Imagine a dessert that captures the warmth of a traditional Polish kitchen, where every bite tells a story of comfort and love. Prosta Szarlotka Po Prostu is not just an apple cake – it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a masterpiece of sweet, fruity perfection. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises to transport you straight to the heart of Poland with its irresistible aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: Polish
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large apples
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your oven is ready for baking once your batter is prepared.
- Begin by preparing your apples. Peel, core, and slice the 4 large apples into thin wedges. You can use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a more complex flavor.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1 cup of sugar with the 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the 2 large eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour and the 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.
- Once the batter is ready, lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Pour half of the batter into the prepared dish and spread it evenly.
- Layer the sliced apples over the batter in the baking dish. You can arrange them neatly or simply scatter them over the top, depending on your preference.
- Pour the remaining batter over the apples, spreading it gently to cover them as much as possible. It’s okay if some apple slices peek through; this will create a lovely texture.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the szarlotka from the oven and allow it to cool in the baking dish for about 10-15 minutes. This will make it easier to cut into squares.
- After cooling, cut the szarlotka into squares or rectangles and serve warm or at room temperature. It’s delicious on its own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips
- Apple Selection Matters: Choose a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a more complex flavor profile.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
- Don't Overmix the Batter: Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Even Apple Distribution: Try to layer apples evenly for consistent flavor and texture in every bite.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the cake rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to set and make cutting easier.
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra indulgence.
- Storage Tip: This cake stays fresh at room temperature for 2-3 days when covered, making it perfect for make-ahead desserts.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 381kcal
Carbohydrates: 62g
Protein: g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
