Prekmurska gibanica🇭🇺.

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Fillings

Start by preparing each filling in separate bowls. You want them ready before you begin layering.

  • Poppy seed mixture: Warm the milk, stir in poppy seeds and sugar. Let it sit and cool slightly.
  • Walnut mixture: Combine ground walnuts, sugar, cinnamon, and enough milk to moisten.
  • Apple mixture: Grate apples and squeeze out excess juice. Mix with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice.
  • Cheese mixture: Mix cottage cheese, egg, sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest until smooth.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan

Grease your baking dish and preheat the oven to 350°F / 175°C. Lay a sheet of phyllo dough in the pan, brush with butter. Repeat with 2 more sheets, each brushed with butter (3 layers total).

Step 3: Layer, Layer, Layer!

Now the fun part — build your gibanica:

  1. Poppy Seed Layer – spread evenly
  2. 1 sheet of phyllo + butter
  3. Cottage Cheese Layer
  4. 1 sheet of phyllo + butter
  5. Walnut Layer
  6. 1 sheet of phyllo + butter
  7. Apple Layer
  8. 1 sheet of phyllo + butter

👉 Repeat the entire filling pattern again (poppy > cheese > walnut > apple), separating each with a buttered phyllo sheet. Top with 3 final phyllo sheets, each brushed with butter.

Step 4: Bake

In a small bowl, whisk the sour cream, egg, and sugar. Pour over the top and spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, until golden brown and set.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Let it cool completely before slicing. It’s best served slightly chilled or at room temperature.

🍽️ Serving Tips

  • Dust with powdered sugar for a classic finish.
  • Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey if you’re feeling extra indulgent.
  • Keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days (and gets even better as flavors meld!).

💬 Ashley’s Notes:

If you’re planning to post this for your audience, you could say:

“This dessert brings me straight back to grandma’s kitchen. Every layer has a story — and the mix of cottage cheese, apples, walnuts, and poppy seeds feels like a little slice of Central Europe on your plate. Don’t let the steps scare you — it’s worth every minute.”

Want me to help turn this into a carousel post, blog recipe card, or a Facebook story with step-by-step shots? I’ve got your back! 💡🇭🇺📸