The Polish chocolate cake recipe is really simple. That’s the main reason murzynek cake is so popular in Poland. It’s quick to make and the frosting is a side product of making dough. Keep on reading to get my murzynek recipe.
About Polish Chocolate Cake
There are 3 Polish chocolate cakes worth mentioning:
- wuzetka (with white custard)
- blok czekoladowy (eggless chocolate cake with milk powder)
- murzynek
Both are equally popular. Both are delicious!
The Controversy Behind The Name “Murzynek”
The name “murzynek” has become quite controversial recently. Why? Because the word “murzyn” literally means a person who is black.
Some say the word is racist, some not. Recently, I’ve been watching the Polish version of “Ugly Betty”. In one of the scenes, a woman is bringing Polish chocolate cake as a gift to her neighbours. The family is really excited and one of them says: “this murzynek is delicious, thanks Mrs Dabrowska!”
She replies: “We aren’t supposed to call this cake murzynek anymore, it’s brownie”.
Well, to be honest brownie is a completely different cake. So changing the name of this popular Polish chocolate cake would be stupid.
Some people compare the word murzyn to the English nigger. It’s NOT RIGHT. Nigger has a pejorative meaning, it was used to call slaves in the past.
In Poland, there were no black slaves, so the word murzyn was used to describe people with dark skin. There was no meaning to including hate in that word. Neither there is anything that would suggest Poles think less of people of color.
However, I understand, the word may be insulting to some. I’d be happy to read your opinions on that, so please comment below with your insights!
See also my other recipe for the controversial cake–> cycki murzynki.
Tips For Making Polish Chocolate Cake
Put Aside The Frosting.
What I love the most about murzynek, that frosting is already a part of the dough. You just need to put aside half a cup of the glaze and pour the cake after it’s baked.
Serve It With Add-ons.
Murzynek is quite dry, that’s why it taste best with add-ons such as:
- milk
- jam
- plum butter
- honey
- whipped cream
- sweet cheese
- fruits

Murzynek Polish Chocolate Cake Recipe
Murzynek Polish Chocolate Cake Recipe

The Polish chocolate cake recipe is really simple. That's the main reason murzynek cake is so popular in Poland. It's quick to make and the frosting is a side product of mak
Ingredients
- 9 oz (250g) of margarine
- 2 cups of sugar
- ½ cup of milk
- 4 tbsps of cocoa
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups of flour
- 2 tbsps of baking powder
Instructions
- In a pot, melt the margarine, sugar, milk, and cocoa.
- Pour off ½ cup of the glaze (you will use it as a frosting).
- Preheat the oven to 356°F (180°C).
- Separate the egg yolks from egg whites.
- Beat the egg whites with a bit of salt until stiff.
- Beat the cooled chocolate glaze, gradually adding the egg yolks.
- Sift the flour and baking powder and gradually add it to the chocolate glaze, mixing all the time.
- Turn off the mixer. Using a spoon, add the beaten egg whites very slowly and gently. Stir in one direction only.
- Bake in the 12'' bread pan for about 45 minutes.
- When the cake is cold, pour the frosting over it. Serve cold!
Notes
Murzynek tastes best with jam, plum butter, fresh fruits, or whipped cream.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 318Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 63mgSodium: 273mgCarbohydrates: 52gFiber: 1gSugar: 34gProtein: 5g
These data are indicative and calculated by Nutritionix
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Did you like this Murzynek Polish chocolate cake recipe? Let us know in the comments below!
3 Responses
The term murzyn does not literally mean a person who is black. It literally means Moore. Since the Moores were black, the name became widely applied to any black person. It is no more derogatory than calling murzynek a brownie is.
Hi, Murzynek won’t be dry if you add half of a glass of oil rather than butter or margarine. Your recipe contains too much sugar as well – 1 cup is enough! Another way to make Murzynek soft and prevent dryness is to add 2 spoons of blackcurrant jam. 1 teaspoon of baking powder is enough – no need to add 2 tablespoons…
Thanks for sharing your recipe, Justyna.