Polish Easter is celebrated with a variety of delicious and traditional cakes. Some of the most famous Polish Easter cakes include:
Babka: Babka is a classic Polish Easter cake that is rich, moist, and often flavored with citrus zest and vanilla. It is traditionally baked in a tall, cylindrical shape and can be adorned with a dusting of powdered sugar. Sometimes, it may also contain dried fruits like raisins.
Mazurek: Mazurek is a type of Polish Easter shortbread or crumbly cake. It comes in various shapes and sizes, often with a sweet filling on top. The toppings can include nuts, dried fruits, candied orange peel, chocolate, or various types of preserves.
Sernik: Sernik is a Polish cheesecake that is commonly served during Easter. It is made with creamy farmer's cheese (quark) and is flavored with lemon zest or vanilla. Sernik can have a graham cracker or shortbread crust, and it's sometimes garnished with fresh fruit or fruit preserves.
Kogel Mogel Cake: Kogel Mogel is a traditional Polish dessert made from whipped egg yolks, sugar, and sometimes honey. A Kogel Mogel Cake incorporates this classic treat into a delicious cake form, often with layers of sponge cake and a creamy Kogel Mogel filling.
Makowiec: Makowiec is a poppy seed roll or cake that is popular during Easter and Christmas in Poland. It features a yeast-based dough rolled with a filling made of ground poppy seeds, honey or sugar, and sometimes dried fruits and nuts. The roll is then baked until golden brown.
Piernik: Although piernik (gingerbread) is often associated with Christmas, it is also enjoyed during Easter in some regions of Poland. It's a spiced cake made with honey, flour, eggs, and a mix of fragrant spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
These cakes are deeply rooted in Polish Easter traditions and are enjoyed by families as they gather to celebrate the holiday. Each region in Poland may have its variations or unique twists on these classic Easter cakes.