When it comes to desserts, Poland has a rich tradition of sweet treats that are both delicious and visually stunning. From classic cheesecakes to intricate pastry creations, Polish desserts are a reflection of the country’s cultural heritage. With a blend of European and Eastern influences, Polish baking is known for its use of natural ingredients like honey, poppy seeds, and fruit preserves. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through 18 mouthwatering Polish dessert recipes that you won’t want to miss. From traditional treats like szarlotka (Polish apple pie) and sernik (Polish cheesecake) to modern twists like poppy seed cookies and blueberry pierogi, there’s something for every sweet tooth.
Polish Apple Pie (Szarlotka)
This traditional Polish dessert is a delightful combination of tender apples, flaky pastry, and warm spices. With its sweet and slightly tangy flavor, Szarlotka is a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 large apples, peeled and sliced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until apples are evenly coated.
3. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
4. Place apple mixture in the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
5. Fold the edges of the pastry over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
6. Brush egg wash over the top of the pie and sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Polish Cheesecake (Sernik)
This classic Polish dessert is a creamy delight, with a velvety filling atop a crumbly crust. Our recipe for Sernik makes it easy to bring a taste of Poland into your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Mix crust ingredients; press into a 9-inch springform pan.
3. In a separate bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and granulated sugar; beat until smooth.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
5. Pour cheesecake mixture over crust.
6. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
7. Let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Poppy Seed Roll (Makowiec)
This sweet and nutty bread roll is a classic Polish dessert, perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence. With its delicate poppy seed filling and soft, fluffy dough, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add flour, sugar, and salt to the bowl. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Roll out the dough, spread with melted butter, poppy seeds, and confectioners’ sugar.
7. Roll up tightly and place seam-side down on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Polish Honey Cake (Piernik)
A traditional Polish honey cake, Piernik is a sweet and moist dessert perfect for any occasion. This recipe yields a deliciously fragrant cake with a hint of spice and a deep golden color.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the egg until light and fluffy. Add the melted butter and whisk until combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool completely before dusting with confectioners’ sugar (optional).
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Polish Donuts (Pączki)
Polish Donuts (Pączki): A sweet and indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten
– Filling of your choice (e.g. jam, Nutella, or custard)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and yeast.
2. Gradually add warm water, stirring until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F (190°C).
6. Punch down the dough and roll out into small balls.
7. Fry the donuts for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
8. Drain excess oil with paper towels.
9. Fill with your chosen filling while still warm.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Polish Plum Cake (Placek z Śliwkami)
Polish Plum Cake (Placek z Śliwkami) – A traditional Polish dessert that combines the sweetness of plums with the richness of butter and sugar, perfect for special occasions or everyday treats.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup plums, pitted and chopped
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until crumbly.
4. Fold in chopped plums, eggs, and vanilla extract.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Polish Cream Cheese Cookies (Kołaczki)
Polish Cream Cheese Cookies (Kołaczki) Recipe
These traditional Polish cookies are a classic combination of cream cheese and butter, rolled into a sweet treat that’s sure to please. Perfect for snacking or serving at a gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– Colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
3. Gradually add granulated sugar, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract; mix well.
4. Gradually add flour; mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll out dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes (e.g., hearts, stars).
6. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between cookies.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
8. Allow cookies to cool on wire rack before decorating with colored sugar or sprinkles (if using).
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Polish Chocolate Babka
Polish Chocolate Babka: A Rich and Decadent Treat
This traditional Polish dessert combines rich chocolate with the flaky, buttery goodness of babka dough. The perfect treat for anyone with a sweet tooth!
Ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk, lukewarm
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast and lukewarm milk. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy.
2. Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 10-12 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, and cocoa powder.
5. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (6 mm). Spread the chocolate mixture evenly over the dough.
6. Roll the dough into a tight log, cut into 12-15 pieces, and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Polish Strawberry Kissel (Kisiel Truskawkowy)
A traditional Polish dessert, Kisiel Truskawkowy is a sweet and tangy strawberry kissel that’s perfect for warm weather. This recipe is a simplified version of the classic dessert, using fresh strawberries and just a few ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup water
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and water.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and lemon juice until smooth.
4. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the strawberry mixture and continue to simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until the kissel has thickened slightly.
5. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
6. Serve chilled, garnished with additional sliced strawberries if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Polish Angel Wings (Chruściki)
Polish Angel Wings (Chruściki) are a classic Polish dessert that will transport you to the country’s rich culinary heritage. These delicate, crispy cookies are typically served with a dusting of powdered sugar and are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 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, salt, and baking powder.
3. Add softened butter and mix until the dough forms a ball.
4. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
5. Cut into long strips, about 1 inch wide.
6. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each strip.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Dust with powdered sugar and serve.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Polish Blueberry Pierogi (Pierogi z Jagodami)
Experience the sweet and tangy taste of Poland with these traditional blueberry-filled pierogi. These delicate dumplings are a staple in Polish cuisine, perfect for snacking or as a dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Filling ingredients:
+ 1 cup fresh blueberries
+ 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
+ 1 tablespoon cornstarch
+ 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Frying oil (optional)
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Gradually add warm water to form dough.
2. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Divide the dough into smaller pieces and roll out each piece into a thin circle.
4. Place 1-2 tablespoons of blueberry filling in the center of each dough circle.
5. Fold the dough over the filling, forming a half-moon shape, and press edges together to seal.
6. If desired, fry pierogi in hot oil until golden brown.
7. Serve warm with confectioners’ sugar or enjoy as is.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (frying), 5-7 minutes (boiling)
Polish Rice Pudding (Ryż z Mlekiem)
This creamy rice pudding is a staple dessert in Polish cuisine, often served warm or at room temperature. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll be enjoying a comforting and sweet treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 2 cups milk
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cooked rice, milk, sugar, and salt.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the pudding has thickened and the rice is fully coated in the creamy liquid.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter until melted.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Polish Poppy Seed Cookies (Ciasteczka z Makiem)
These traditional Polish cookies are a sweet and nutty treat, perfect for any occasion. With their delicate texture and flavorful poppy seed filling, they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
– 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and poppy seeds.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
5. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
6. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Polish Walnut Roll (Orzechowiec)
This traditional Polish dessert is a rich and flavorful walnut-filled pastry, perfect for special occasions or everyday treats. With its crumbly crust and sweet filling, the Orzechowiec is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 tablespoon rum or vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until crumbly.
4. Beat in the egg until the dough comes together.
5. Fold in chopped walnuts and rum or vanilla extract (if using).
6. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3 mm) and cut into desired shape.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Polish Rhubarb Cake (Ciasto Rabarbarowe)
This classic Polish dessert is a sweet and tangy celebration of rhubarb’s unique flavor, wrapped in a tender cake. Ciasto rabarbarowe is a beloved treat in Poland, often served at family gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup rhubarb puree (see note)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, eggs, rhubarb puree, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Note: To make rhubarb puree, simply cook 1 cup of chopped fresh rhubarb with 2 tablespoons sugar and 2 tablespoons water over low heat, stirring occasionally, until tender. Let cool before using in recipe.
Polish Layered Cake (Karpatka)
This classic Polish dessert consists of multiple layers of moist sponge cake, rich chocolate buttercream, and toasted almonds, creating a show-stopping treat perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup milk
– 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 8 ounces high-quality dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– 1/4 cup toasted almonds
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and eggs. Add softened butter and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
3. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
4. Allow cakes to cool completely before assembling the cake.
5. For the chocolate buttercream, melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl. Whisk in confectioners’ sugar and softened butter until smooth.
6. Assemble the cake by spreading a layer of chocolate buttercream between each cake layer, finishing with a final layer on top. Sprinkle toasted almonds over the top.
Cooking Time: 60-70 minutes (depending on oven temperature)
Polish Sweet Yeast Bread (Drożdżówka)
A classic Polish sweet bread recipe that yields a soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet loaf. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm milk (105°F – 115°F)
– 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until yeast is activated.
2. Add sugar, flour, and salt to the mixture. Mix until smooth.
3. Add melted butter and beaten egg. Mix until well combined.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10-12 minutes until elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Polish Cherry Strudel (Strudel Wiśniowy)
This traditional Polish dessert is a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors, filled with juicy cherries and wrapped in flaky pastry. With this recipe, you’ll be able to create a delicious treat that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
– 2 cups of fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
– 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing pastry)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
2. In a bowl, mix together cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and salt.
3. Place the cherry mixture onto one half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
4. Brush the edges with beaten egg and fold the other half of the pastry over the filling to form a triangle or rectangle shape.
5. Brush the top of the strudel with beaten egg and cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Polish dessert lovers, rejoice! This article presents 18 delicious Polish dessert recipes that you must try. From classic treats like Polish Apple Pie and Polish Cheesecake to sweet surprises like Poppy Seed Roll and Polish Donuts, there’s something for every palate. You’ll also find innovative desserts like Polish Strawberry Kissel and Polish Blueberry Pierogi. With a mix of traditional and modern recipes, this collection is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and introduce you to the rich dessert culture of Poland.
