Consisting of a creamy custard filling between two delicious layers made from meringue, shortcrust pastry, and plum jam, this Pani Walewska Cake Recipe is a must-have!
The Pani Walewska Cake recipe is named after Countess Marie Walewska, the Polish countess who was the mistress of Napoleon Bonaparte from 1806 to 1810 and had an illegitimate son through him. Just think, Napoleon’s descendants still live!
Why Was The Polish Pychotka Recipe Named After Countess Walewska?
Pychotka is considered as the cake for those who are in love.
Plus, there was a tradition in Poland to name many things after the pretty blonde countess with blue eyes. For example, the À la Walewska or Sole Walewska is made with sole fish or langoustines and truffles named after Countess Walewska or her son.
The same thing happened to this cake, making it Pani Walewska or Mrs. Walewska.
It’s also called Pychotka or Pysznotka. These words are derived from the word “Pycha” which means “Yummy” in Polish, so it can be translated as The Yummy Cake.
If you want to surprise your friends and relatives with your baking skills, this pysznotka cake is the perfect dessert!
What Other Polish Cake Recipes Use Layers?
It’s always a joy to dig through different layers when eating a cake. Some other Polish cakes that use layers are listed below.
- Traditional Polish fruit cake
- Polish Karpaty cake
- Rhubarb Cake
- Wuzetka cake made with black and white chocolate
- Spinach Moss Cake
- Makoweic Roll
- Piernik Traditional Polish Gingerbread Cake
- Strawberry Custard Sponge Cake
Important Tips For Making Pani Walewska Cake Recipe
- You can use any other jam or butter, but try to choose one with a tangy flavor like the blackcurrant or raspberries.
- Sprinkle with almond flakes or crushed walnuts before serving!
- You can use any round or square cake tin.
- It’s important to use two cake tins of the same size so that you don’t have to cut the cake layers to the same size.
- Making the cake only for adults? Add a little brandy to the custard while making.
- It’s best to serve the cake cold! Refrigerate overnight or for a few hours before serving!
Frequently Asked Questions About Making This Yummy Polish Pychotka recipe
What Are The Other Names For Pychotka Cake?
This Polish cake for lovers is also called pychotka cake, pychotka pani walewska, pysznotka, and pyszotka.
My Dough Is Too Crumbly. What Can I Do To Fix This?
If the dough is crumbly or too dry, add an extra tablespoon of sour cream. This should help the dough to hold together.
Do I Have To Add Jam?
The Polish plum jam or butter gives the cake a tangy taste to offset the sweetness of the meringue. So, it’s important to add it. But you can skip the jam and add frozen fresh fruits such as plums or berries instead.
How Long Can I Store This Cake?
This pychotka pani walewska can last for a long time in the refrigerator. But it’s best to finish it in 4 to 5 days because the shortbread will start to dry out after some time.
Pychotka Pani Walewska Cake Recipe
Pychotka Pani Walewska Cake Recipe
Consisting of a creamy custard filling between two delicious layers made from meringue, shortcrust pastry, and plum jam, this Pani Walewska Cake Recipe is a must-have!
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 1⁄5 (400g) cup of flour
- 1 cup (225g) of butter or margarine
- 1 1⁄3 cup (160g) of icing sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 2 tbsps of baking powder
- 2-3 tbsps of sour cream
Meringue
- 9 egg whites
- 1 cup (200g) of sugar
- a pinch of salt
Custard
- 5 egg yolks
- 1 cup (200g) of sugar
- 6 tbsps of potato starch (flour)
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 cup (225g) of butter
Others
- 16 oz (450g) of dark fruit jam or plum butter
- crushed walnuts or almond flakes to decorate
Instructions
How To Make Ms. Walewska Dough?
- Flour the pastry board, then knead the dough.
- Divide the dough into 2 pieces.
- Line 2 rectangular baking pans with parchment paper.
- Roll out each piece of the dough and transfer them to the baking pans.
How To Make Pychotka Cake Meringue?
- Start whipping the egg whites with a pinch of salt.
- After about 30 seconds, increase the speed.
- After another 30 seconds, start adding the sugar gradually (1 tbsp at a time).
- Whip until you will get the thick, shiny foam (when turning the bowl upside down, the beaten egg whites shouldn't fall down).
How To Bake Pani Walewska Cake?
- Preheat the oven to 392°F (200°C).
- Spread each dough with jam/ plum butter.
- Cover it with meringue.
- Sprinkle with almond flakes or crushed walnuts.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, one baking pan at a time.
How To Make Pychotka Custard?
- Whip egg yolks with sugar and potato starch until they change the color to whitish.
- Pour 2 cups of milk into the pot.
- Place a pot on the stove, cook slowly, stirring all the time.
- When it nearly boils, add egg yolks mixture. Stir until you get the consistency of the pudding.
- Cool down.
- When the pudding is cold, blend it with butter until you get the smooth and creamy custard.
How To Assembly Ms. Walewska Cake?
- Spread the custard onto one piece of the baked cake.
- Cover it with the second part of the cake.
- Serve cold!
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 290Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 153mgSodium: 359mgCarbohydrates: 46gFiber: 1gSugar: 30gProtein: 7g
These data are indicative and calculated by Nutritionix
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