Polish Apple Meringue Cake (Plesniak)

Typically you'd make shortcrust pastry by rubbing cold butter and flour with your fingertips and creating a firmer, sturdier dough. This dough would be rolled out for the base, and then grated to create a crumble on top.

Like I said, though, I have adapted this recipe to be just as delicious with much less faff, because I make it so often I can't be bothered putting in the effort. I just mix everything with a standard hand mixer until soft and powdery. I press 2/3rds of this dough at the base of a greased baking dish, then mix in cocoa powder.

Third of the remaining chocolatey dough is then sprinkled on top of the dough, a third on top of the apples, and the last third on top of the meringue.

So much less faff.

One of the things that sets Plesniak apart is its brilliant play on textures.

The shortcrust at the bottom is rich and buttery, providing a sturdy base for the soft, spiced apples.

The apples, which can be lightly cooked or raw depending on your preference, offer a slight tartness that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the meringue.

Then, there’s the meringue—a light, fluffy layer that melts in your mouth. It balances the tartness of the apples and provides a soft cushion between the fruit and the crumbly topping.

The final touch is the reserved dough, crumbled over the meringue before baking, which turns golden and crispy in the oven. Each bite of Plesniak delivers the perfect combination of textures: buttery, crumbly, soft, and light all at once.

Plesniak is beloved in Polish households not only because it’s delicious, but also because it’s easy to make with simple, readily available ingredients. The recipe is flexible—you can swap out apples for other fruits depending on what’s in season. It’s also versatile enough to be served as a dessert, an afternoon snack with tea, or even as a breakfast treat.

The beauty of Plesniak lies in its ability to showcase the natural flavors of fruit while creating a dessert that feels both light and indulgent. Whether served at a family gathering or as a sweet end to a cozy dinner, this cake never fails to impress.