Teresa's Recipes
Traditional Polish Mazurek
Mazurek is a delightful Polish Easter cake that celebrates the spring season with its rich, buttery shortbread crust and a vibrant topping of sweet apricot jam, dried fruits, and crunchy nuts. This cake is not only a festive treat but also a symbol of the end of Lent, bringing families together to enjoy a slice of tradition. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of textures and flavors, making it a beloved dessert for special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (softened) Unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
- 3 Egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Apricot jam
- 1/2 cup Chopped nuts (e.g. almonds, walnuts)
- 1/2 cup Dried fruits (e.g. raisins, cranberries)
- for dusting Powdered sugar
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 12
- Dish Type: Dessert
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 30g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Sugar: 12g
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, ensuring an even layer across the bottom.
- Spread the apricot jam evenly over the dough, covering it completely.
- Sprinkle the chopped nuts and dried fruits generously over the jam layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the toppings are slightly set.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the dish.
- Once cooled, dust the Mazurek with powdered sugar using a fine sieve.
- Cut into squares or rectangles and serve at room temperature.
Tips
- Experiment with different jams like raspberry or cherry for a unique flavor.
- For added texture, consider adding a layer of marzipan beneath the jam.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep the crust fresh.