Polish Cheesecake, known as Sernik, is a cherished dessert in Poland, celebrated for its smooth, creamy texture and delightful taste.
Made primarily with a special farmer’s cheese called twaróg, Sernik is a delicious journey into Polish culinary tradition, easy to prepare, and offers the wholesome goodness of dairy.
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History of Cheesecakes in Poland and the Most Popular Cheesecake Combinations
The love for cheesecakes in Poland has historical roots, with one legend suggesting that a Polish king first tasted this cheesecake in 1683 and brought the recipe back to Poland from Vienna.
Over the centuries, various regions in Poland have embraced and adopted this dessert, leading to a plethora of combinations. The traditional Sernik has a sweet pastry crust filled with twaróg cheese and baked to perfection.
Modern variations include adding fruits, raisins, or chocolate to the filling, or using a crumbly cake as the base.
Authentic Polish Cheesecake (Sernik) Recipe
Course: All Recipes, Sweet Recipes12
servings15
minutes1
hourKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
2 lbs 2 (900g) of twaróg cheese (or a similar curd cheese)
1 cup 1 (200g) of granulated sugar
4 large 4 eggs
1 teaspoon 1 vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon
1/4 cup 1/4 (60ml) of heavy cream
1/4 cup 1/4 (30g) of all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon 1/4 baking powder
Optional: 1/2 cup of raisins or chopped fruits
Directions
- Prepare the Cheese:
- If the cheese is not already smooth, place it in a food processor and process until smooth.
- Mix the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix well.
- Add the smoothed cheese and heavy cream to the mixture, continuing to mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- Lastly, fold in the flour, baking powder, and optional fruits or raisins.
- Bake the Cheesecake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake for about 60 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the top is lightly golden.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool completely in the oven with the door ajar, to prevent cracking.
- Chill and Serve:
- Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or overnight, before serving.
- Enjoy your homemade Polish Cheesecake with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dollop of sour cream on top!
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FAQ
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Twaróg is the traditional choice, but cottage cheese or ricotta can be used as substitutes.
How should I store the leftover cheesecake?
Store the leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I add a crust to this cheesecake?
Yes, a sweet pastry crust or a graham cracker crust can be added if desired.
What other toppings can be used?
Popular toppings include fresh fruits, fruit preserves, or a chocolate glaze.
Can I freeze the cheesecake?
Yes, ensure it’s wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 3 months.
