Szarlotka - Traditional Polish Apple Pie

Ingredients

All-purpose flour

2 cups

Granulated sugar

3/4 cup, divided

Baking powder

1 teaspoon

Salt

1/4 teaspoon

Unsalted butter

1 cup (cold, cubed)

Egg

1 large

Lemon juice

1 tablespoon

Cinnamon

1 teaspoon

Apples

6 cups, peeled, cored, and sliced

Powdered sugar

for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. In a separate bowl, toss the sliced apples with the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice until well coated.
7. Arrange the apple slices evenly over the base crust, ensuring they are packed tightly.
8. Crumble the remaining half of the dough over the apples to form the streusel topping, ensuring even coverage.
9. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 15-20 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar.
11. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the delightful flavors of this traditional Polish dessert.