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Piernik

Piernik

Piernik a whisper of history, a symphony of spice, a taste of Polish heritage. More than just gingerbread, it's a captivating culinary experience that nourishes the soul. From ancient monastic kitchens to modern-day tables, piernik's enduring magic continues to captivate hearts and warm homes with its rich flavors and heartwarming traditions.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Polish
Servings 8 people
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing Bowl Large enough to mix all ingredients.
  • 1 Whisk or Mixer For mixing the batter smoothly.
  • 1 Measuring Cups To measure dry and wet ingredients accurately.
  • 1 Measuring Spoons For precise measurements of spices and flavors.
  • 1 Saucepan To melt butter or heat honey if needed.
  • 1 Loaf pan Standard size (8x4 inches) for baking the cake.
  • 1 Spatula For scraping down the sides of the bowl.
  • 1 Oven Preheated to the required temperature.
  • 1 Cooling rack To cool the Piernik evenly after baking.
  • 1 Knife For slicing the finished cake.

Ingredients
  

  • 250 Grams Flour All-purpose flour works best for the recipe.
  • 150 Grams Honey Adds authentic flavor and sweetness.
  • 100 Grams Sugar Brown sugar preferred for a richer taste.
  • 100 Grams Butter Unsalted, melted and slightly cooled.
  • 2 Large Eggs At room temperature for better mixing.
  • 1 tsp Baking powder Helps the cake rise.
  • 1 tsp Baking soda Ensures a light texture when combined with honey.
  • 2 tsp Cinnamon Key spice for traditional Piernik flavor.
  • 1 tsp Ginger Ground ginger for warmth and aroma.
  • 0.5 tsp Cloves Ground cloves for a deep spiced flavor.
  • 0.5 tsp Nutmeg Optional, for additional depth in flavor.
  • 120 ml Milk Slightly warm for a smooth batter consistency.
  • 50 grams Nuts Chopped walnuts or almonds, optional for texture.
  • 50 grams Raisins Optional, adds sweetness and texture.
  • 100 grams Chocolate Dark chocolate for glazing the top of the cake.

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven
    Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a loaf pan (8x4 inches) and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • Mix the Dry Ingredients
    In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.
  • Prepare the Wet Ingredients
    In a saucepan, gently heat the honey, butter, and sugar over low heat until melted and smooth. Let it cool slightly.
  • Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
    In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together. Gradually add the melted honey mixture, whisking until smooth. Slowly pour this into the dry ingredients and mix until a smooth batter forms.
  • Add Optional Ingredients
    Fold in the chopped nuts and raisins if desired, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the batter.
  • Bake the Cake
    Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Cool the Cake
    Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  • Prepare the Chocolate Glaze
    Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water (double boiler) or in the microwave in short intervals. Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the top of the cooled cake.
  • Serve and Enjoy
    Allow the glaze to set before slicing. Serve your Piernik with a warm cup of tea or coffee and enjoy the rich, spiced flavors!
Keyword Piernik