Polish cuisine may not be as well-known for its sweet treats as some other European cultures, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have a thing or two to offer in the way of delicious desserts. From traditional recipes passed down through generations to modern twists on classic flavors, Poland has a rich history of creating sweet and satisfying treats that are sure to please even the most discerning palates.
In this article, we’ll be exploring 18 mouthwatering Polish dessert recipes that showcase the best of the country’s baking traditions. From classic cheesecakes and poppy seed rolls to more modern creations like chocolate babka and custard-filled choux pastries, there’s something for everyone in this collection of sweet treats.
Polish Apple Pie with Crumble Topping
Polish Apple Pie with Crumble Topping Recipe
Traditional Polish apple pies are a staple of family gatherings and celebrations. This recipe combines tender apples with a crunchy crumble topping, perfect for serving warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients:
– 6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– Crumble Topping:
+ 1 cup all-purpose flour
+ 1/2 cup granulated sugar
+ 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
+ 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Mix until apples are evenly coated with the dry ingredients.
4. Add melted butter and mix until apples are well-coated.
5. Transfer apple mixture to a 9-inch pie dish or baking dish.
6. Prepare Crumble Topping by combining flour, granulated sugar, and cold butter in a bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
7. Sprinkle crumble topping evenly over the apple mixture.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until apples are tender and topping is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Classic Polish Cheesecake with Vanilla Glaze
Experience the creamy richness of Poland’s beloved cheesecake tradition, topped with a velvety vanilla glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs, separated
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Prepare crust by mixing crumbs and sugar; add melted butter and stir until combined.
3. Press crust into a 9-inch springform pan.
4. Beat cream cheese until smooth; add granulated sugar and beat until combined.
5. Beat in eggs, one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
6. Pour cheesecake batter into prepared pan.
7. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
8. Let cool completely on wire rack.
Vanilla Glaze:
1. Whisk together 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted, and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
2. Drizzle glaze over cooled cheesecake.
Cooking Time: 50-55 minutes
Traditional Polish Poppy Seed Roll
Traditional Polish Poppy Seed Roll Recipe
The Makowiec, also known as the Polish Poppy Seed Roll, is a classic Polish dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or everyday treats. This sweet bread is filled with a fragrant poppy seed mixture and topped with a crunchy sugar topping.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup poppy seeds
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Sugar topping (see below)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add flour, sugar, and salt to the mixture. Mix until a smooth dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and shape into a long roll.
6. Spread the poppy seed mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border at the ends.
7. Roll the dough tightly, starting from one end.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Sugar Topping:
Mix 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon water to create a thin paste. Brush the topping over the roll before baking.
Polish Honey Cake with Spiced Frosting
This traditional Polish cake is a sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The moist honey cake is paired with a warm and spicy frosting, creating a delightful combination of flavors.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
For the frosting:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, honey, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add milk, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
4. Pour batter into prepared dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. For the frosting, beat butter and powdered sugar until creamy. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom; mix well.
6. Spread frosting over cooled cake.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Polish Plum Cake with Streusel Topping
Polish Plum Cake with Streusel Topping: A Classic Recipe
This moist and flavorful cake is a staple of Polish cuisine, filled with sweet plums and topped with a crunchy streusel topping.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup pitted prunes (plums), chopped
For the streusel topping:
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup chopped almonds
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Add butter and mix until crumbly.
3. Beat in milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Stir in chopped plums.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
6. Prepare streusel topping by combining flour, sugar, and softened butter. Mix until crumbly. Stir in chopped almonds.
7. Sprinkle streusel topping evenly over the cake.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Polish Chocolate Babka with Walnuts
Get ready to impress your family and friends with this indulgent Polish chocolate babka, loaded with crunchy walnuts and a deep, rich chocolate flavor. This sweet bread is perfect for special occasions or as a comforting treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, and sugar. Add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
3. Fold in chocolate chips and walnuts.
4. Pour dough into prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Let cool on a wire rack before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Polish Paczki (Doughnuts) with Raspberry Filling
Celebrate Polish tradition with these sweet and tender doughnuts filled with a burst of raspberry flavor. Perfect for Fat Thursday (the last Thursday before Lent), or any time you crave a delicious treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup warm milk
– 1 large egg
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Raspberry jam or preserves for filling
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and yeast.
2. Gradually add warm milk and mix until a smooth batter forms.
3. Beat in the egg and let the mixture rest for 10 minutes.
4. Heat oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F (190°C).
5. Using a piping bag or spoon, drop dough into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd.
6. Fry paczki for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Drain excess oil and fill with raspberry jam while still warm.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Enjoy your delicious Polish Paczki with Raspberry Filling!
Polish Sernik (Farmer’s Cheese Cake)
This traditional Polish dessert is a creamy, sweet, and tangy delight that’s perfect for any occasion. With its velvety texture and rich flavor, it’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup farmer’s cheese (or quark), softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar.
3. Add softened cheese, salt, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
4. Pour in melted butter and egg; mix until well combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
7. Let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Polish Makowiec (Poppy Seed Swirl Cake)
Makowiec, a traditional Polish cake, is a sweet and nutty delight that’s perfect for special occasions. This poppy seed swirl cake is a classic recipe passed down through generations, filled with the warm aroma of caramelized sugar and the subtle crunch of toasted almonds.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup poppy seeds
– 1/4 cup chopped almonds
– 1 tablespoon caramel syrup
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, and eggs in a large bowl.
3. Add softened butter, vanilla extract, and poppy seeds; mix until smooth.
4. Fold in chopped almonds.
5. Pour batter into prepared cake pan and drizzle with caramel syrup.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Polish Szarlotka (Apple Tart with Shortcrust Pastry)
Szarlotka, a classic Polish dessert, combines the sweetness of apples with the flaky crust of shortbread pastry. This traditional recipe is perfect for a warm and cozy treat on a chilly day.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 large apple, peeled and sliced
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon cinnamon powder
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt.
3. Add cold butter and use pastry blender or fingers to work into crumbs.
4. Press mixture into a 9-inch (23 cm) tart pan with removable bottom.
5. Arrange apple slices in the crust, leaving a 1-inch (2.5 cm) border.
6. Sprinkle granulated sugar and cinnamon powder over apples.
7. Fold crust edges up to form a rim, pressing gently to seal.
8. Brush egg wash over crust and bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Polish Kremówka (Cream Puff Pastry)
Kremówka, a classic Polish pastry, is a sweet delight filled with whipped cream and topped with powdered sugar. This recipe yields 12-15 puffs.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Add butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the flour mixture until coarse crumbs form.
3. Gradually add milk, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together in a ball.
4. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll out to about 1/8 inch thickness.
5. Cut into desired shapes (e.g., squares or circles). Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each pastry.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Allow puffs to cool completely before filling with whipped cream and dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Polish Karpatka (Custard-Filled Choux Pastry)
Karpatka is a beloved Polish dessert that combines the flaky, buttery goodness of choux pastry with a rich custard filling. This sweet treat is perfect for special occasions or as a surprise to brighten up anyone’s day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup custard filling (see below for recipe)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine flour, butter, milk, salt, and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture pulls away from the sides and forms a ball.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Pipe the dough onto the prepared baking sheet in desired shapes.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Allow to cool completely before filling with custard.
Custard Filling Recipe:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large egg yolks
Combine ingredients in a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
Polish Miodownik (Layered Honey Cake)
This classic Polish dessert is a sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of moist cake, honey syrup, and creamy whipped cream creates a delightful layered effect.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup honey syrup (see note)
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder. Add softened butter and mix until crumbly.
3. Beat in eggs and salt.
4. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Let cake cool completely.
6. Drizzle honey syrup over the cooled cake.
7. Top with whipped cream and dust with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Note: To make honey syrup, combine 1 cup honey with 1 cup water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Polish Racuchy (Apple Fritters with Cinnamon)
These sweet and crispy fritters are a classic Polish treat, perfect for snacking or as a dessert. With the warmth of cinnamon and the sweetness of apples, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients:
– 2 large apples, peeled and chopped
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup milk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Add chopped apples to the dry mixture and toss until coated.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar and milk until dissolved.
4. Pour wet ingredients over apple mixture and stir until combined.
5. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
6. Using a spoon, drop small amounts of the apple mixture into the hot oil, forming fritters.
7. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
8. Drain excess oil and dust with powdered sugar (optional).
9. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: About 10-15 minutes total
Polish Faworki (Angel Wing Cookies with Powdered Sugar)
Polish Faworki (Angel Wing Cookies with Powdered Sugar) Recipe
These delicate, crispy cookies are a beloved Polish treat, perfect for snacking or as a festive holiday cookie. With just a few ingredients and simple preparation, you can enjoy this sweet and satisfying dessert at any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt.
3. Add the softened butter and mix until a dough forms.
4. Beat in the egg until well combined.
5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
6. Cut into long, thin strips (about 1/2 inch wide).
7. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Dust with powdered sugar while still warm.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Polish Piernik (Gingerbread with Molasses and Nuts)
This traditional Polish cookie is a staple during the holiday season, offering a warm and comforting treat. Soft, spiced, and infused with molasses, these pierniks are perfect for dunking in hot chocolate or tea.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup molasses
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup chopped walnuts or hazelnuts
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
3. In a large bowl, cream brown sugar and molasses until smooth. Add softened butter and mix until combined.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Fold in chopped nuts.
6. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
7. Place pierniks on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are set.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Polish Kołaczki (Fruit-Filled Pastry Cookies)
These sweet and flaky cookies are a classic Polish treat, typically filled with fruit preserves or nuts. With this recipe, you can create your own delicious kołaczki at home.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Filling of your choice (e.g., strawberry or apricot preserves, chopped nuts)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, butter, confectioners’ sugar, and salt until a dough forms.
3. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
4. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass.
5. Place a spoonful of your chosen filling in the center of each cookie.
6. Fold the dough over the filling, forming a triangle or a square shape, and press edges together to seal.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Polish Ptasie Mleczko (Chocolate-Covered Marshmallow Treats)
These sweet treats are a beloved Polish dessert, perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create these indulgent chocolate-covered marshmallow morsels in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mini marshmallows
– 1 cup milk chocolate chips
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Melt the chocolate chips and butter in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
2. Remove the marshmallows from their packaging and dip each one into the melted chocolate, coating completely.
3. Place the dipped marshmallow on a piece of parchment paper or a silicone mat.
4. If desired, add a few drops of vanilla extract to the melted chocolate for an extra boost of flavor.
5. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
Cooking Time: None
Summary
Indulge in the sweet side of Poland with these 18 delicious dessert recipes! From classic treats like traditional Polish cheesecake and plum cake, to modern twists on old favorites, this collection has something for everyone. Discover recipes for decadent chocolate babka, crispy paczki doughnuts, and more. Whether you’re a fan of fruit-filled pastries or rich, creamy cakes, these Polish desserts are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
