A Wonderful Polish Cake is a delightful, often rich dessert that can come in many forms, but one popular version is “Ciasto Z Owocami” (Polish Fruit Cake) or “Ciasto Z Rodzynkami” (Polish Raisin Cake). It’s a soft, spongy cake often made with fruits, nuts, and sometimes a layer of sweet icing. Here’s a simple and classic version to get you started:
Wonderful Polish Cake (Ciasto Z Owocami)
Serves: 8–10
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 40–45 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for moisture)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1–1/2 cups mixed fruits (fresh berries, apples, or seasonal fruits like plums or cherries)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a round or square cake pan (8-9 inches).
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Add Fruit:
Fold in your fruit gently (reserve some fruit for the top if you want a pretty finish). If you’re using apples or berries, they can be stirred in, but if you’re using something like plums, chop them up first.
6. Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool & Serve:
Allow the cake to cool completely before dusting it with powdered sugar. Optionally, you can top it with whipped cream or serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips & Variations:
- Add raisins, walnuts, or almonds for extra texture.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
- If you’re using a fruit with more moisture, like pears, be sure to reduce the amount of sour cream or add a bit more flour.
Would you like this in a specific variation, like with chocolate or nuts, or is there a different Polish cake you were thinking of?