Traditional Polish Apple Cake with Crumbly Shortbread Layers is a delightful dessert that showcases the classic combination of tender, juicy apples and buttery, crumbly shortbread. This cake features layers of rich, buttery dough encasing sweet, tender apple halves, creating a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. Each bite is a nostalgic reminder of homemade goodness, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This
You'll love this cake for its simplicity and the perfect balance of buttery shortbread and sweet apples. The dough, enriched with butter and cream, provides a rich, crumbly texture that complements the tender apples. This cake is not overly sweet, making it an ideal dessert for those who appreciate a more subtle sweetness. The combination of textures and flavors is both comforting and satisfying, making this cake a timeless favorite.
Perfect Occasion
This apple cake is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or as a comforting dessert to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. It's an excellent choice for autumn when apples are in season, but it can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a homemade treat, this cake is sure to please.
Decoration Tips
To enhance the presentation of your Traditional Polish Apple Cake, consider dusting the top with powdered sugar once it has cooled. You can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence. For a more festive look, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few thin apple slices arranged on top.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup powdered sugar
- 250 g butter (82%)
- 2 eggs (size M)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (18% fat)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Approximately 12 apples
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, chopped butter, powdered sugar, and baking powder. Rub the mixture between your fingers until it forms a crumbly texture.
- Add the eggs and sour cream to the mixture. Knead until you have a smooth, cohesive dough.
- Divide the dough into two equal parts.
- Prepare the Cake:
- Roll out each portion of dough into a rectangle that fits the dimensions of your baking pan (20x35 cm).
- Line the bottom of the baking pan with parchment paper. Place one portion of the rolled-out dough into the bottom of the pan.
- Peel, core, and halve the apples. Arrange the apple halves evenly over the dough in the pan.
- Cover the apples with the second portion of rolled-out dough, sealing the edges.
- Bake the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
- Bake the cake for 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Serve:
- Allow the cake to cool before slicing and serving.
- Optionally, dust the top with powdered sugar for a decorative touch.
Enjoy!