Polish dessert recipes are hearty and delicious! From poppy seed rolls to dried fruit cookies, you’ll want to make these mouth-watering treats. I’m sure you’re pretty tired of the same old desserts, so come and explore the culinary traditions of Poland with me. These recipes may not be as quick as some of your favorite desserts, but trust me when I say that they are worth it! Plus, taking the time and attempting to try them guarantees that they are made with lots of love, right? Take a break from your usual chocolate cakes and sugar cookies and try some of these traditional treats from Poland!
1. Kołaczki: Polish Cream Cheese Cookies
These vibrant and colorful cream cheese cookies make me giddy and happy! My guests are just as thrilled, too, because these are so delicious! The kołaczki is called a cookie, but it’s buttery and flaky. There’s really no need to get into the complexities of whether it’s really a cookie or a pastry, because the only info you need is that it tastes good. There are a lot of filling options to choose from, like berries, nuts, or even cheese. It can get a little overwhelming, but that’s also what makes it such a hit with the crowd. Everybody loves options.
2. Polish Coffee Cake
It’s always exciting to try someone’s family recipe, especially one that has been passed down from generation to generation! Try this Polish version of coffee cake. This recipe is an interesting take on coffee cake because it uses yeast. Don’t be intimidated because the waiting is the only hard part here. Once you’ve tried this, you won’t be able to forget the taste and crunch of the heavenly crumb topping that perfectly offsets the soft and moist cake.
3. Szarlotka: Apple Tart
The Szarlotka can best be described as the less sweet cousin of the American apple pie. Let’s just say she’s the mature one who need not try too hard. You can totally enjoy this delicious Polish treat without having to worry about the sugar! You can also whip this up if you have something come up last minute. This apple tart only uses pantry ingredients along with granny smith apples, so you’re basically good to go anytime.
4. Sernik: Cheesecake
Sernik is one of the most common desserts served in Poland, and it’s one with so much history. Polish people have been making them since the 17th Century! The authentic recipe uses twaróg, a sweet curd cheese, as its key ingredient. But don’t worry, there are a lot of alternatives available if you can’t find the traditional Polish cheese.
5. Pączki: Donuts
Pączki was made by the Polish during their last chance to indulge before the fasting days of Lent. These discs of yeast dough are fried to golden brown perfection. It’s up to you whether you make them oozing with filling or simply tossed in sugar. They taste amazing either way. This is the ultimate treat, but good things take time, so plan ahead.
6. Papal Cream Cake
This cake was renamed papal cream cake when St. John Paul II expressed his love for these treats. I can’t blame him because each slice of this cream cake tastes like heaven. The cake comprises layers of puff pastry and vanilla cream filling topped with powdered sugar. Sounds simple enough, right? Try this easy-to-follow recipe, and you’ll impress at your next gathering.
7. Polish Mountain Cream Cake
Let this Polish mountain cream cake take you on a trip to the terrain of the Polish Highlands. This cake looks like snow-capped mountain peaks, hence its name. With every bite, you’ll be rewarded with a rich and indulgent custard cream. It’ll be all gone before you know it. It’s hard to get this one wrong.
8. Polish Mazurkas
Polish Mazurkas are a holiday staple in Poland, but the colorful mix of dried fruits reminds me a lot of summer as well. These stunning cookies are sure to stand out anywhere you bring them. Like the namesake Polish folk dance, these cookies let you experience a dance of flavors, from fruity to buttery! People won’t be able to help themselves from grabbing one.
9. Polish Crepes
I’m pretty sure you already know what a crepe is. In fact, you probably LOVE crepes. I mean, who doesn’t? They’re so simple and versatile. You can add sweet or savory fillings, depending on your mood. Polish crepes give you a little bit of both. The quark cheese filling is sweetened for that perfect balance of sweet and savory. The crepes are best served with jam. They’re the perfect breakfast food!
10. Polish Plum Cake
When it comes to baking, plums are so underrated! The sweet and sticky plums in this cake go so well with the crunch from the almonds, creating an interesting texture. Prepare to have your kitchen filled with the dreamy aroma of sweet plums, nuts, and cinnamon. The texture is a win; the scent is a win, and the taste is definitely a win. What are you waiting for?
11. Polish Poppy Seed Roll
I have found the perfect companion for my afternoon tea and when I’m winding down with some wine! The mixture of the nuts, raisins, and dried fruit with the poppy seeds gives you a unique taste you’ll crave. Although these Polish poppy seed rolls are usually made during the holidays, they are a great snack to make and keep for whenever!
12. Polish Gingerbread Cookies
Spoil your loved ones this Christmas with these special Polish gingerbread cookies! They might just become a new tradition for you and your family. One thing you need to know: the cookies are required to mature for at least three days for the best results. I know. The thought of baking cookies and having to wait for days before you can enjoy them sounds preposterous, but you’ll be thanking yourself come the hectic holiday season. You’ll get to make these in advance without having to worry in the midst of all the bustle.
13. Polish Angel Wings
Each bite of Polish angel wings or Chrusciki will have you hearing angels sing. These thin, crispy, sugar-dusted treats are unlike any other. They’re so light and delicious. It’s impossible to eat just one!
14. Polish Lemon Babka
Is it bread? Is it cake? That’s still up for debate, but it won’t even matter once you try a slice of this lemon Babka. This Polish Easter tradition has the perfect hint of tangy lemon to the sweetness of the cake. The bread is soaked in the lemon syrup to achieve that perfect citrus flavor. Then it’s topped with a milky glaze that’s also lemon-infused! Click on a star to rate it!
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