Szarlotka–Polish Apple Pie Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a classic dessert that captures the essence of cozy, homey goodness, the Szarlotka–Polish Apple Pie Recipe is an absolute must-try. This traditional Polish delicacy is a delightful blend of tender, spiced apples nestled beneath a buttery, crumbly crust that melts in your mouth. Every bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness, warmth from cinnamon, and the slight tang of lemon juice, making it a comforting treat that feels like a warm hug from your oven. Whether you’re a longtime fan of apple pies or new to this style, this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite that you’ll want to bake again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Szarlotka–Polish Apple Pie Recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients, each playing a key role in delivering that perfect texture and flavor. From the buttery crust to the spiced, juicy apple filling, every component is essential for creating that authentic taste you’ll love.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and the perfect base for the pie crust’s crumbly texture.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Adds richness and flakiness to the dough for that melt-in-your-mouth feeling.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust just enough without overpowering the apples.
- 1 egg: Helps bind the crust ingredients together for easy handling.
- 4 cups peeled and sliced apples: The star ingredient, offering freshness, moisture, and natural sweetness.
- 1/2 cup sugar (for filling): Sweetens the apples and balances their tartness perfectly.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Brings warm, aromatic depth to the apple filling.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Adds a subtle tang that brightens the apples and enhances the overall flavor.
How to Make Szarlotka–Polish Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pie Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9-inch pie dish. This step is crucial to ensure your pie doesn’t stick and bakes evenly.
Step 2: Make the Crust Dough
In a large mixing bowl, blend the flour, cold butter cubes, granulated sugar, and egg. Use a pastry cutter or just your fingertips to gently work everything together until the dough forms a crumbly texture. Don’t overwork it — this will keep your crust tender and flaky.
Step 3: Form the Pie Base
Take half of your crumbly dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the greased pie dish. This will be the sturdy but delicate foundation to hold the luscious apple filling.
Step 4: Create the Flavorful Apple Filling
In a separate bowl, toss the peeled and sliced apples with sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. The sugar draws out the sweetness, cinnamon adds warmth, and lemon juice keeps the slices vibrant and fresh.
Step 5: Assemble the Filling
Pour the apple mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading the slices evenly for uniform baking and that beautiful bite every time.
Step 6: Add the Crumble Topping
Use the remaining dough to crumble generously over the apples. This topping will bake up golden and crispy, providing a delightful texture contrast to the soft filling below.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the pie in your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until you see the crust turn golden brown and the filling bubbling happily around the edges. This is when your kitchen will start smelling like pure autumn bliss.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the pie cool before slicing. This resting time lets the filling set so each slice holds beautifully without falling apart, ensuring a lovely presentation and easiest eating experience.
How to Serve Szarlotka–Polish Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Serving your Szarlotka is a chance to get creative. A dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch, while a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream brings a creamy contrast that enhances the pie’s warm spices perfectly.
Side Dishes
This pie shines well on its own but pairing it with a hot cup of tea or coffee creates a cozy dessert moment. You might also enjoy it alongside a sharp cheddar cheese slice for a traditional Polish twist that adds savory depth to the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this pie with a drizzle of caramel sauce or alongside a small glass of apple cider for an extra festive touch. For gatherings, cut the pie into small square bars for easy sharing, making it a delightful finger food that’s packed with charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover Szarlotka tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep deliciously fresh for about 3 days, letting you enjoy every last bite without rushing.
Freezing
You can freeze the pie before baking or once it’s fully cooled after baking. To freeze, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Warm leftover slices gently in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 to 15 minutes. This will refresh the crust’s crispness and reawaken the spices in the filling beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this Szarlotka–Polish Apple Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work wonderfully to balance sweetness, you can mix in sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for a more complex flavor. Just be sure to use firm apples that hold their shape well when baked.
Is it possible to make this pie gluten-free?
Yes, with some adjustments. You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just keep in mind the texture might vary slightly, but the taste will still be delightful!
Why is lemon juice added to the apple filling?
Lemon juice prevents the apples from browning and adds a subtle acidity that brightens the filling. This little touch balances the sweetness and spices, keeping the flavor fresh and vibrant.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Definitely! The dough can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge, wrapped tightly. This actually helps the butter stay firm, making the crust even flakier when baked.
What can I do if I don’t have a pastry cutter?
No worries! You can use your fingers to quickly rub the cold butter into the flour mixture. Just work swiftly to keep the butter cold and avoid overmixing, which helps achieve that perfect crumbly texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Szarlotka–Polish Apple Pie Recipe that brings warmth and joy to any table. From its tender crumbly crust to the warmly spiced, luscious apple filling, it’s a dessert that invites you to savor every bite and share it with loved ones. If you have a craving for a cozy, comforting, and utterly satisfying pie, this recipe is your new go-to. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a household favorite you’ll return to year after year.
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Szarlotka–Polish Apple Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 8.8 servings 1x
Description
Szarlotka, the traditional Polish apple pie, features a buttery crumbly crust filled with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and topped with a crisp crumble. This classic dessert is perfect for cozy gatherings and offers a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
For the Filling
- 4 cups peeled and sliced apples
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch pie dish to prevent sticking.
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cold cubed butter, granulated sugar, and egg. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the ingredients together until the dough forms a crumbly texture, ensuring the butter remains cold for a flaky crust.
- Form the Base Crust: Press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pie dish to create the pie crust base.
- Prepare the Filling: In another bowl, mix the peeled and sliced apples with 1/2 cup sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. Stir thoroughly until the apples are well coated, enhancing their flavor and preventing browning.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour the apple filling into the crust, spreading the apples evenly to cover the base.
- Add the Crumble Topping: Crumble the remaining dough over the top of the apple filling to create a rustic crumble topping that will bake crispy.
- Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the filling is bubbling, indicating the apples are cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing to let the filling set, then serve and enjoy your homemade Szarlotka.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balanced sweet and tangy flavor.
- Ensure the butter is cold when mixing into the flour for a flaky crust texture.
- Letting the pie cool before cutting helps the filling set and prevents it from running.
- Optionally, dust the cooled pie with powdered sugar for a decorative finish.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Polish
