Spice up Fall with an Applestroop Filled Polish Honey Cake

Piernik, the spiced honey cake beloved in Polish tradition, brings history and warmth to every bite. Families often enjoy this dessert during holidays and special gatherings. Its dense, aromatic texture comes from a rich blend of spices like cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. All of this is balanced by the deep sweetness of honey. Each ingredient plays a part in creating the bold, comforting flavors that make Piernik a timeless favorite.

A Delicious Option for the Fall Baking List

In this version, we’re adding a delicious twist—an apple filling that infuses each bite with juicy, tart flavor. This recipe adds an extra layer of comforting texture. It’s a modern nod to the classic, combining old-world tradition with the bright, familiar taste of autumn apples.

This Apple-Filled Piernik is more than just a cake—it’s a celebration of heritage and home baking. As it bakes, your kitchen fills with the nostalgic aroma of spiced honey and simmering fruit. It is simply inviting everyone to gather around. Whether you’re honoring family roots or simply craving something cozy, this recipe offers a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and seasonal flavor.

To find out how to make the apple syrup/Appelstroop for the cake filling, visit our Apple Pear Syrup recipe here.

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Piernik (Polish Honey Cake) Layered with an Apple Filling

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• Author: Executive Chef Jessica Lewis, The Oaklander Hotel’s Spirits & Tales
• Yield: 1 loaf cake or 2 mini cakes 1x

Print Recipe

Description

This Polish Honey Cake is easier to make than you may think.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup honey
• 1 cup coffee, strong
• 8 oz butter unsalted
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tsp clove, ground
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp cardamom
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 3 1/2 cups AP flour
• 1 ½ tsp kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
2. Coat pan with spray or soft butter.
3. Combine honey, coffee, butter, and spices in saucepan and bring to boil.
4. Remove from heat and let cool to warm. In bowl, combine eggs, brown sugar, and baking powder.
5. Slowly stream in the warm liquid mixture, and whisk constantly.
6. Next add flour and salt and whisk until completely combined.
7. Pour mixture into pans and bake for 1 hour.
8. Let cake cool in pan for 15 minutes then pop out onto cooling rack.
9. Dust with powder sugar/cinnamon combination, then add whipped cream.
10. Spoon Apple Pear Syrup over slices of cake when you serve.

Story, Production, and Prop Styling by Marian Flint
Photography by Maarten van der Wal
Recipes and Food Styling by Ingmar Niezen

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