From chocolate croissants to cream puffs, when most of us think of the best places for pastries, we think of Paris. But if you’ve ever been to Poland, you may have noticed that this central European country can definitely hold its own when it comes to sweets. Poland is full of family-owned farms and orchards where much of the country’s produce is grown, and as a result, seasonal cuisine is central to its culture. Many Polish desserts feature fresh fruit, and there are plenty of richer options for those who prefer to indulge. Here are some of our favorites to try on your next trip to Polska:
Szarlotka
Poland is the largest producer of apples in Europe and the third largest in the world, so it makes sense that its cuisine would include a traditional apple cake. Szarlotka is made with cinnamon and traditionally served with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Gingerbread has been produced in Toruń since the Middle Ages and is considered central to Polish cuisine. While it can be purchased all over the country, we recommend checking out The Museum of Toruń Gingerbread and heading to the bakery for the full experience.
Toruń Gingerbread
Polish Cheesecake
You can’t go wrong with cheesecake anywhere, there is something special about the Polish take on this classic dessert. It’s traditionally made with dry-curd cheese and served with poppy seed, dried fruit, or jam.