Traditional Polish Apple Pie (Szarlotka) Recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 large apples
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for dusting

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Place them in a bowl, add 1/2 cup of sugar and the lemon juice, mix well and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
  5. Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the flour and butter mixture. Work the ingredients together until a dough forms. Divide the dough in half.
  6. Press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  7. Drain the apples and spread them over the dough in the baking dish. Sprinkle the apples with cinnamon.
  8. Crumble the remaining dough over the top of the apples.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
  10. Allow the Szarlotka to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar.
  11. Slice into squares and serve.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for combining ingredients.
  • Baking Dish - A 9x13 inch baking dish to bake the Szarlotka.
  • Knife - For peeling, coring, and slicing the apples.
  • Measuring Cups - To accurately measure the sugar and flour.
  • Measuring Spoons - For precise measurements of baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract.
  • Spatula - To help spread and smooth the dough in the baking dish.
  • Fork - To crumble the dough over the apples.
  • Oven - To preheat and bake the Szarlotka.

Recipe variations

  • Use a different type of apple, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady.
  • Add raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts to the apple filling for added texture and flavor.
  • Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier crust.
  • Add a tablespoon of ground ginger or nutmeg to the dough for a spiced twist.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Try using a different type of sweetener, like brown sugar or maple syrup, instead of granulated sugar.
  • Add a layer of caramel sauce between the apple filling and the crumble topping.
  • Make a vegan version by using plant-based butter and replacing the egg yolks with a flaxseed or chia seed egg substitute.
  • Experiment with different spices in the apple filling, such as cardamom, allspice, or cloves.
  • Top the Szarlotka with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream before serving.

Recipe overview

Szarlotka is a traditional Polish apple cake that brings a delicious, homely, and comforting dessert to your table. The combination of tender, sweet apples layered between a crumbly shortbread-like dough is something you won't want to miss. Szarlotka is the perfect dessert for any occasion, and despite its gourmet flavor, it's surprisingly easy to make. This recipe guides you step by step through the process, from preparing your apples to the baking process. Once you've completed it, you'll have a beautifully warm, cinnamon-spiced apple cake, perfect for serving with a dust of powdered sugar. Enjoy the process and the delightful result!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of apple?
    Yes, you can use a different type of apple for this recipe. However, it is recommended to use tart apples such as Granny Smith or Bramley apples for their firm texture and tangy flavor.
  2. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
    While you can use salted butter, it is recommended to use unsalted butter in this recipe to have better control over the saltiness of the final result.
  3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
    Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular all-purpose flour.
  4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
    Yes, you can make Szarlotka ahead of time. It can be stored at room temperature, covered, for up to 2 days. Alternatively, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Warm it in the oven before serving.
  5. Can I freeze Szarlotka?
    Yes, you can freeze Szarlotka. Once it has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing bowls - Use these to mix the ingredients together.
  • Measuring cups and spoons - Essential for accurately measuring the ingredients.
  • Baking dish (9x13 inch) - The size and shape of the dish recommended for baking the Szarlotka.
  • Peeler - Use a peeler to easily peel the apples.
  • Knife - Needed for coring and slicing the apples.
  • Spatula - Useful for spreading and smoothing the dough.
  • Oven - Required for baking the Szarlotka.
  • Wire rack - Use a wire rack to cool the Szarlotka before dusting with powdered sugar.
  • Sifter or sieve - Helpful for dusting the powdered sugar over the Szarlotka.

Origin stories

Szarlotka, fondly known as "Polish Apple Pie", is deeply embedded in Poland's culinary traditions, and its origins are as delightful as the dessert itself. The dessert owes its name to a love story from the 17th century. A Frenchman named Stanisław Leszczyński, who would later become the king of Poland, fell in love with a woman named Charlotte while in exile in France. To honor his beloved, who adored apples, he named his favorite apple tart after her, calling it "Tarte de Szarlotka." The story of this dessert's origin has been passed down through generations, along with the recipe, which varies slightly from family to family but always retains its core ingredient: delicious, juicy apples. Today, Szarlotka remains a beloved feature of Polish cuisine, a sweet symbol of love that warms the heart as much as it delights the palate. From Poland's bustling cities to its rural homes, you'll find a slice of Szarlotka and a warm welcome.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.