TRADITIONAL EUROPEAN STYLE APPLE CAKE; SZARLOTKA, POLAND, Gdańsk & Masuria, Poland
Granny Smith Apples
Flour, Sugar, Baking Powder
Eggs, Sour Cream
Butter
Ingredients
Granny Smith Apples – 7 large apples (1.7 kilogram (3.7 pounds))
All Purpose Flour – 250 grams (8.8 ounces)
Granulated Sugar – 20 grams (0.7 ounces) + 30 grams (1 ounce) to mix with apples
Sour Cream – 130 grams (4.6 ounces)
Eggs – 2
Butter – 40 grams (1.4 ounces)
Baking Powder – 10 grams (2 teaspoons)
Szarlotka – An appetizing collection of traditional deserts awaits the visitors of Poland. Scattered across historic towns, charming cafés and bakeries offer freshly baked pastries and delicious sweets. Szarlotka, a traditional Polish apple cake, was influenced by the dessert created by Marie-Antoine Carême, a famous French chef of the 18th century. Many different versions of apple cake are prepared throughout Europe. Szarlotka exemplifies the simplicity and tradition of baking with fresh fruit. Szarlotka comprises a subtly sweet shortbread dough and shredded apples. In our recipe, we select Granny Smith Apples for their juiciness and sour flavor. Our Szarlotka is easy to prepare, retains the natural flavor of apples and tastes sublime.
Shredded Apples
Unbaked Szarlotka
Baked Szarlotka
Poland, Szarlotka
Preparation Method
Step 1 – In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, sour cream, eggs, butter (at room temperature) and baking powder. Knead the dough for a few minutes, shape into a ball and place on a floured surface.
Step 2 – Roll out 70 grams of dough, then use the cookie cutter to cut out five pieces to be used atop the cake. Place them on a floured surface. Roll out the remaining dough into a circle and place in a non-stick round baking dish (diameter 8.5 inches (21.6 cm), depth 2 inches (5cm)). The dough shall overlap the top edge of the baking dish.
Step 3 – Wash and peel the apples. Place the apples in a large bowl and shred them using a grater box with larger holes. Add 30 grams (1 ounce) of sugar, mix thoroughly and place atop the dough in the baking dish. Even the surface, then place the pieces of dough on top.
Step 4 – Preheat the oven to 385 degrees Fahrenheit (196 degrees Celsius) and bake for 1 hour until the top becomes golden.
Step 5 – Remove the cake from the oven and leave to cool down for a few minutes. Serve the Szarlotka warm and enjoy the wonderful flavors and aromas.