During Orthodox fasting periods in Macedonia, desserts do not disappear from the table. They simply change form. No butter, no milk, no eggs. Instead, apples, walnuts, semolina and sesame become the stars.

These traditional Macedonian fasting desserts are simple, affordable and truly prepared in local homes. Nothing trendy. Just honest, comforting sweets.

1. Macedonian Apple Strudel (Posna Shtrudla)

Few desserts represent Macedonian fasting days better than apple strudel. Thin layers of phyllo wrapped around cinnamon apples, baked until golden. It is served slightly warm, often with tea in the afternoon.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients:

• 500 g phyllo pastry (1.1 lb)

• 4 large apples, grated (600 g / 1.3 lb)

• 4–6 tbsp sugar (50–75 g / 1.8–2.6 oz)

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 80–100 ml oil (⅓–½ cup / 2.7–3.4 fl oz)

• 2 tbsp semolina (20 g / 0.7 oz)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Mix grated apples with sugar and cinnamon.
Layer phyllo sheets, brush with oil, add filling and sprinkle semolina.
Roll and bake 30 minutes until golden. Sprinkle powdered sugar when cool.

2. No-Bake Walnut Cocoa Balls

These are especially popular for Christmas Eve. Every family prepares a version of these fasting walnut balls. They require no oven and are ready quickly.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour
Servings: 20 balls

Ingredients:

• 200 g ground walnuts (2 cups / 7 oz)

• 200 g ground lean biscuits (2 cups / 7 oz)

• 2 tbsp cocoa powder (15 g / 0.5 oz)

• 4 tbsp apricot jam (80 g / 2.8 oz)

• 1–2 tbsp sugar, optional (15–25 g / 0.5–0.9 oz)

• 50 ml orange juice (3 tbsp / 1.7 fl oz)

Instructions:

Mix everything until compact.
Shape into balls.
Refrigerate 1 hour before serving.

3. Macedonian Fasting Apple Cake

A soft tray cake made with grated apples. It stays moist and is often cut into simple squares and dusted with sugar.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Servings: 9–12 squares

Ingredients:

• 300 g flour (2½ cups / 10.5 oz)

• 150 g sugar (¾ cup / 5.3 oz)

• 100 ml oil (½ cup / 3.4 fl oz)

• 200 ml water or orange juice (¾ cup + 1 tbsp / 6.8 fl oz)

• 10 g baking powder (2 tsp)

• 2 grated apples (300 g / 10.5 oz)

• 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Mix oil, sugar and liquid.
Add dry ingredients.
Fold in apples and cinnamon.
Bake 30–35 minutes. Sprinkle powdered sugar after cooling (optional).

4. Semolina Halva (Posna Alva so Griz)

This is one of the oldest Balkan fasting desserts. Toasted semolina combined with sweet syrup creates a dense, aromatic dessert that feels nostalgic.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6–8

Ingredients:

• 200 g semolina (1 cup / 7 oz)

• 120 ml oil (½ cup / 4 fl oz)

• 450 ml water (1⅞ cups / 15 fl oz)

• 150 g sugar (¾ cup / 5.3 oz)

• 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions:

Toast semolina in oil until golden.
Heat water and sugar separately.
Slowly pour syrup into semolina while stirring.
Cook until thick.
Transfer to tray and shape.

5. Tahini Sesame Energy Squares

Tahini and sesame have long been part of Balkan fasting sweets. Combined with dates and walnuts, they create a rich no-bake dessert.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour
Servings: 12 squares

Ingredients:

• 200 g tahini (¾ cup / 7 oz)

• 150 g chopped dates (1 cup packed / 5.3 oz)

• 3 tbsp honey (60 g / 2 oz)

• 50 g chopped walnuts (½ cup / 1.8 oz)

• 2 tbsp sesame seeds (20 g / 0.7 oz)

• 1–2 tbsp warm water if needed

Instructions:

Toast sesame seeds in a pan.
Add tahini and honey, stir.
Add dates and walnuts. Quickly mix.
Press into tray.

Refrigerate 1 hour.
Cut into squares.

Macedonian fasting desserts show that simple ingredients create rich flavor. Apples, walnuts, semolina and sesame have been used for generations during Orthodox fasting periods.

If you try one of these recipes, let me know in the comments. Which one reminds you most of home?