What is a Koláč?

If you have ever wondered what a kolache is, the traditional Czech pastry is called a koláč (plural koláče). It is made from soft yeast dough with a sweet filling in the center.

The most traditional fillings include poppy seed (mák), sweet farmer’s cheese (tvaroh), and plum jam (povidla). Koláče are usually round and often decorated with almonds or crumbs on top.

These pastries have been baked in Czech homes for generations and are served at family gatherings, celebrations, and village festivals.

How do you pronounce Koláč?

Koláč is pronounced “ko-laach” or “ko-la-che.” The plural koláče sounds like “ko-laa-che.”

Koláč vs. Kolache

In the United States, especially in Texas, the word kolache is often used for a different pastry, commonly filled with sausage. The traditional Czech koláč is a sweet pastry with an open center and a variety of fillings. Both pastries share the same historical roots brought to America by Czech immigrants, but over time the Texas version evolved differently.