🍒 Pita sa Višnjama (Cherry Strudel with Homemade Dough)

Traditional Balkan Dessert with a Soft, Stretchy Dough from Scratch

If you grew up in a Balkan home, you know that nothing beats the smell of a freshly baked Pita sa Višnjama. This is a comforting, nostalgic dessert made with a soft, homemade dough and filled with a creamy, tangy-sweet cherry and semolina custard.

It’s one of those recipes that looks impressive, but is made with just a few simple ingredients — and a whole lot of love. In this post, I’ll guide you step-by-step on how to make the dough completely from scratch (yes, even if you’re using a mixer!), plus how to prepare the perfect filling.

Whether you’re baking this for a family gathering or a cozy weekend treat, this cherry strudel will win everyone over.

Let’s get started!

What Makes This Recipe Special?

Made from scratch dough – soft, stretchy, and easy to roll
Traditional filling – semolina + yogurt + sour cherries
No special tools needed – just a clean tablecloth and some love
Mixer-friendly method – easier and just as delicious
Perfect for holidays or everyday baking

Ingredients

Dough

500 g smooth wheat flour (Type 400–500)
280 ml lukewarm or cold spring water (recommended for better texture & taste)
2 tablespoons oil
½ tablespoon salt (about 5–8 g)

Note: I prefer using spring water when baking bread or desserts. It’s free from chlorine and minerals that can affect flavor or gluten development — and I really believe it helps the dough turn out soft and clean-tasting.

Filling

4 eggs
650 ml yogurt
400 g semolina
1 packet (8–10 g) vanilla sugar
10 g baking powder
1 jar sour cherries, drained (or use fresh/frozen)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), sift in the flour and add salt.
In a separate cup, mix together water and oil.
Slowly add the water mixture into the flour and begin mixing.
If using a stand mixer, knead on speed 2 with the dough hook for about 10 minutes, or until the dough becomes soft and elastic.
Cover the dough and let it rest for 20 minutes.
After resting, knead it again until smooth.
Divide the dough into 2 equal balls, shaping them until silky and tight.
Lightly oil a baking pan or bowl, place the dough inside, brush the tops with oil, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, yogurt, semolina, vanilla sugar, and baking powder.
If using the traditional method, fold in drained cherries at the end.
Or, like I did, simply stir everything together in one bowl.

Step 3: Stretch & Fill the Dough

Take the dough out of the fridge 30 minutes before rolling.
Cover your table with a clean cotton tablecloth and dust it with a little flour.
Roll out the dough with a rolling pin as far as you can, then let it rest for 3 minutes.
Use your hands to gently stretch the dough until paper-thin. Be patient — it will stretch beautifully thanks to the overnight rest.
Spread the filling evenly over the surface.
Carefully roll the dough using the tablecloth to help you guide it.
Transfer the roll to a greased baking pan. Repeat with second dough ball if desired.

Step 4: Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F / 190°C.
Bake until golden brown — about 30–40 minutes, depending on your oven.
Let cool slightly, slice, and serve!

Final Thoughts

This Pita sa Višnjama is flaky, golden, and filled with creamy semolina and tangy cherries — it’s truly a dessert that tastes like home. Whether you’re honoring a family recipe or discovering it for the first time, this one is worth making from scratch.

Try it once, and I promise it will become part of your family’s favorites too.

Watch the Video Tutorial

Watch the full step-by-step on YouTube here:
👉 [Insert YouTube link once published]

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HAPPY BAKING

SONJA

Life with sonja