ cup sugar

Instructions:

1. Follow the same steps as the classic recipe but replace the dairy ingredients with vegan alternatives.
2. The flaxseed egg should be prepared beforehand and allowed to sit for 5 minutes to thicken before use.

Prune and Nut Kolache Recipe

Adding nuts to prune kolaches introduces a wonderful texture and flavor depth:

Ingredients:

• All the ingredients from the classic recipe
• ¹⁄₂ cup walnuts or pecans, finely chopped

Instructions:

1. After preparing the filling, mix in the chopped nuts thoroughly.
2. Proceed with filling and baking as with the classic recipe.

🍪 Note: Always make sure to cool the kolaches before removing them from the baking sheet to maintain their shape.

Lemon Glazed Prune Kolache Recipe

Adding a lemon glaze can offer a bright, citrusy contrast to the rich prune filling:

Ingredients for Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions:

1. Whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest to make a smooth glaze.
2. After baking the kolaches, let them cool slightly before drizzling the glaze over the top.

Modern Twist: Chocolate Prune Kolache Recipe

This recipe adds a chocolate element, making it especially appealing to those with a sweet tooth:

Ingredients:

• All the ingredients from the classic recipe
• ¹⁄₄ cup dark chocolate chips, melted

Instructions:

1. Melt the chocolate chips and mix into the prune filling until well incorporated.
2. Continue with the baking process as outlined in the classic recipe.

In summary, prune kolaches are not just a dessert; they're a piece of culinary history that can be adapted and enjoyed in countless modern forms. From the classic to the innovative, these recipes highlight the versatility and timeless appeal of this beloved pastry. Whether you choose to stick with tradition or explore new variations, each kolache brings warmth, flavor, and a touch of comfort to any occasion.