Discover the joy of making this delightful Polish Cake, a dessert that blends a light, airy dough with a creamy, rich filling. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat with your afternoon coffee, this cake is a timeless classic sure to impress family and friends.
Preparation Details
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Cooling Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Servings: 8-10
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 ½ cups (150g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (100ml) water
- ½ cup (100ml) milk
- ⅓ cup (80g) butter
- 4 eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
For the Cream
- 2 cups (500ml) milk
- ¾ cup (150g) sugar
- 1 cup (100g) all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup (180g) butter
- Optional: a few drops of vanilla extract
For Garnish
- Icing sugar for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Heat Liquid Ingredients:
In a saucepan, combine milk, water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil. - Add Flour:
Once boiling, add flour and baking powder. Stir vigorously until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a ball. - Cool the Dough:
Allow the dough to cool slightly before proceeding. - Incorporate Eggs:
Preheat your oven to 392°F (200°C).
Add eggs one at a time to the dough, mixing thoroughly after each addition until smooth. - Bake the Layers:
- Line a 10-inch (25 cm) baking pan with parchment paper.
- Spread half of the dough evenly in the pan.
- Bake in the center of the oven for 20 minutes. Avoid opening the oven during baking.
- Repeat the process for the second layer.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream
- Mix Ingredients:
In a bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, and flour until smooth. - Cook the Cream:
In a pot, bring milk to a gentle boil. Gradually add the egg mixture, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
Cook for 3 minutes after the mixture begins to boil, then remove from heat. - Combine with Butter:
Beat butter until fluffy. Gradually add the cooled cream, mixing well until smooth.
Add vanilla extract, if desired.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
- Layer the Cake:
- Place one layer of baked dough on a serving platter.
- Spread the cream evenly over it.
- Place the second layer of dough on top.
- Chill and Garnish:
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to set.
- Dust with icing sugar before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this cake chilled with a cup of tea or coffee. It’s a perfect dessert for family gatherings, holidays, or a simple treat to brighten your day.
Cooking Tips
- Let the dough cool slightly before adding eggs to avoid curdling.
- Stir the cream constantly while cooking for a smooth texture.
Nutritional Information
This cake is an indulgent dessert. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store the cake covered for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture may change upon thawing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light, airy dough with a creamy filling.
- Perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
- A timeless Polish tradition to share with loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I make the dough ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare the dough fresh for the best texture. - What type of flour should I use?
All-purpose flour works perfectly for this recipe. - Can I substitute margarine for butter?
Yes, margarine can be used, but butter offers a richer flavor. - How do I prevent lumps in the cream?
Stir constantly and gradually add the egg mixture to the boiling milk. - Can I add flavors to the cream?
Vanilla, almond extract, or even a splash of rum are great options. - Can this be made gluten-free?
A gluten-free flour blend may be used, though the texture might vary.
Conclusion
This Wonderful Polish Cake is a charming and delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Its airy dough and rich cream are sure to delight everyone at the table. Share it with family and friends, and savor the taste of tradition!