Teresa's Recipes
Szarlotka - Traditional Polish Apple Pie
Szarlotka is a beloved Polish dessert that captures the essence of warm, home-baked goodness. Its buttery, crumbly crust cradles a generous filling of sweet, spiced apples, making it the perfect comfort food. Traditionally enjoyed during family gatherings and festive occasions, this pie is often dusted with powdered sugar for a delightful finish, offering a nostalgic taste of Poland in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup, divided Granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup (cold, cubed) Unsalted butter
- 1 large Egg
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 6 cups, peeled, cored, and sliced Apples
- for dusting Powdered sugar
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 8
- Dish Type: Dessert
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 45g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Sugar: 20g
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the egg to the mixture and mix until the dough comes together. If the dough is too crumbly, add a tablespoon of cold water at a time until it holds together.
- Divide the dough in half. Press one half into the bottom of a greased 9-inch (23 cm) pie dish to form the base crust.
- In a separate bowl, toss the sliced apples with the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice until well coated.
- Arrange the apple slices evenly over the base crust, ensuring they are packed tightly.
- Crumble the remaining half of the dough over the apples to form the streusel topping, ensuring even coverage.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 15-20 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the delightful flavors of this traditional Polish dessert.
Tips
- For a deeper flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the apple filling.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
- You can substitute some of the apples with pears for a different twist!