Mazurek (Polish Easter Cake)-Poland #107

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Mazurek (Polish Easter Cake)-Poland #107

The cake's name may have originated from the Mazur tribe inhabiting the Mazovia region of central Poland. This sweet sheet cake is a must in Poland on Easter.  This version is a one layer sheet cake with lattice work on top. The filling has apricot and cherry preserves.

Cake:

  • 1-1/2 c. plus 2 T. unsalted butter, at temperature
  • 3/4 c. sugar
  • 1 egg 
  • 3 hard-boiled egg yolks, mashed
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 c. ground almonds
  • 1tsp. lemon zest, or to taste
  • 1 beaten egg

Topping:

  • 1/2 c. apricot preserves
  • 1/2 c. cherry preserves
  • 1/4 c. sliced almonds
  • candied cherries
  1. Cake:  Combine 1-1/2 c. plus 2 T. butter, sugar, and egg in a bowl, beat with an electric mixer until creamy.
  2. Beat in mashed egg yolks.
  3. Add flour, ground almonds, and lemon zest.
  4. Knead into a dough.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
  6. Preheat oven 400F.  Line a rimmed 12"x 8” baking sheet with parchment paper.
  7. Roll out 2/3 dough on a lightly floured parchment paper, into a rectangle the size of the baking.sheet.
  8. Roll remaining dough into finger thick rolls.  Press dough rolls onto the cake in a diamond shaped pattern.  Brush rolls with beaten egg.
  9. Bake 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
  10. Cool.
  11. Topping: Spoon preserves into diamond shapes. Arrange sliced almonds and candied cherries into flower shapes on top.
Results:  I was surprised how good this cake turned out. I have never used boiled egg yolks in a batter before. However, what I discovered was, cooked egg yolks prevent too much gluten (toughness) from developing without weighing the batter down. They also add flavor and make the cake more moist and tender. I was unable to find raw almonds; so I used almond flour. For the topping the recipe called for mixing preserves and unflavored gelatin. I just used the preserves, which worked just fine and was a lot easier. I couldn't find candied cherries either. They are a seasonal product. I skipped the flower decorations on top and sprinkled the sliced almonds around sparingly.
Bottom Line: A keeper. Everyone really enjoyed this cake. It was delicious with coffee.
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