Queen of Bars (Kraljica Štangli)

If there is one dessert that truly lives up to its name, it’s this one. Kraljica Štangli, or “Queen of Bars,” is a classic Balkan treat made with walnuts, rich egg layers, and a silky chocolate topping.

This dessert is elegant, nostalgic, and perfect for Sunday dinners, holidays, or when you want to impress with something truly special.


🧾 Ingredients

Sponge Layer:

  • 6 egg whites
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 6 egg yolks
  • 200 g powdered sugar
  • 225 g butter (room temperature)
  • 200 g powdered sugar
  • 200 g ground walnuts
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • 150 g flour

Chocolate Walnut Topping:

  • 220 g ground walnuts
  • 75 ml hot milk
  • 220 g powdered sugar
  • 75 g butter (room temperature)
  • 100 g melted chocolate

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Prepare Egg Whites
    Whisk egg whites with 2 tbsp powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Set aside.
  2. Prepare Egg Yolks
    Whisk egg yolks with 200 g powdered sugar until pale and fluffy. Set aside.
  3. Make the Base Batter
    Beat butter with 200 g powdered sugar until light and creamy.
    Add ground walnuts and nutmeg. Mix gently.
  4. Combine Mixtures
    Fold in half of the egg whites. Then gently fold in the rest.
    Add flour and mix just until combined.
  5. Bake First Layer
    Spread into a lined 12×12-inch pan.
    Bake at 380°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
  6. Add Egg Yolk Layer
    Remove from the oven and gently spread the egg yolk mixture evenly over the hot base.
    Return to oven and bake 7–10 minutes more.
  7. Cool Completely
  8. Prepare Topping
    Pour hot milk over walnuts. Let’s sit for 10 minutes.
    Add powdered sugar and mix.
    Add butter and beat until smooth.
    Mix in melted chocolate.
  9. Finish the Cake
    Spread topping evenly over the cooled cake.
    Refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight.
  10. Slice & Serve
    Cut into bars and enjoy!

💡 Tips for Success

  • Fold gently to keep the batter airy
  • Don’t overbake the second layer
  • Chill well for clean slices

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve with coffee or espresso—this is a classic Balkan pairing.


🧊 Storage

  • Fridge: up to 4 days
  • Freezer: up to 1 month

❓ FAQ

Can I use walnuts substitutes?
Yes, hazelnuts or almonds work well.

Why add egg yolks after baking?
It creates a soft custard-like middle layer.


Kraljica štangli

Ako postoji desert koji opravdava svoje ime – to je upravo ovaj. Kraljica štangli je starinski kolač sa orasima, bogatim slojevima i čokoladnim prelivom.

Savršen za nedeljni ručak, praznike ili kada želite da impresionirate.


🧾 Sastojci

Kora:

  • 6 belanaca
  • 2 kašike šećera u prahu
  • 6 žumanaca
  • 200 g šećera u prahu
  • 225 g putera
  • 200 g šećera u prahu
  • 200 g mlevenih oraha
  • ½ kašičice muškatnog oraščića
  • 150 g brašna

Preliv:

  • 220 g mlevenih oraha
  • 75 ml toplog mleka
  • 220 g šećera u prahu
  • 75 g putera
  • 100 g čokolade

👩‍🍳 Priprema

  1. Umutiti belanca sa šećerom u prahu u mek šam.
  2. Umutiti žumanca sa šećerom dok ne posvetle.
  3. Umutiti puter sa šećerom, pa dodati orahe i muškatni oraščić.
  4. Dodati belanca (iz dva puta), pa brašno – lagano sjediniti.
  5. Peći u plehu (30×30 cm) na 190°C oko 15 minuta.
  6. Premazati žumancima i vratiti u rernu još 7–10 minuta.
  7. Ohladiti.
  8. Za fil: preliti orahe toplim mlekom, dodati šećer, puter i čokoladu. Dobro izmiksati.
  9. Premazati kolač i ostaviti u frižideru 3h ili preko noći.
  10. Iseci na stanglice.

📌 Saveti

  • Lagano mešajte da ostane vazdušasto
  • Dobro ohladiti pre sečenja 

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