Poland is not a country you immediately think of when talking about desserts. Still, every region in the world boasts a rich history and culture, and Poland is no exception. The country is home to all kinds of desserts which we guarantee you’ll want to try.
For starters, there’s Polish coffee cake, pączki, Chrusty, Polish lemon babka, makowiec, racuchy, and sernik.
What is so great about Polish desserts is their uniqueness. The best among these are impossible to describe in words; you just have to nibble on them and take in the taste.
If you have already tried Italian cookies and now want to experience a different taste, our selection of Polish desserts will introduce you to a whole new world of flavors.
Here Are Some of the Best Polish Desserts You Should Try
Polish Coffee Cake
Polish Coffee Cake is a delicious and heavenly treat that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Made with fluffy, buttery dough and yeast, this cake is the perfect companion to a steaming cup of coffee… hence the name.
Don’t let its name fool you though. This cake is delicious any time of day, whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a midday snack, or post-dinner dessert. The texture is light and fluffy, but the flavor is rich and indulgent.
Pączki
Pączki is the ultimate Polish treat, a delicious combination of fluffy yeast dough and sweet, gooey filling. These doughnuts are a staple in any cukiernia or confectionery shop and are the perfect way to indulge.
Whether you prefer your pączki filled with traditional plum jam or something more modern like raspberry or chocolate, you will surely love the taste and texture of these tasty treats.
And with either powdered sugar or royal icing topping, they are not just delicious but also visually appealing. So, grab a pączki or two and celebrate Tłusty Czwartek in style!
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Chrusty
Even though it doesn’t sound appetizing, chrusty, also known as Chruściki or Faworki, is a beloved traditional pastry in Poland.
These delicate treats are made by deep-frying ribbons of dough and then coating them with powdered sugar. They are a staple of the last week of karnawał, just before Lent, and can be found at every supermarket and bakery during this time. Chrusty is also popular at family meals and weddings.
In fact, in areas of the US with large Polish populations, bakeries will even take orders for Chrusty in advance for this holiday. They are traditionally fried in lard, but you can also use other oils to give them a slightly different flavor. No matter how you make them, Chrusty is a delicious and beloved treat.
Polish Lemon Babka
Polish Lemon Babka is the perfect mix of sweet and tangy, making it a staple at Easter celebrations. This traditional bread is a tasty blend of lemon and yeast, creating a moist and flavorful treat.
The bread is soaked in lemon syrup, which will make your taste buds dance with joy. What’s more, it is topped with a lemon-infused glaze that will leave you wanting more. If you are looking for a different yet tasty treat, give Polish Lemon Babka a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Makowiec
Makowiec is a roll cake made with a sweet yeast cake base filled with various delicious ingredients including poppy seeds, raisins, chopped nuts, and candied orange peel. The roll is then topped with royal icing and sprinkled with more chopped nuts or candied orange peel.
This iconic dessert is found in Polish households all year round. The variations of Makowiec across Central and Eastern Europe are also worth trying, especially the Makowiec Lubartowski which is characterized by an exceptionally thin layer of dough and massive layers of poppy seed filling, making it seem like the roll is made entirely with poppy seeds.
Racuchy
Racuchy is a fluffy little doughnut-like pancake, and a staple in Polish cuisine. Pan-fried to perfection and very often stuffed with delicious apples, racuchy is the perfect treat to start your day or to end a meal. The mix of eggs, milk, sugar, and yeast creates the best contrast of a soft interior and crispy exterior.
Racuchy originated in the Silesian region near Częstochowa in Southern Poland and has been a favorite for centuries. They were often eaten as appetizers on New Year’s Eve.
The traditional yeast dough version is called Yeast Pancakes or Racuchy Drozdzowe, and in some parts of Poland, they were nicknamed Dolki or Holes since they were fried in a pan with hollow molds.
The most popular version of racuchy is the Racuchy z Jablkami, which literally means ‘pancakes with apples.’ These delicious treats are best eaten crispy and hot, right out of the pan, especially on a cold winter evening.
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Sernik
Sernik is a Polish dessert with a rich history dating back to the 17th century. It is made with twaróg, a sweet curd cheese, giving it a unique and authentic flavor. Sernik comes in many unique forms, some unbaked, some baked, but it is commonly made with a crumbly cake base. Some variations even include raisins, chocolate sauce, or fruit.
One of the most popular variations of this dessert has a sponge cake as its base and is covered with fruit and jelly on top. The Krakowski version of sernik is known for its lattice crust on top.
Whether you prefer it unbaked or baked, cold or room temperature, with a sponge cake base or a crumbly crust, sernik is a dessert you can enjoy eating in different ways. You can prepare it easily at home or pick up a ready-made one in many Polish supermarkets and stores.
Kutia
Kutia is a sweet Polish dish that is traditionally served on Christmas Eve. Its origins can be traced back to the eastern regions of Poland and neighboring countries like Belarus, Ukraine, and Lithuania. Today, kutia is also getting popular in other parts of Poland, becoming a sweet treat for all ages and generations.
The sweet dish is made from barley grains or whole wheat, sweetened with honey, and filled with dried fruits and nuts. The most common fruits found in kutia are raisins, apricots, dried apples, and plums. Walnuts, poppy seeds, almonds, and sometimes hazelnuts are added for flavor and texture.
In the past, kutia was only sweetened with whatever was readily available, but now its recipe is much more refined and passed down through generations. There are hundreds of variations of kutia, and each family’s recipe is different and special to them. If you ever have the chance to try kutia, do so – it will have you coming back for even more.
Kolaczki
Kolaczki, also known as Polish cream cheese cookies, is a sweet treat that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. These cookies have a flaky and buttery texture and come in different varieties of fillings.
From prune and apricot to cherry, poppy seed, and almond, there is always something for everyone. These vibrant and colorful cookies are not only tasty but also a hit with guests. Every bite has a burst of flavor that will keep you munching!
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Sękacz
Sękacz is a Polish cake cooked on a rotating spit over an open fire. This cake is made with thin layers of batter, each placed on top of the other, giving it a visually appealing look. The batter itself is made from commonly available ingredients such as eggs, butter, flour, cream, and sugar.
The layers of batter give it a delicate texture that is both tender and flaky. The taste of Sękacz is truly something special because the sweetness of the sugar is perfectly balanced by the rich cream and butter, making it a dessert that is both satisfying and indulgent.
Sękacz is not only eaten in Poland but also has varieties across Central and Eastern Europe. In Belarusian cuisine, it is known as bankukha, and in Lithuanian cuisine it is known as raguolis or šakotis. So, if you have not tried this delicious treat yet, be sure to give it a try soon.
SĘKACZ CAKE – Poland In
Not only is its design incredible, but also its delicious taste. ”Sękacz” cake broke records of popularity in Poland! Would you like to taste Sękacz?
Best Polish Desserts – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is the Most Popular Cake in Poland?
Popular Polish cakes include poppy seed streusel-style cakes, babka cakes, and the rich and colorful traditional Easter confection called Mazurek.
What Is Polish Tree Cake?
The Polish Tree Cake is a spit cake shaped like a tree. Its ingredients include butter, eggs, wheat, sugar, and cream.
What Are Polish Donuts Called?
The Polish word for doughnut is Pczki, which refers to a very rich variety of donuts that are first deep-fried then filled with fruit or cream filling, and then dusted with powdered sugar.
Summary
Polish desserts are a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth. From the traditional paczki to modern creations like sernik and makowiec, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
One must-try dessert is racuchy, a rich and stuffed treat perfect for any occasion. If you are looking for other traditional offerings, check out Jewish desserts and add them to your bucket list too.
My name is Jay and I started this website to share my love of Deli Food. I am Jewish with Italian ancestry and grandparents who emigrated to the US from Poland, Russia and Turkey. This website is my celebration of the delicious flavors of international deli culture. Please feel free to send me your suggestions and feedback through the contact form.