Sharlotka (Шарлотка)
dessert
easy
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Sharlotka is a beloved home-style Russian apple cake made with an airy egg batter and plenty of sliced apples. Unlike richer butter cakes, it is light, quick to mix, and ideal for everyday baking. The result is a soft sponge with fruit-forward flavor, often served warm with tea and a dusting of powdered sugar.
About This Dish
Sharlotka is a quick apple sponge cake common in Russian home kitchens, known for its light crumb and fruit-forward flavor.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
40 minutes
Servings
8
Region & Occasion
Russiandessertautumntea-time
Ingredients
- •4 medium apples, peeled and sliced
- •3 eggs
- •180 g (3/4 cup) sugar
- •160 g (1 1/3 cups) all-purpose flour
- •1 tsp baking powder
- •1 tsp vanilla extract
- •Pinch of salt
- •1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- •Butter for greasing pan
- •Powdered sugar for dusting
Cooking Instructions
- 1Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a round cake pan.
- 2Slice apples and toss with cinnamon if using.
- 3Whisk eggs, sugar, and salt until pale and fluffy, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4Fold in vanilla, flour, and baking powder until just combined.
- 5Arrange apples in the pan and pour batter evenly over them.
- 6Tap pan lightly to release air pockets.
- 7Bake for 35-45 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- 8Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to rack.
- 9Dust with powdered sugar and slice to serve.
Cooking Tips
- •Whip eggs and sugar fully to create a light sponge texture.
- •Use tart apples for better flavor balance with sweet batter.
- •Avoid overmixing flour to keep crumb soft and airy.
FAQ
Which apples are best for sharlotka?
Firm tart apples are ideal because they hold shape and balance sweetness.
Can sharlotka be served warm?
Yes. It is excellent warm with tea, and can also be served at room temperature.
How should I store leftovers?
Store covered at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Tags
#apple-cake#baking#Russian#tea-dessert
