This Sharlotka recipe is the tastiest one you’ll ever try with absolutely authentic flavors. This recipe takes the traditional apple cake, known as Sharlotka, and elevates it to a whole new level with the addition of a sweet and crunchy caramel and cinnamon crumb topping.
The result is a delicious and moist cake with a perfect balance of tart apples, rich caramel, and cinnamon. It’s seriously the perfect dessert to enjoy on a cozy evening or to impress guests at a dinner party.
With its simple yet elegant presentation, this Sharlotka is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and gives out a delicious result every time.
Want to learn how to make this Sharlotka with caramel and cinnamon crumb recipe? Then keep on reading.
Table of Contents
- What is Sharlotka?
- What Makes This Sharlotka Recipe Special?
- What You Need to Make Sharlotka at Home
- How to Make Sharlotka with Caramel and Cinnamon Crumb (Step-by-Step)
- Tips for Making the Best Sharlotka Ever
- Serving Suggestions for Sharlotka
- Recipe Variation Ideas for Sharlotka
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How to Store Leftover Sharlotka
- Similar Recipes You'll Love
- Recipe Card
- Sharlotka with Caramel and Cinnamon Crumb Topping
- Comments
What is Sharlotka?
Sharlotka is a Ukrainian or Russian dessert made with layers of apples, cinnamon, caramel, and a crumb topping. It’s a delicious and comforting dessert that is perfect for the fall season.
It’s best described as an apple sponge cake! This means this dessert is packed with apples, and unlike apple pie where the crust shines, this recipe is all about the apples!
What makes this dish so good is the combination of flavors and textures. The tartness of the apples pairs perfectly with the sweet caramel and the warmth of cinnamon. The crumb topping adds a nice crunch to every bite.
Plus, caramel and cinnamon crumb topping serve to add an extra layer of richness and depth of flavor to the dessert. It creates a sweet and savory contrast that is truly delightful.
Sharlotka is seriously a delicious and comforting dessert that is perfect for anyone who loves the combination of sweet and tart flavors. Trust me, I know you’ll fall in love with it! Plus, it’s lower in calories, carbohydrates, and sodium than anything you buy from the store!
What Makes This Sharlotka Recipe Special?
Easy to make: This Sharlotka is incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for beginner bakers or those short on time. The steps are straightforward and require minimal ingredients, making it a hassle-free dessert option.
Delicious flavor combination: The combination of caramel and cinnamon in this recipe adds a rich and warm flavor to the traditional Sharlotka cake. The caramel adds a touch of sweetness and the cinnamon adds a hint of warmth, creating a delightful taste sensation.
Versatile: This recipe is versatile and can be easily customized to suit individual preferences. You can adjust the amount of caramel and cinnamon crumbs according to your taste, or even add additional ingredients such as nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
Crowd-pleaser: This recipe is guaranteed to be a hit with a crowd. The combination of flavors and the moist texture of the cake make it a dessert that everyone will enjoy. It’s the perfect option for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
Unique twist on a classic: The addition of caramel and cinnamon crumb in this recipe gives a unique twist to the classic Sharlotka cake. It takes a traditional dessert and elevates it with the addition of these delicious toppings, making it a standout option that your guests will love!
What You Need to Make Sharlotka at Home
All you need are some simple pantry staple ingredients to make this Sharlotka recipe at home. Let's look at them in more detail:
For the Sharlotka:
- Eggs: We will be using some large eggs to give the recipe a light and fluffy texture. They will also help to bind the ingredients together.
- Sugar: We will also need one cup of sugar to add sweetness to the recipe. It will help to balance out the flavors and enhance the overall taste.
- Baking soda: Next, we will be using baking soda to help the recipe rise and become light and airy. It will react with other ingredients to create bubbles and give the final product a soft texture.
- Baking powder: We will also need some baking powder to further help the recipe rise. It will provide additional leavening and contribute to the overall fluffiness of the final product.
- Salt: We will be adding some kosher salt to enhance the flavors of the recipe. It will help to balance out the sweetness and bring out the natural flavors of the other ingredients.
- All-purpose flour: We will also need all-purpose flour to provide structure and texture to the recipe. It will help to bind the ingredients together and give the final product a soft and tender crumb.
- Granny Smith apples: We will be using Granny Smith apples to add a tart and crisp flavor to the recipe. They will also add moisture and texture to the final product.
For the Topping:
- Flour: We will also need some flour for the topping to create a crispy and crumbly texture. It will add a nice contrast to the softness of the main recipe.
- Sugar: Next, we will be adding sugar for the topping to add a sweet and caramelized flavor. It will create a crunchy and caramelized crust on top of the recipe.
- Ground cinnamon: We will also need ground cinnamon for the topping to add warmth and spice to the recipe. It will compliment the flavors of the other ingredients and add a fragrant aroma.
- Unsalted butter: We will use unsalted butter for the topping to add richness and a buttery flavor. It will melt and create a buttery and crispy texture on top of the recipe.
- Caramel Sauce for drizzling (optional): We will also need caramel sauce for drizzling on top of the recipe to add a rich element. It’ll take the Sharlotka to the next level!
How to Make Sharlotka with Caramel and Cinnamon Crumb (Step-by-Step)
Making this incredible Sharlotka with caramel and cinnamon crumb is easier than you think. Here's how to make them at home step by step:
How to Prep to Make Sharlotka
Start by adding the flour to a sifter placed over a medium bowl. Then, add the baking soda, baking powder, and salt to the flour. Sift and then mix everything together using a whisk to combine the dry ingredients. Set this mixture aside.
In a separate small bowl, sift 3 tablespoons of flour. Add the softened butter, cinnamon, and sugar to the bowl. Use a fork to mash and mix these ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly. Set this aside for later.
Wash and peel the apples. Then, use an apple slicer to slice apples. Use a knife to further cut these slices into smaller pieces. Coat chopped apples with a few tablespoons of flour and Place them into the fridge to keep them fresh until you’re ready to use them.
How to Make Sharlotka Batter
Preheat your oven to 325°F.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together on medium-high speed for about 10 minutes using a stand mixer or electric mixer until ribbon forms. This will help to create a light and fluffy texture.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the beaten eggs and sugar in four additions. Stir the mixture using a silicon spatula until all the ingredients are well combined.
Now, take the chopped apples out of the fridge and gently fold them into the batter using a spatula. Make sure all the apples are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Grease a 9” baking dish with butter to prevent the Sharlotka from sticking or use parchment paper. Then, pour the batter into the prepared pan, making sure it is evenly spread.
Bake the Sharlotka in the preheated oven for 45 minutes at 325°F.
Once the Sharlotka has cooled completely, remove it from the oven and let it cool further in the baking pan before transferring it onto a platter.
Finally, drizzle some caramel sauce over the Sharlotka cake before serving.
Your delicious Sharlotka is ready to be served!
Tips for Making the Best Sharlotka Ever
Prep the apples: Make sure to peel, core, and slice the apples before starting the recipe. This will make sure that the apples are evenly distributed in the cake and cook evenly.
Add cinnamon to the crumb topping: For an extra burst of flavor, add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the crumb topping. This will compliment the apples and caramel perfectly.
Use a springform pan: To easily remove the Sharlotka from the pan, use a springform pan. This will allow you to release the sides of the pan and lift the cake out without it sticking or breaking.
Let the Sharlotka cool completely: Before serving, make sure to let the Sharlotka cool completely. This will help it set and make it easier to slice and serve.
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream: For a delicious touch, serve the Sharlotka with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The creamy richness will compliment the sweet and tart flavors of the cake.
Serving Suggestions for Sharlotka
Serve with caramel and cinnamon crumb warm, straight out of the oven, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The combination of the warm cake and the cold ice cream is irresistible.
For a more elegant presentation, slice the Sharlotka into individual servings and drizzle each slice with caramel sauce. Garnish with a sprinkle of a bit of cinnamon and nutmeg along with a dollop of whipped cream.
Pair the Sharlotka with a cup of hot apple cider or a latte for a cozy fall dessert. The flavors of the cake will compliment the warm and comforting flavors of the drinks.
Serve as a brunch or breakfast treat. Slice it up and serve it alongside a selection of fresh fruits, yogurt, and a side of maple syrup for a delightful start to the day. Dust some confectioners’ sugar on top before serving.
Take the Sharlotka to a potluck or gathering and serve it with a selection of other desserts. The simplicity and deliciousness of this cake will make it a crowd-pleaser among the other more complicated desserts.
Recipe Variation Ideas for Sharlotka
This delicious Sharlotka recipe is absolutely perfect as is, but if you're looking to change things up, here are a few variation ideas you can try:
Chocolate: Add cocoa powder to the batter for a rich and delicious chocolate flavor. Top with a drizzle of melted chocolate and extra chocolate chips.
Nuts: Stir in chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, to the batter for added texture and crunch along with some vanilla extract. Sprinkle some extra nuts on top of the crumb topping for a nutty twist.
Lemon zest: Add the zest of 1 lemon to the batter for a refreshing and tangy twist. Top with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any kind of apples for this recipe. However, it is highly recommended to use a firm and slightly tart apple variety, such as Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Fuji, or Honey Crisp, for best results.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Just make sure to check that all other ingredients used are also gluten-free.
Can I add nuts or raisins to this recipe?
Yes, you can add nuts or raisins to this recipe if desired. Simply sprinkle them over the apple layer before adding the crumb topping. This will add extra texture and flavor to the Sharlotka.
How to Store Leftover Sharlotka
To store leftovers, you should first let the cake cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Place the cake in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
When you want to enjoy the leftovers, you can simply take a slice from the refrigerator and serve it cold or at room temperature. If you prefer to have it warm, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Unfortunately, this cake may not be suitable for freezing. The texture and taste of the cake may change significantly upon thawing. It’s best to consume the leftovers within a few days or share them with friends and family instead of popping them into the freezer.
Similar Recipes You'll Love
Recipe Card
Sharlotka with Caramel and Cinnamon Crumb Topping
Ingredients
For the Sharlotka Cake Batter
- 6 large – eggs
- 1 cup – sugar
- 1 tsp. – baking soda
- 1 tsp. – baking powder
- ¼ tsp. – sea salt
- 1 ¾ cups – all-purpose flour
- 4 small – Granny Smith apples
For the Sharlotka Cake Topping
- 3 tbsp. – all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp. – sugar
- 1 tbsp. – ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp. – unsalted butter
- Caramel Sauce for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
How to Prep for Sharlotka Cake
- Start by adding the flour to a sifter placed over a medium bowl. Then, add the baking soda, baking powder, and salt to the flour. Sift and then mix everything together using a whisk to combine the dry ingredients. Set this mixture aside.
- In a separate small bowl, sift 3 tablespoons of flour. Add the softened butter, cinnamon, and sugar to the bowl. Use a fork to mash and mix these ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly. Set this aside for later.
- Wash and peel the apples. Then, use an apple slicer to slice apples. Use a knife to further cut these slices into smaller pieces. Coat chopped apples with a few tablespoons of flour and Place them into the fridge to keep them fresh until you’re ready to use them.
How to Make Sharlotka Batter
- Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together on medium-high speed for about 10 minutes using a stand mixer or electric mixer until ribbon forms. This will help to create a light and fluffy texture.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the beaten eggs and sugar in four additions. Stir the mixture using a silicon spatula until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Now, take the chopped apples out of the fridge and gently fold them into the batter using a spatula. Make sure all the apples are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Grease a 9” baking dish with butter to prevent the sharlotka from sticking or use parchment paper. Then, pour the batter into the prepared pan, making sure it is evenly spread.
How to Bake Sharlotka
- Bake the Sharlotka in the preheated oven for 45 minutes at 325°F.
- Once the Sharlotka has cooled completely, remove it from the oven and let it cool further in the baking pan before transferring it onto a platter.
- Finally, drizzle some caramel sauce over the Sharlotka cake before serving.
- Your delicious Sharlotka is ready to be served!
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This recipe was originally posted on October 28, 2015 (original picture below). I updated the pictures and the post for a better user experience. This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure.
Nat says
Made this before! Sooo good!
www.valyastasteofhome.com says
I know, this old recipe never gets old 😀