Classic Szarlotka – Polish Apple Pie

Szarlotka, the beloved Polish apple pie, is a timeless dessert cherished for its simplicity and rich flavors. This version features a buttery crust topped with a generous layer of spiced shredded apples and finished with a crumbly streusel topping. The combination of tart Granny Smith apples, warm cinnamon, and sweet vanilla creates a comforting treat that’s perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or afternoon tea.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 3½ pounds Granny Smith apples (cored, peeled, and shredded)
• 5 tablespoons white granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Crust and Crumble:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
• 1 cup cold butter (cut into cubes)
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ cup white granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or traditionally use vanilla sugar)
• 1 medium egg

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Crust

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sifted flour, baking powder, and ¼ cup of the sugar.
2. Add the cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use your fingers, a pastry cutter, or a food processor to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Crack the egg into the mixture and add the vanilla extract (or vanilla sugar). Mix gently until the dough comes together. If the dough feels too dry, add 1–2 teaspoons of cold water to help it bind.
4. Press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Reserve the remaining one-third of the dough for the crumble topping.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. In a separate large bowl, toss the shredded apples with 5 tablespoons of sugar and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon until the apples are evenly coated.
2. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust in the baking pan, pressing down lightly to compact the filling.

Step 4: Add the Crumble Topping

1. To the reserved dough, add the remaining ¼ cup of sugar and use your fingers to break it into small, crumbly pieces. Sprinkle this crumble topping evenly over the apples, covering the entire surface.

Step 5: Bake

1. Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are soft and bubbly.
2. Rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Remove the szarlotka from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This allows the filling to set and makes slicing easier.
2. Once cooled, cut into squares or rectangles and serve as-is or with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Tips for Success

• Apple Choice: Granny Smith apples are ideal because their tartness balances the sweetness of the sugar and complements the cinnamon. However, you can mix them with sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp for added complexity.
• Shredding Apples: Use a box grater or a food processor with a shredding attachment to shred the apples quickly and evenly.
• Vanilla Sugar: If you have access to vanilla sugar (common in Poland), substitute it for regular sugar and vanilla extract for an authentic touch.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Classic Szarlotka is a celebration of simplicity and flavor, combining tender spiced apples with a buttery crust and crunchy crumble topping. It’s a dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion, whether served at a holiday feast or enjoyed as a cozy afternoon treat. The use of shredded apples gives the filling a unique texture that sets it apart from traditional apple pies. Dive into this Polish classic and savor every bite of its rich, comforting goodness!