Art of Polish Cooking: Szarlotka

Polish cuisine has gained worldwide fame for its exceptional flavor profiles and culinary delights. Szarlotka, also known as Polish apple pie, is a dessert that holds a special place in the hearts of many Poles. With its combination of tender cinnamon-infused apples and a crispy buttery crust, Szarlotka is a timeless classic that brings joy to every occasion. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey to Poland as we share a great Szarlotka recipe. We recommend you give it a try and experience a culinary delight for yourself.

Ingredients

For the crust:

  • 2 cups flour
  • 250 g unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 5 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • A pinch of salt
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

For the apple filling:

  • 1,5 kg apples (preferably tart and firm varieties such as Granny Smith)
  • 5 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

    • Peel the apples, quarter them, and remove the cores. Cut them into smaller pieces and place them in a wide pot or deep skillet.
    • Add the sugar and cinnamon to the apples. Fry them for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and start to break down.
    • For the crust, in a bowl, combine the flour, cold cubed butter, baking powder, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Mix the ingredients until they form a uniform dough. Alternatively, you can use a mixer or your hands to combine the ingredients. Add the egg to the dough and mix until it becomes soft and smooth.
    • Divide the dough in half and place both halves in the freezer for about 15 minutes.
      • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare a small baking pan.
      • Remove one half of the dough from the freezer and cut it into thin slices. Use the slices to line the bottom of the baking pan, creating a crust. Then, spread the fried apples evenly over the crust.
      • Grate the remaining half of the dough directly onto the apples or cut it into thin slices and arrange them on top.
      • Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes or until golden brown. Allow the baked Szarlotka to cool, then dust it with powdered sugar.
      • Serve the Szarlotka at room temperature, and enjoy the delightful flavors of this traditional Polish apple pie.

      Szarlotka is more than just a dessert; it’s a taste of Polish heritage and tradition. The sweet aroma of cinnamon and the tender apples encased in a crisp crust will transport you to a world of cozy gatherings and cherished family moments. Embrace the warmth and love that Szarlotka embodies by preparing this authentic recipe in your kitchen. With every bite, you’ll savor the essence of Poland and create lasting memories. Enjoy your meal!