In Poland, Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, filled with delightful traditions and delicious treats that warm the heart and soul. One such treat is the Mazurek Christmas Shortcrust Cake, a beloved Polish holiday dessert that is perfect for sharing with family and friends. This festive cake is rich in flavor, with a buttery shortcrust base and a variety of toppings that can include nuts, dried fruits, and sweet preserves. Whether you’re looking to embrace Polish traditions or simply want to try something new this holiday season, this recipe is sure to bring a touch of warmth and sweetness to your home.
**Mazurek Christmas Shortcrust Cake**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup apricot or plum jam
– Assorted toppings such as chopped nuts, dried fruits, candied peel, or chocolate chips
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter pieces and rub them into the flour mixture using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Pour this mixture into the flour mixture and stir until the dough comes together. If the dough is too crumbly, add a little cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until it forms a smooth ball.
4. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, making sure to smooth the surface. Use a fork to prick the dough all over to prevent air bubbles from forming during baking.
5. Bake the shortcrust base in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until it is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
6. Once the base has cooled, spread the apricot or plum jam evenly over the surface.
7. Sprinkle your desired toppings over the jam, pressing them slightly into the surface.
8. Return the cake to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the toppings are lightly toasted.
9. Remove the Mazurek Christmas Shortcrust Cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan. Once cool, carefully lift it out using the parchment paper and transfer it to a cutting board.
10. Dust the cake with powdered sugar before slicing it into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy this delightful Polish holiday treat with loved ones!
This Mazurek Christmas Shortcrust Cake is a wonderful addition to your festive dessert table, bringing a taste of Polish holiday tradition to your home. The buttery shortcrust base paired with the sweet jam and crunchy toppings creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures that are sure to delight your taste buds. Whether you serve it with a cup of hot tea or as a sweet ending to a holiday meal, this cake is bound to become a family favorite. Embrace the spirit of Christmas with this delicious and heartfelt recipe that celebrates the joy of the season.
