Dive into the rustic charm of this Apple Sharlotka, a traditional Polish cake that marries the tartness of juicy apples with the sweet warmth of cinnamon. Enhanced with a unique blend of semolina and flour, this cake boasts a rich texture that soaks up the natural juices of the apples, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. Topped with grated frozen butter for a golden, crispy finish, this Sharlotka is a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This:
The Apple Sharlotka is a testament to the beauty of simple baking. The combination of fresh, tart apples with sweet cinnamon and a textured semolina-flour mix creates a cake that’s not only satisfying but also easy to make. Its layered construction allows the apple flavor to shine through beautifully, enhanced by a crispy, buttery topping. This cake is ideal for those who appreciate desserts that are not overly sweet but are rich in natural flavors.
Perfect Occasion:
This Apple Sharlotka is perfect for a cozy family gathering, a casual brunch, or as a comforting dessert on a chilly evening. It’s also an excellent choice for holiday celebrations or as a homemade treat to bring to a potluck. Serve it warm from the oven or chilled from the fridge; either way, it offers a delightful taste experience.
Decoration Tips:
For a beautiful presentation, dust the cooled Sharlotka with powdered sugar just before serving. You can also garnish it with a few apple slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon to enhance its visual appeal. Serving it alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can turn it into an indulgent dessert.
Ingredients:
- 170g all-purpose flour
- 170g semolina
- 100g caster sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 1.5 kg tart, juicy apples
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 125g butter (frozen)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dry Mix:
- In a bowl, combine flour, caster sugar, vanilla sugar, semolina, and baking powder. Divide this mixture into three equal parts.
- Prepare the Apples:
- Peel and grate the apples on a coarse grater. Mix the grated apples with cinnamon. Do not drain the juice; it will be absorbed during baking.
- Layer the Cake:
- Line a 21 cm springform pan with parchment paper.
- Pour one-third of the dry mixture into the pan, spreading it evenly.
- Add one-third of the grated apples and spread evenly.
- Repeat layering twice more with the remaining dry mixture and apples.
- Add the Butter:
- Grate the frozen butter over the top layer using a coarse grater.
- Bake the Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C with convection. Bake the cake for 50-60 minutes. After 30 minutes, reduce the temperature to 180°C.
- For the final 10 minutes, lower the temperature again to 175°C.
- Cool and Serve:
- After baking, sprinkle the hot cake with fine sugar. Allow it to cool for about 40 minutes on the countertop.
- Refrigerate for about 1 hour before slicing.
Enjoy this delightful Apple Sharlotka, a simple yet flavorful cake that promises to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering or a comforting treat to enjoy at home.
