If you’ve ever wanted to try a comforting dessert that brings a taste of traditional Polish baking right into your home kitchen, the Szarlotka–Polish Apple Pie Recipe is the perfect place to start. This irresistible pie combines a tender, buttery crust with tender cinnamon-spiced apples, topped off with a delightful crumble that adds just the right amount of crunch. With simple, wholesome ingredients and a process that feels almost like second nature, this Szarlotka recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves warm, homey flavors wrapped in a sweet and tangy apple hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh and straightforward ingredients is what makes this Szarlotka–Polish Apple Pie Recipe so approachable. Each component plays a crucial role— from the flaky crust to the cinnamon-kissed apple filling— that harmonizes into a beautifully balanced dessert.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Creates the sturdy yet tender base and crumble topping.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Cools the dough, ensuring a flaky crust and rich flavor.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness to the crust without overpowering.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder to bring the dough together smoothly.
- 4 cups peeled and sliced apples: The heart of the pie, providing juicy, soft bite and natural sweetness.
- 1/2 cup sugar (for filling): Sweetens the apples while balancing their tartness.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and depth to the apple filling.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Adds brightness and prevents the apples from browning.
How to Make Szarlotka–Polish Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pie Dish
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s fully heated when your pie is ready to go in. Grease a 9-inch pie dish to make sure your crust doesn’t stick and comes out perfectly shaped.
Step 2: 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 blend these together until you get a crumbly, coarse texture. The cold butter is key here—it makes the crust flaky and tender, which is one of the hallmarks of a fantastic Szarlotka.
Step 3: Form the Pie Crust Base
Take half of the crumbly dough and press it evenly into the bottom of your greased pie dish. Don’t worry about creating a perfect smooth layer; the rustic charm of this pie lies in its handmade feel. This base will provide the perfect support for the juicy filling.
Step 4: Prepare the Apple Filling
In another bowl, toss the peeled and sliced apples with the sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. The cinnamon softens the tartness of the apples, while the lemon juice brightens the flavors and helps everything stay fresh and vibrant during baking.
Step 5: Assemble the Pie Filling
Pour the spiced apple mixture on top of the crust you pressed into the dish, spreading it out evenly. This ensures every slice has a perfect balance of apples and crust.
Step 6: Add the Crumble Topping
Use the remaining half of the dough and crumble it over the apples. This topping will bake into a golden, buttery crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender fruit beneath.
Step 7: Bake Your Szarlotka
Put your pie into the oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust turns a lovely golden brown and you see the filling bubbling through the crumble on top. This bubbling is a sign that the apples are perfectly cooked and all the flavors are melding together.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Letting the pie cool completely before slicing allows the juices to thicken up, making each slice neat and easy to handle. This patience pays off in a clean slice and a wonderfully balanced bite every time.
How to Serve Szarlotka–Polish Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream are classic ways to add extra indulgence. For a more traditional touch, a dollop of lightly whipped cream can make this apple pie feel downright festive.
Side Dishes
This Szarlotka pairs amazingly well with a warm cup of tea or coffee. If you’re looking for something a little heartier, try serving it alongside a simple salad with walnuts and a mild vinaigrette for a sweet and savory contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a unique twist, try serving individual mini Szarlotka cups by baking the filling in muffin tins with crust on the bottom and crumble on top. You can also drizzle caramel sauce over the slices for a rich, glossy finish that invites an extra layer of sweetness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Szarlotka tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will stay delicious for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy that comforting apple flavor anytime.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy your Szarlotka later, freezing is a great option. Wrap the whole pie or individual slices securely in plastic wrap and then foil to protect from freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
For fresh-baked warmth, reheat slices in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust crisp and the crumble crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples in this Szarlotka–Polish Apple Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! Traditional Szarlotka usually calls for tart apples like Granny Smith or other firm varieties that hold their shape well and provide a nice balance to the sweetness.
Is it necessary to peel the apples?
Peeling apples is recommended for the texture of this Szarlotka. It ensures the filling is smooth and soft without the tough skin that can sometimes be distracting.
What if I don’t have a pastry cutter? How else can I combine the dough?
You can definitely use your fingers! Just keep the butter cold and quickly rub it into the flour mixture until it’s crumbly, then bring it together with the egg.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
You can experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking, but results may vary. Make sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum to help hold the dough together.
Is this Szarlotka recipe suitable to make in advance for a party?
Yes, it’s perfect for that! You can assemble and bake it the day before, then store it covered at room temperature or in the fridge. Just warm it up slightly before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.
Final Thoughts
If you want to bring a little piece of Poland to your table, this Szarlotka–Polish Apple Pie Recipe is a wonderful way to do it. It delivers cozy, nostalgic flavors wrapped in a buttery crumble that makes every bite a delight. I encourage you to give this charming pie a go and watch how it becomes a new favorite in your dessert lineup.
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Szarlotka–Polish Apple Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 8.8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Polish
Description
Szarlotka, a traditional Polish apple pie, features a buttery crumbly crust and a spiced apple filling. This comforting dessert combines tart apples, cinnamon, and a hint of lemon juice beneath a crunchy streusel topping, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for fall or any time you crave a classic homemade apple pie with a Polish twist.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
Filling:
- 4 cups peeled and sliced apples
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pie Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch pie dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the pie.
- 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, but holds together when pressed.
- Form the Crust: Press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pie dish to create the base crust layer, ensuring it is compact and even.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In another bowl, toss the peeled and sliced apples with 1/2 cup sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. Stir until the apples are thoroughly coated and the flavors meld together.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour the apple filling into the prepared crust, spreading the apples evenly to cover the bottom layer completely.
- Add the Crumble Topping: Crumble the remaining half of the dough over the apples, distributing it evenly as a crunchy topping.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing to let the filling set. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith or Jonathan for best flavor and balance of sweetness.
- Chill the dough before rolling for a flakier crust; if too soft, refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Make sure the apples are coated evenly with cinnamon and lemon juice to prevent browning and enhance flavor.
- Letting the pie cool thoroughly before slicing prevents the filling from running.
- Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness and presentation.
