The favorite cake of Hungarians is dobostorta

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 04. 28. 11:30

Whether homemade or store-bought, cakes play an important role in family and community events. According to TV Paprika’s survey*, seven out of ten Hungarians bake cakes, and most of them do so not only for birthdays. Our relationship with baking is colorful: some express their creativity through it, others focus on guaranteed flavors, and one in five Hungarians, although considering themselves clumsy in the kitchen, loves to watch cake-decorating shows. Preferences vary: fruity, creamy, light, and chocolatey cakes are all popular, and many are open to new flavors. Yet despite the spirit of experimentation, traditional cakes remain the absolute favorites: topping the list is the Dobos cake, celebrating its 140th birthday this year, followed by Black Forest cake and Esterházy cake.

Many see cake baking not merely as a festive duty but as a joyful everyday activity, according to TV Paprika’s online survey conducted in March 2025. One in four Hungarians bakes for birthdays, while 44% take any small opportunity to create something special—because for them, a cake is not just a dessert but also a gift made with love. At the same time, 28% prefer to rely on bakeries, choosing ready-made cakes for important occasions for the sake of guaranteed quality and convenience. Only 3% neither bake nor buy cakes.

TV Paprika’s survey shows that most Hungarians engage in the joy of cakes one way or another—be it through home baking, carefully selecting the perfect cake from a bakery, or simply admiring the masterpieces made by others on screen.

Taste preferences are diverse when it comes to cakes, and Hungarians are open to novelties too. However, classic flavors still reign supreme. Fruity (67%) and creamy (65%) cakes are the favorites, evoking memories of childhood birthday parties, grandma’s Sunday treats, or successful family celebrations. Every second respondent also appreciates lighter cakes: yogurt and curd-based cakes are loved for their freshness, especially by those seeking a lighter dessert. Whipped cream delicacies are favored by 41%, while for chocolate lovers, a rich chocolate cake (35%) is pure heaven. Additionally, 14% of Hungarians do not exclude savory flavors from their cake experiences either.

According to TV Paprika’s survey, Hungary’s favorite cakes in March 2025 were:

Dobos cake

Black Forest cake

Esterházy cake

Russian Cream Cake

Golden Treasure of Őrség cake

Chocolate cake

Chestnut cake

Lúdláb cake

Punch cake

Curd cake

Sacher cake

Cheesecake

Lemon cake

Caramel cake

Pistachio cake

Hungarians engage with the world of cakes in many different ways. One-fifth of respondents love to admire the art of cake decoration on screen, enjoying shows dedicated to it, while others test their skills in their own kitchens. A third of Hungarians say that while they may not be professionals, they bake with heart and soul—and even if the cake isn’t visually perfect, its taste is always a source of satisfaction. For 17%, baking is a form of self-expression, a creative process where every occasion offers a chance to create something special. Meanwhile, 27% focus more on quality ingredients and flavor harmony than on the appearance. The spirit of experimentation is also strong: three in ten Hungarians happily try new flavors and combinations. Conscious eating and enjoyment are not mutually exclusive either; 91% believe that a “free-from” cake (e.g., sugar-free, gluten-free) can be just as delicious as a traditional one.

Those who love admiring professional baking skills on screen can find episodes of “The Great British Bake-Off” (known locally as “Sütimester”) aired daily on TV Paprika.

*The online survey was conducted by TV Paprika in March 2025 with 511 respondents.