Szarlotka

Szarlotka Recipe – Traditional Polish Apple Pie

Region / culture: Poland | Servings: 8

Introduction

Szarlotka, also known as Polish apple cake, is a delicious and comforting dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines the sweetness of apples with the crunch of almonds and the warmth of cinnamon to create a truly irresistible treat.

History

Szarlotka has been a popular dessert in Poland for many years, with its origins dating back to the 19th century. It is often enjoyed during holidays and special occasions, as well as a simple and satisfying treat for everyday enjoyment.

Ingredients

6 medium apples (washed, peeled, and chopped)
0.5 cup sugar
0.75 cup raisins
0.75 cup toasted almonds
1 tsp lemon juice
2 eggs
2 tbsp ground up flax seeds
0.5 cup oil
2 cups flour
0.5 cup quick cooking oats
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
0.25 tsp almond extract
ground cinnamon (optional)

How to prepare

Place the apples in a large bowl and sprinkle them with sugar and lemon juice.
Set the bowl aside.
In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, oats, baking soda, and baking powder.
Add cinnamon to the mixture.
In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, flax seeds, oil, and almond extract.
Mix the egg and flour mixture together until well combined.
Fold in the fruit, nuts, and raisins.
Mix everything together very well.
If the mixture is extremely wet, you can add some more ingredients (but keep in mind that it will be wet).
Put the mixture into a large baking dish and smooth out the top.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 1 hour, or until the mixture has risen and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Take the baking dish out of the oven and allow it to cool.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for extra warmth and flavor.
Substitute the almonds with walnuts or pecans for a different nutty twist.
Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the cake before serving for an extra indulgent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to chop the apples into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

- Toasting the almonds before adding them to the mixture will enhance their flavor and add a nice crunch to the cake.

- Mixing the wet and dry ingredients separately before combining them will help ensure a smooth and well-incorporated batter.

- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough and dense cake.

Serving Suggestions

Szarlotka is best served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a sweet and satisfying treat.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the cake at a lower temperature for a longer period of time will help ensure that it cooks evenly and rises properly.

- Testing the cake with a skewer or toothpick before removing it from the oven will help ensure that it is fully cooked.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of apple for this recipe, but tart varieties like Granny Smith work best.

- If you don't have flax seeds, you can substitute with an equal amount of chia seeds or ground nuts.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the batter for Szarlotka in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

- Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar before serving for a beautiful finishing touch. - Serve slices of Szarlotka on decorative plates with a sprig of fresh mint for a lovely presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Enjoy a slice of Szarlotka with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting dessert experience.

- Pair with a glass of sweet dessert wine or a scoop of cinnamon ice cream for a decadent treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Szarlotka in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

- To reheat, simply place a slice of cake in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5-10 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- 300 calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 45g

- Dietary Fiber: 4g

- Sugars: 20g

Fats

- Total Fat: 12g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 5g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 6% DV

- Calcium: 6% DV

- Iron: 8% DV

Alergens

Contains nuts (almonds)

Summary

Szarlotka is a moderately high-calorie dessert that is rich in carbohydrates and fats. It also provides a good amount of dietary fiber and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Szarlotka is a classic Polish apple cake that is sure to delight your taste buds with its sweet and nutty flavors. Whether enjoyed on its own or with a scoop of ice cream, this dessert is a perfect way to end any meal on a delicious note.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of wonder. It was a crisp autumn day, and I was visiting my dear friend Agnieszka in Poland. She had invited me into her cozy kitchen, where the air was filled with the warm scent of cinnamon and apples. Agnieszka was a wonderful cook, and she had promised to teach me her family's secret recipe for Szarlotka, a traditional Polish apple pie.

As Agnieszka began to gather the ingredients, I watched in awe as she moved around the kitchen with the ease and grace of a seasoned chef. She explained each step of the process to me in her melodic voice, pausing occasionally to share stories of her grandmother, who had passed down the recipe to her many years ago.

I listened intently, soaking up every word and savoring the rich history behind this beloved dessert. Agnieszka spoke of the importance of using fresh, local apples and the significance of adding just the right amount of cinnamon and sugar to create the perfect balance of flavors.

As we worked together to prepare the pie, I felt a deep connection to Agnieszka and her family's traditions. It was as if I had been transported back in time, learning from generations of women who had lovingly passed down this recipe from mother to daughter.

Finally, after hours of mixing, rolling, and baking, the Szarlotka emerged from the oven, golden and fragrant. Agnieszka's eyes sparkled with pride as she cut into the pie, revealing layers of tender apples and buttery crust.

We sat down at her kitchen table and savored each bite, the flavors dancing on our tongues and warming our hearts. As I ate, I couldn't help but think of my own grandmother, who had taught me so much about cooking and shared her own cherished recipes with me.

I realized in that moment that recipes are more than just instructions for making food – they are windows into our past, connecting us to our roots and the people who came before us. Each recipe carries with it a story, a memory, a piece of our family history.

As I left Agnieszka's home that evening, I carried with me not only a delicious recipe for Szarlotka, but a newfound appreciation for the beauty and power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

And now, whenever I make Szarlotka in my own kitchen, I think of Agnieszka and her grandmother, and I am filled with a sense of wonder and gratitude for the rich tapestry of recipes that have been passed down through the generations. Cooking, I have come to realize, is so much more than just preparing food – it is a way of honoring our past, celebrating our present, and preserving our traditions for the future.