Easter Mazurek

Easter Mazurek is delicious cake which is the most associated with celebration and joy of Easter in Poland. It might have originated from the word mazurek (Polish for mazurka), traditional folk dance. The Mazurka is considered Poland's quintessential national dance. It comes from the region of Mazovia near the capital Warsaw. It's the birthplace of Frederic Chopin, whose Mazurkas for piano helped him win international fame. Over the years 1825–1849, Frédéric Chopin wrote at least 59 compositions for piano called Mazurkas.

Prune and Walnut Mazurek

Mazurek is one of the symbols of Easter, it means the end of Lent. In Poland, its tradition dates back to the 17th century. As a very sweet and richly decorated cake, it was supposed to show that the time of fasting ends and the time of celebration begins. In the past, its preparation was accompanied by special rituals. It was a reward for those who withstood forty days of abstinence from eating meat dishes and desserts. Today, hardly anyone remembers this tradition. One thing has not changed over the centuries. Mazurek must be not only tasty, but also beautiful, which is why it is very important to pay attention to its decoration by using nuts, dried fruits, candied angelica or lovage, and high quality chocolate.

Easter Mazurek Recipe

By Zosia Culinary Adventures | Date: March 23, 2024

Preparation Time: 1 hour

Baking Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 16 slices

Equipment: in diameter 26cm or 10” round springform (bottom lined with parchment paper)

Ingredients:

• 100 g sifted all purpose flour

• 5 large eggs, room temperature

• 2 tablespoons filtered water

• 100 g fine crystal sugar

• 26 cm in diameter 1 single European Wafer (available in all Polish or German Delicatessens, locally is available at Starsky Foods)

• 150 g pre-soaked stone-free prunes

• 150 g walnuts, finely chopped

• 50 g dry soft apricots, finely chopped

• 1/2 cup thick consistency sour cherry jam or crabapple jelly, cut up into small pieces

• ingredients for decorations:

  • candied cherries

  • almonds, whole, sliced or slivered

  • candied orange peel

  • pine nuts

  • whole walnuts pieces

  • raisins and dry cranberries

• Ingredients for the Chocolate Glaze:

  • 200g good quality dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa solids) chopped

  • 50g vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350° F (180° C). 

2. Soak pitted prunes in warm water or rum for 1 hour before using.

3. Line a springform with parchment paper and top with one single wafer that fits well the springform.

4. Separate egg yolks from egg whites.

5. Beat egg yolks with 50 g sugar and 2 tablespoons of cold water.

6. Beat egg whites with remaining 50 g sugar until stiff and gold in color.

7. Strain prunes and chopped them into small pieces.

8. Mix chopped prunes with chopped walnuts and crabapple or thick sour cherry jam/marmalade.

9. Add to mixture flour and the egg yolks. Once all well combined, gently fold in the egg whites.

10. Pour mixture into the springform. Level the surface with spatula to fit the pan evenly.

11. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the toothpick test comes out clean.

12. Remove from the springform and let it cool down on the rack.

13. Decorate with chocolate glaze melted in the bowl over simmering pot of water.

14. Decorate the top of Mazurek with fruits and nuts using your creative imagination.

Happy Easter! Joyeuses Pâques! Wesołych Świąt Wielkanocnych!