Szarlotka, or Polish Apple Pie, is a comforting and delicious dessert that combines tender, buttery crust with sweet, spiced apples. Perfect for autumn gatherings, holiday celebrations, or any time you crave a comforting, classic pie, this dessert is sure to win over anyone who enjoys apple pie. With its buttery crust and fragrant cinnamon-spiced filling, Szarlotka brings a taste of Poland to your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Szarlotka is a unique twist on the traditional apple pie, with a shortcrust base and crumbly topping that create a perfect balance of textures. The filling is packed with tender, spiced apples and a touch of lemon juice, which enhances the apple flavor and adds a hint of brightness. The buttery crust melts in your mouth, making every bite irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a cozy fall treat or something to bring to a holiday gathering, this pie is a winner!
Ingredients
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 egg
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4 cups peeled and sliced apples
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1/2 cup sugar (for filling)
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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1 tbsp lemon juice
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch pie dish.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cold cubed butter, granulated sugar, and egg. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the ingredients together until the dough forms a crumbly texture.
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Press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pie dish to form the crust.
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In another bowl, mix the peeled and sliced apples with 1/2 cup sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. Stir until the apples are well coated with the mixture.
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Pour the apple filling into the pie crust, spreading the apples evenly.
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Crumble the remaining dough over the top of the apples to create a crumble topping.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
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Allow the pie to cool before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
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Servings: 8
Variations
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Nutty Crumble: Add chopped walnuts or almonds to the crumble topping for an extra crunch and flavor.
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Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle the cooled pie with caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
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Fruit Mix: Combine apples with other fruits like pears or berries for a fun twist on the traditional apple pie.
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Vegan Version: Replace the butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg substitute for a plant-based version of this pie.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftover Szarlotka in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
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Reheating: Reheat slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a warm oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use a store-bought pie crust for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a store-bought pie crust to save time, but homemade crust adds an extra level of flavor and texture that makes Szarlotka special.
2. Can I use frozen apples?
While fresh apples are ideal for the best texture, you can use frozen apples. Be sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the pie to avoid excess moisture.
3. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this pie a day or two ahead of time. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve, and reheat it if desired.
4. Can I use a different sweetener?
You can substitute the granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar alternative like Stevia or Monk Fruit to make it lower in sugar.
5. How can I tell when the pie is done?
The pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges. You can also check the apples with a fork to ensure they are tender.
6. Can I freeze Szarlotka?
Yes, Szarlotka can be frozen before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the pie and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Bake directly from the freezer, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. To freeze after baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
7. Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes! You can use any apple variety you prefer, but tart apples like Granny Smith work well in this pie because they hold their shape and balance the sweetness of the sugar. Sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji also work beautifully.
8. Can I add more spices to the filling?
Feel free to add extra spices like nutmeg, allspice, or cloves to the filling for a more complex flavor.
9. Can I use a different type of crust?
You can experiment with different types of crusts, like a graham cracker crust for a twist or even a gluten-free pie crust.
10. How should I serve Szarlotka?
Szarlotka is delicious served warm or at room temperature, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Conclusion
Polish Apple Pie, or Szarlotka, is a comforting, flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The tender, buttery crust combined with spiced apples and a crumbly topping creates a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, family gathering, or just because, Szarlotka is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s a timeless classic that brings warmth and joy with every bite.
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Szarlotka–Polish Apple Pie
Szarlotka, or Polish Apple Pie, is a comforting dessert that combines a buttery, tender crust with spiced apples and a crumbly topping. With the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth from cinnamon and lemon, this classic pie is perfect for fall gatherings or holiday celebrations. Easy to make and delicious, Szarlotka is sure to win over anyone who loves apple pie.
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
4 cups peeled and sliced apples
1/2 cup sugar (for filling)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch pie dish.
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cold cubed butter, granulated sugar, and egg. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the ingredients together until the dough forms a crumbly texture.
-
Press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pie dish to form the crust.
-
In another bowl, mix the peeled and sliced apples with 1/2 cup sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. Stir until the apples are well coated with the mixture.
-
Pour the apple filling into the pie crust, spreading the apples evenly.
-
Crumble the remaining dough over the top of the apples to create a crumble topping.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
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Allow the pie to cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
-
Nutty Crumble: Add chopped walnuts or almonds to the crumble topping for an extra crunch.
-
Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle the cooled pie with caramel sauce for an indulgent touch.
-
Fruit Mix: Combine apples with pears or berries for a unique twist.
-
Vegan Version: Replace butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg substitute for a plant-based version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Pies, Fall Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Polish, Eastern European
- Diet: Vegetarian
