How to Make Polish Poppy Seed Cake - A Step-by-Step Guide

Polish cuisine is rich and diverse, offering a wide array of delicious and hearty dishes. One of the most beloved and iconic desserts in Polish culture is the poppy seed cake, or "makowiec" as it is known in Polish. This traditional pastry is a staple at holidays and special occasions, and its sweet, nutty flavor and tender, flaky texture make it a favorite among both young and old. Whether you're of Polish descent or simply a lover of international cuisine, this recipe for Polish poppy seed ...

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Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups poppy seeds
  • boiling water to cover
  • 5 eggs, separated
  • 9 tablespoons margarine
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 2 apple - peeled, cored, and grated
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts
  • ½ cup raisins
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 3 tablespoons dry bread crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup margarine
  • ⅓ cup white sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 cups confectioners' sugar
  • ⅓ cup boiling water

Information

  • Prep Time: 25 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hr
  • Additional Time: 1 day 4 hrs
  • Total Time: 1 day 5 hrs 25 mins
  • Servings: 15

  • Place poppy seeds in a small pot, cover with boiling water, and set aside for 24 hours.
  • Line a colander with a cheesecloth and spoon in the poppy seeds. Allow draining for several hours. Once drained, transfer to a food processor and process until fine.
  • Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 3/4 cup margarine, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 egg, and baking powder in a large bowl and knead into a smooth dough.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a deep 9x13-inch deep pan and line it with parchment paper.
  • Roll out dough on a slightly floured surface and place in the prepared sheet pan.
  • Combine egg yolks, 9 tablespoons margarine, and 1 cup sugar in a large bowl; beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in drained poppy seeds gradually. Add apples, walnuts, raisins, honey, bread crumbs, and almond extract; mix well.
  • Beat egg whites in a glass, metal, or ceramic bowl until stiff peaks form. Lift your beater or whisk straight up: egg whites will form sharp peaks. Fold egg whites into poppy seed mixture; spread over dough in the sheet pan.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour until cake is set; transfer to a wire rack to cool.
  • Mix enough boiling water with confectioners' sugar to form a smooth icing. Spread generously over cooled cake.
  • Nutrition

    581 cal.

    • Total Fat: 34g
    • Saturated Fat: 5g
    • Cholesterol: 67mg
    • Sodium: 256mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 64g
    • Dietary Fiber: 5g
    • Total Sugars: 48g
    • Protein: 10g
    • Vitamin C: 2mg
    • Calcium: 501mg
    • Iron: 4mg
    • Potassium: 350mg