Moldovan Baked Pumpkin Pastries
Sweet pastries with a fragrant autumn filling! These Moldovan baked pumpkin pastries combine thin, tender dough with juicy, naturally sweet pumpkin. Baked rather than fried, they make a delicious seasonal dessert.
Updated : 28 August, 2026
Easy
About 1 hour.
Ingredients
Dough
350 grams
Wheat flour
200 milliliters
Water
3 tablespoon
Vegetable oil
1 tablespoon
Vinegar 5%
0.5 teaspoon
Salt
Filling
400 grams
Pumpkin
100 grams
Sugar
Table
Table of volume measurements:
- teaspoon - 5 ml
- dessert spoon - 10 ml
- tablespoon - 20 ml
- glass - 200 ml
Preparation
Step 1
Prepare the ingredients for the dough. The recipe uses 9% vinegar, but another type can be used if its amount is adjusted according to its acidity. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Step 2
Combine the water, salt, vinegar and oil in a bowl and whisk together. The vinegar makes the dough more elastic, allowing it to be rolled very thinly. Its flavor will not be noticeable after baking. Sift in the flour and knead until the dough is smooth and even. Add a little more flour if necessary. The dough may initially stick to your hands, but it will become less sticky as you knead. Shape it into a ball, cover with a kitchen towel and leave to rest for 15 minutes.
Step 3
Peel the pumpkin and remove the seeds. Grate it using the medium or coarse side of a grater. A sweet, aromatic variety such as Hokkaido squash works particularly well. Place the grated pumpkin in a bowl, add the sugar and mix thoroughly. Leave for 10 minutes to release its juice. Drain the liquid and gently squeeze the pumpkin if necessary.
Step 4
Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a thin square, keeping the work surface and rolling pin well dusted with flour.
Step 5
Place one-quarter of the filling in the center of each square. Fold the edges toward the center to form a neat parcel. Stretch the corners slightly if needed, then overlap and press the edges firmly so no filling remains exposed. Place the pastries seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 6
Bake at 375°F for about 30 minutes. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven.
Step 7
Traditionally, the pastries are served hot or warm and brushed with butter. They pair well with sour cream, Greek yogurt or runny honey and can be served with tea, coffee or milk.
Author note
Share the recipe
