Polish Apple Buns
Polish Apple Buns, also known as "szarlotka buns," are delightful treats that combine soft, sweet dough with a delicious apple filling. These buns are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack with tea or coffee. With their warm and fresh-out-of-the-oven aroma, they can brighten any day and are sure to impress family and friends.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Polish Apple Buns at home is a wonderful way to enjoy fresh, homemade pastries. They are simple to prepare and offer a great opportunity to share a loved Polish tradition. Plus, the combination of sweet apples and fluffy dough makes for an irresistible treat that can be customized to suit your taste. Baking these buns can turn any ordinary day into a special occasion!
How to Make Polish Apple Buns
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 2-3 apples, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Directions
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk and butter until warm and melted. Remove from heat.
- In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix in the milk mixture and egg until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes until smooth, then let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
- While the dough rises, prepare the apple filling by mixing diced apples with sugar and cinnamon.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the dough and cut it into circles. Place a spoonful of apple filling in the center of each circle and fold to seal.
- Place the buns on a baking sheet and let them rise for another 20 minutes.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- For the glaze, mix powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the buns before serving.
How to Serve Polish Apple Buns
Polish Apple Buns are best enjoyed warm. You can serve them as is or with a side of cream or ice cream for an extra treat. They make a lovely addition to breakfast or brunch and are perfect with coffee or tea in the afternoon.
How to Store Polish Apple Buns
To store Polish Apple Buns, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. For longer storage, you can place them in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep them even longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to avoid freezer burn.
Tips to Make Polish Apple Buns
- For a richer flavor, you can replace some of the milk with heavy cream.
- Experiment with different types of apples. Tart apples like Granny Smith complement the sweetness of the buns well.
- Add some raisins or nuts to the apple filling for extra texture and flavor.
Variation
You can make these buns even more interesting by adding a pinch of nutmeg or vanilla extract to the apple filling. Some people also like to add a crumb topping made of flour, butter, and sugar for a delightful crunch.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, if you are short on time, feel free to use store-bought dough. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for rising and baking.
2. What types of apples are best for this recipe?
Tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet apples like Honeycrisp work well for this recipe. Use your favorite variety!
3. How can I make these buns gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Be sure to also add a binding agent like xanthan gum if it’s not already in the blend.
Now you’re ready to make delightful Polish Apple Buns! Enjoy baking and sharing these wonderful treats with your loved ones.
