The Top 10 Most Popular Polish Desserts to Try

Who said Poland is only about pierogi and kielbasa?

While it’s true that these classic dishes are a staple of Polish cuisine, there is so much more to this country than its savory specialties. If you’re looking to truly treat your taste buds on your time in Poland, then banish all thoughts of simple potato pancakes—and get ready for the sweetest experience imaginable!

From traditional pastry bakes to ice cream concoctions galore, here’s our roundup of the top 10 most popular desserts that Poland has to offer. Bon appétit!

Paczki

There is no need for justification when it comes to savoring the sweetness of Polish donuts – a delicacy that has become one of Poland’s most beloved desserts.

A traditional treat made with enriched wheat flour, yeast, and sugar and filled with delightful fillings like rose petal jam or custard. Poles are madly in love with paczki, a dreamy dessert globally adored. While paczki can be enjoyed any day of the year, they are especially popular on Fat Thursday (or Tłusty Czwartek) when Poles consume large amounts of these delicious treats!

So why not add a little sweetness to your day and try some traditional Polish Paczki today?

Polish Cheesecake

Bursting with flavor, polish cheesecake is an indulgence like no other. From the crumbly cake base to the creamy layer of curd cheese and light, fluffy eggs, polish cheesecake artfully combines old traditional recipes from Christian and Jewish cultures to make a truly unique dessert.

This sweet treat is thought to have originated back in the 17th Century thanks to King Jan III Sobieski bringing a recipe along with him after his victorious victory against the Turks at the Battle of Vienna.

While polish cheesecake still stands as part of this tradition, it has evolved over time, now offering up a whole host of different delicious varieties – whether it be baked or unbaked or topped off with raisins, chocolate sauce, fruits, or jelly!

Whatever way you choose, polish cheesecake is sure to tick all your dessert cravings!

Makowiec

Poppies are an essential ingredient in a variety of Polish desserts, and Makowiec is a fantastic example of this. It’s a glorious sweet yeast cake roll filled with polish poppy seeds, raisins, chopped nuts, and candied orange peel.

On top of all that deliciousness, it’s often decorated with royal icing and a generous sprinkle of more chopped nuts or candied orange peel.

We can all enjoy this delightful, uncomplicated dessert that has been part of the European culinary tradition for centuries – a tribute to the simple, widely available poppy seed!

Szarlotka

Szarlotka is Poland’s answer to the classic American apple pie. Deriving its name from the French word ‘Charlotte,’ this dessert is characterized by a thick and soft base that melts in your mouth.

It’s a classic recipe that’s been passed down through generations: a flaky golden crust filled with juicy tart apples, subtly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. If you’ve ever tasted polish apple pie, you know it’s packed with flavor and a true taste sensation.

One bite will have you coming back for more and more! If you haven’t had polish apple pie before, then it’s time to get baking!

Faworki – Angel Wings

Polish faworki, more popularly known as “angel wings,” is a delicious pastry snack that can be enjoyed any time of the day! This sweet treat is a type of deep-fried choux dough made with just four ingredients; flour, water, egg, and sugar.

The dough is cut into strips and then deep-fried until golden before being dusted with powdered sugar or cinnamon. The distinctive shape these creations take – hence their name – only adds to their attractiveness.

But polish faworki isn’t just an eye-catching snack – it’s also absolutely scrumptious! These pillowy bites of heaven make the perfect pick-me-up on those days when you need something naughty but nice – so why not treat yourself to polish faworki?

Karpatka

The polish karpatka dessert is a delicious treat that is perfect for any occasion, be it a family celebration or just a casual afternoon snack.

This delectable pastry is made from choux pastry, filled with creme patissiere, and glazed with icing sugar to seal the deal! Its smell of pancakes combined with the sweetness of whipped cream will make your taste buds tingle with delight.

Not only does polish karpatkia look amazing, but it also tastes heavenly too! So get your spoon (or fork) ready and indulge in this wonderful polish treat – you won’t regret it!

Kremowka (Napoleonka)

Polish kremowka is a classic polish dessert that was famously enjoyed by the late, beloved Pope John Paul II during his time in Poland.

This light, delicious cake, also known as “Pope’s Cream Cake,” consists of puff pastry dough filled with custard and powdered sugar. History tells us that no visit to Poland was complete if the Pope didn’t indulge in this delicious treat.

Every bite brimming with flavor and nostalgia, polish kremowka will fill your mouth with sweet delight – just like it did for Pope John Paul II himself!

Mazurek

Polish Mazurek cake is a rich and indulgent dessert that has long been served during the Easter holidays in Poland. This delightful cake features two thin layers of short pastry and butter sponge cake held together by a layer of marmalade.

Its luscious topping consist of fudge caramel cream and decorations such as nuts, dried fruits, and jelly – all come together to form an unbelievably delicious dessert.

With its timeless flavors and festive appearance, polish Mazurek will show your special occasion, extra love.

Babka Cake

Polish babka cake is truly a feast for the eyes and the taste buds alike! On Easter Sunday, this scrumptious cake is enjoyed in Poland. Its delightful texture, coupled with raisins, rum, and a rich, fruity glaze, makes it the ultimate dessert for any special occasion.

The name comes from the word for grandmother in Polish, which makes polish babka cake even more special as we can almost taste a spoonful of love with every bite.

People from all over enjoy this delightful cake – polish babka isn’t just an ordinary treat. It’s a dessert of legend!

Sekacz

Polish sekacz cake is a one-of-a-kind delight that dates back over 500 years to the great Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

The batter for this pastry is simple – made up of just butter, eggs, flour, sugar, and cream – but it takes an experienced hand to prepare it over an open flame properly.

Perfect for any special occasion, polish sekacz cake combines delightful polish flavors with an eye-catching presentation that will wow your guests!