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Kołocz Śląski Z Makiem – Polish Yeast Cake With Poppy Seeds Recipe

Name: Kołocz Śląski Z Makiem - Polish Yeast Cake With Poppy Seeds Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Yield: 20
Cuisine: Polish
Ingredients: 4 cups (500g) of all-purpose flour; 3 tbsps of instant yeast; 2 eggs; ½ cup (100g) of sugar; 1 cup of warm milk (or plant-based milk); 4 oz (120g) of melted butter; a pinch of salt; 2 cups (250g) of all-purpose flour; 7 oz (200g) of butter; 5 oz (150g) of sugar; 2 egg yolks; 1 tbsp of cocoa (optionally); 4 cups (400g) of poppy seeds; 1 (200g) cup of sugar; 1 ½ cup of milk; 2 tbsps of honey; 4 tbsps of butter; chopped raisins/ candied fruits/ nuts (optional); breadcrumbs; powdered sugar to sprinkle the cake; egg whites (remaining from the crumble)

July 24, 2024

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One of the most well-known traditional cakes from the Silesia region of Poland is kołocz – a rich yeast cake topped with a buttery crumb topping. Kołocz comes in several varieties, including with a poppy seed filling like this version.

This Polish yeast cake is easy to make but does take some time – well worth the effort!

Kołocz is best enjoyed with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee on the side.

Where Did Kołocz Come From?

Kołocz has its roots dating back to old Polish kołacz wedding cakes. It was originally considered a ceremonial bread, with the baking process accompanied by singing and prayers to wish the newlywed couple happiness and prosperity. The three most common fillings are poppy seed, cheese, or just the crispy crumb topping.

In Silesian tradition, about a week before their wedding, the soon-to-be-married couple would go from house to house delivering boxes of fresh-baked kołocz to guests, neighbors, and friends. Each box contained both the poppy seed and cheese-filled varieties. Between the two cakes, they placed a white paper napkin and a sprig of myrtle on top as symbols of youth, fertility, and purity.

While the tradition isn’t as widely celebrated today, kołocz remains a popular treat in Silesia, often served at weddings, festivals, and holidays.

Tips for Cooking Kołocz Śląski Z Makiem

Make sure to easy real, high-quality butter.
Use active dry or instant yeast for best results with the yeasted dough. Make sure your milk is warm (105-115°F), but not too hot or it can kill the yeast.

Kołocz Śląski Z Makiem – Polish Yeast Cake With Poppy Seeds Recipe

The Dough

Step I

Knead the dough using all the ingredients. Do it using your hands or a food processor and then place the dough in the large bowl.

Step II

Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen cloth and place it in a warm, draft-free place. Wait for about 60-90 minutes for the dough to double its size.

The Poppyseed Layer

Step I

If your poppy seeds are not ground, grind them in a coffee/meat grinder or food processor. You may need to run the food processor a few times, depending on how strong your grinder is.

Step II

Bring the milk to almost boil. Next, add poppy seeds to boiling milk, and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring all the time.

Step III

Add sugar, and butter to the hot poppy seeds and mix. Add chopped nuts/dried fruits and mix again. Allow to cool.

The Crumble

Mix all the ingredients and place the crumble in the fridge.

Assemble And Bake The Cake

Step I

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line the 9×13″ pan with parchment paper.

Step II

Divide the dough into 2 pieces. Roll out the first piece so that it matches the size of your pan.

Step III

Place the dough in the pan, dock with the fork, and sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Cover with the poppyseed filling.

Step IV

Roll out the second part of the dough and place it on the poppy seeds. Dock the dough, then brush it with egg whites. Sprinkle the cake with the crumble.

Step V

Bake for 45 minutes. Sprinkle the cake with powdered sugar when it’s completely cold.

FAQ About the Kołocz Śląski Z Makiem

What Are the Traditional Fillings for Kołocz?

The three most common fillings are poppy seed, sweet cheese, or just the buttery crumb topping. Some versions also recommend fruit like apples (here’s the recipe) or raisins.

How Far in Advance Can I Make Kołocz?

The yeasted dough is best baked fresh, but assembled kołocz can be refrigerated for 2-3 days before baking. Let it come to room temperature before baking.

Kołocz Śląski Z Makiem – Polish Yeast Cake With Poppy Seeds Recipe

Yield: 20 servings

Kołocz Śląski Z Makiem - Polish Yeast Cake With Poppy Seeds Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Additional Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes

Ingredients

Dough

4 cups (500g) of all-purpose flour
3 tbsps of instant yeast
2 eggs
½ cup (100g) of sugar
1 cup of warm milk (or plant-based milk)
4 oz (120g) of melted butter
a pinch of salt

Crumble

2 cups (250g) of all-purpose flour
7 oz (200g) of butter
5 oz (150g) of sugar
2 egg yolks
1 tbsp of cocoa (optionally)

Poppyseed Layer

4 cups (400g) of poppy seeds
1 (200g) cup of sugar
1 ½ cup of milk
2 tbsps of honey
4 tbsps of butter
chopped raisins/ candied fruits/ nuts (optional)

Others

breadcrumbs
powdered sugar to sprinkle the cake
egg whites (remaining from the crumble)

Instructions

Make The Dough

Knead the dough using all the ingredients. Do it using your hands or a food processor.
Place the dough in the large bowl.
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen cloth and place it in a warm, draft-free place. Wait for about 60-90 minutes for the dough to double its size.

Make The Poppyseed Layer

If your poppy seeds are not ground, grind them in a coffee/meat grinder or food processor. You may need to run the food processor a few times, depending on how strong your grinder is.
Bring the milk to almost boil.
Add poppy seeds to boiling milk, and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring all the time.
Add sugar, and butter to hot poppy seeds and mix.
Add chopped nuts/dried fruits and mix again. Allow to cool.