Polish Mazurek Easter Cake

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Polish Mazurek Easter Cake.

1. Step 1

   In a spacious mixing bowl, blend together 1 and a half cups plus 2 tablespoons of softened butter, sugar, and one large egg.

2. Step 2

   Use an electric mixer to whip the mixture until it achieves a creamy, well-integrated consistency.

3. Step 3

   Next, fold in the mashed hard-boiled egg yolks, beating until they are fully incorporated.

4. Step 4

   Gradually add in all-purpose flour, ground almonds, and fresh lemon zest, kneading the mixture until it transforms into a smooth dough.

5. Step 5

   Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for one hour to firm up.

6. Step 6

   While the dough cools, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

7. Step 7

   Roll out two-thirds of the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle that fits your baking sheet, then transfer it onto the prepared sheet.

8. Step 8

   With the remaining dough, shape it into finger-thick rolls and arrange them atop the cake in a diamond pattern, gently pressing them into the base.

9. Step 9

   For a beautiful golden finish, brush the rolls with a beaten egg.

10. Step 10

    Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cake turns a lovely golden brown.

11. Step 11

    To create the decoration, pour water into a small saucepan and sprinkle gelatin powder on top, allowing it to sit for about a minute to soften.

12. Step 12

    Place the saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until the granules dissolve completely, which should take around three minutes.

13. Step 13

    In separate small pots, warm cherry and apricot preserves over low heat, then strain each through a fine-mesh sieve into two bowls.

14. Step 14

    Mix half of the dissolved gelatin into each flavor of preserves.

15. Step 15

    Fill the diamond shapes on the cake alternately with the cherry and apricot preserves, then finish by arranging almonds and candied cherries on top to form delightful flower shapes for decoration.

16. Step 16

    Enjoy the process and savor the delightful flavors of this unique treat!.