• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

  • Search
  • Українська
  • English
  • Русский
  • Italiano
  • Home
  • Recipe index
  • SAVORY RECIPES
  • SWEET RECIPES
  • About me
  • Site Guide
  • Subscribe
You are here: Home / Baking / Yabluchnyk or Sharlotka (Ukrainian apple sponge cake)

Yabluchnyk or Sharlotka (Ukrainian apple sponge cake)

Created : March 26, 2021 - Modified : September 27, 2023

Ukrainian apple sponge cake (sharlotka or yabluchnyk) is an inexpensive and easy-to-make dessert. It’s my family’s favorite recipe.

Jump to recipe

You can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days

This traditional Ukrainian apple sponge cake, also known as Sharlotka or Yabluchnyk, is, in my humble opinion, the ultimate Queen of apple pies!

Despite the simple and budget-friendly recipe, this dessert is pure bliss! With its light and fluffy texture, it melts in your mouth, creating a truly heavenly experience.

When you take it out of the oven, get ready to be enchanted by the irresistible aroma of baked apples and cinnamon that fills the air.

If you ask me what apple Sharlotka tastes like, I would say that it shares some similarities with Eve’s pudding. However, while both desserts feature apples as a key ingredient, the main difference lies in their textures and preparation methods.

Eve’s pudding has a distinct layered structure with stewed apples and a sponge topping, whereas Ukrainian apple sponge cake is a simpler, single-layer dessert with sliced or diced apples mixed into the batter.

Eve’s pudding tends to have a softer and more pudding-like consistency, while Yabluchnyk has a lighter and more cake-like texture.

If you’re a fan of apple-based desserts, then you absolutely must try this rice Zapikanka. And if you’re in the mood for some authentic Ukrainian sweets, you can’t miss out on the traditional honey cake.

Why you will love this yabluchnyk recipe

Sometimes (or rather, often in my case… LOL), you just crave something sweet, delicious, moist, airy (with a hint of crispy crust if possible), and fruity. And it’s even better when you can make this delightful treat using ingredients that are always in your fridge. It’s like creating magic out of almost nothing… Have you ever experienced that kind of craving?

If you are not alien to such a whim, I’ve got some exciting news for you! Do you happen to have two or three ripe Golden Delicious or Granny Smith apples in your house? That’s fantastic! All you need is a cup of flour, a cup of sugar, two tablespoons of good mood, and a pinch of free time. Put in just a little effort, and you’ll have the most delicious Ukrainian apple sponge cake (Sharlotka) ready to enjoy!

This simple 6-ingredient yabluchnyk will be your savior when you’re in the mood for a quick and delicious homemade sweet treat. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

  • If you’re new to the world of baking sweet pies, then this Ukrainian apple cake is an ideal starting point for you! It’s so easy to make – simply mix the batter ingredients using a mixer or whisk, add the fruit and cinnamon, give it a good stir, and pour the mixture into a baking pan. After that, just pop it into the oven, and let the magic unfold!
  • Apples can be enjoyed any time of the year, making this dessert a fantastic choice that isn’t limited by the seasons. Whether it’s a sunny summer day or a cozy winter evening, you can easily whip up this delicious pie and enjoy its comforting flavors.

What is apple yabluchnyk or sharlotka?

Sharlotka or Yabluchnyk is the easiest and most delicious Ukrainian apple cake that simply melts in your mouth. This dessert can be prepared quickly with just six simple ingredients, and the best part is, there is no butter in the recipe!

This soft sponge with apple filling has been incredibly popular in numerous Slavic countries for centuries. In fact, many people consider sharlotka to be their national recipe.

Don’t mix up Ukrainian Sharlotka with Polish Szarlotka because they’re actually quite different. The Polish version is like a fantastic combination of cake and pie. It’s made with a yummy shortcrust pastry base and topped off with a delightful crumble topping. So, it’s a whole different treat to enjoy!

I always make sure to add a touch of cinnamon to this cake because apples and cinnamon are an absolutely fantastic pair! Trust me, it’s a combination that never disappoints.

Useful tips

This apple dessert doesn’t demand any special culinary skills. However, if you want the best result, just follow a few simple tips:

  • Make sure your eggs are at room temperature. Take them out of the fridge at least 15 minutes before you start preparing the batter.
  • Keep in mind that the baking time can vary depending on your oven. Through my culinary adventures, I’ve had the opportunity to bake in various ovens, and let me tell you, each oven has its own unique character. Even at the same temperature, one oven may bake the fruit pie faster while another may take an extra 5-10 minutes. So, it’s always a good idea to check the readiness of your sharlotka using a toothpick.
  • The amount of cinnamon in this recipe is entirely up to your preferences. Personally, I adore this spice, so I add a generous tablespoon. If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, don’t worry! You can still make a delicious yabluchnyk without it. Simply substitute cinnamon with some vanilla extract for a delightful twist of flavor.
  • Before pouring the batter into the baking dish, don’t forget to grease it with butter and sprinkle it with flour.

Which apples are the best for this apple sponge?

Any variety of apples works well for this dessert, including Golden Delicious, Gala, Fuji, Granny Smith, and more. Personally, I prefer using sweet and ripe apples for this recipe. However, if you prefer a slightly tart flavor, you can also use tart apples. The choice is yours!

And here’s a little tip: you can even mix different varieties of apples together to make the taste even more delightful and rich. It’s a winning combination that you won’t want to miss!

What baking pan should I use for this pie?

Any good non-stick pan will work: round, square, rectangular, or even triangular if you’re feeling adventurous with your pie shapes (haha!). Whether it’s made of silicone or metal, it will do the job. Personally, I often use a springform pan to bake this sweet pie.  Once the cake is ready, allow it to cool, and then gently run a thin spatula around the edges to help loosen it. This will make it much easier to remove the cake from the baking pan.

Ingredients

(my baking dish is 9 inches (22cm) in diameter):

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup flour. Use simple all-purpose flour
  • 1tsp (rounded) baking powder
  • 3 large apples. Choose large ones, more fruit = more taste
  • 1Tbsp cinnamon (optional, but it will add a heavenly taste to the sharlotka)

How to make a Ukrainian apple cake

1. Beat the eggs with the sugar (it’s crucial to beat them thoroughly) until well combined and frothy.

Eggs and sugar being whisked together in a bowl.

2. Add the flour and baking powder to the mixture and mix until fully incorporated.

Flour and baking powder being added to the egg and sugar mixture.

3. Cut the fruit into cubes. Add cinnamon if desired.

Apples being cut into cubes,
Cinnamon sprinkled over apples.

4. Add the apples to the flour-egg mixture, mix well, and pour the batter into the greased and floured baking dish.

Apples being mixed into sharlotka batter.
Ukrainian apple sponge cake batter being poured into a round baking pan.

5. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the cake for about 1 hour until a toothpick comes out clean. Enjoy the delicious sharlotka with a cup of tea!

Slice of Yabluchnyk or Sharlotka served on a plate.

FAQ

What can I substitute baking powder with?

If you don’t have baking powder, you can use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar as a substitute (which is commonly used in Ukrainian baking). Simply add ½ tsp of baking soda and ½ tsp of white vinegar (or lemon juice) directly to the batter. Don’t worry if the batter foams up like a small volcano, it’s normal as carbon dioxide is released. However, the reaction won’t last long, so once you add both the vinegar (or lemon juice) and baking soda to the batter, stir well, and promptly place the apple sponge in the oven.

How long will this dessert last?

You can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, that is if you can resist the temptation to eat it before then!

Whether you call it Ukrainian apple sponge cake, Yabluchnyk, or Sharlotka, this delightful dessert is guaranteed to win you over. Serve it with a dusting of powdered sugar and savor every bite.

Tried this recipe? Please leave a comment with Star Ratings ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ below. I will really appreciate it.
Also, please Subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK and PINTEREST.

watch the video recipe

sharlotka

Yabluchnyk or Sharlotka (Ukrainian apple sponge cake)

The Saporito
Ukrainian apple sponge cake (sharlotka or yabluchnyk) is an inexpensive and easy-to-make dessert. It's my family's favorite recipe.
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pinterest
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr
Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine Russian, Ukrainian
Servings 8
Calories 167 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 tsp (rounded) baking powder
  • 3 big apples
  • 1 Tbsp cinnamon optional

Instructions
 

  • Beat the eggs with the sugar (it's crucial to beat them thoroughly) until well combined and frothy.
  • Add the flour and baking powder to the mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
  • Cut the fruit into cubes. Add cinnamon if desired.
  • Add the apples to the flour-egg mixture, mix well, and pour the batter into the greased and floured baking dish.
  • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the cake for about 1 hour until a toothpick comes out clean. Enjoy the delicious sharlotka with a cup of tea!

Video

Notes

You can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

in Baking, From Grandama's Cookbook, Pies and Tarts, sweet, Sweet recipes, Sweets, With apples # apples, cinnamon, easy, simple, Ukrainian cuisine

Reader Interactions

you may also like
Italian red wine cookies with honey
Sweetened condensed milk chocolate fudge with nuts
Khachapuri Adjaruli (Georgian cheese-filled bread)

Comments

  1. Kate Horan says

    March 5, 2023 at 3:34 pm

    Can I make this also as cupcakes?

    Reply
    • The Saporito says

      March 5, 2023 at 6:41 pm

      Dead Kate, I have never made sharlotka as cupcakes. But I think that will work just fine. Reduce the baking time by 5 minutes and check for readiness with a toothpick.

      Reply
  2. Laura says

    April 16, 2022 at 3:22 am

    5 stars
    This recipe is just perfect! Thanks a lot for sharing, Iryna! As they say, ‘vero amore a vero sapore’. Hope you and your family are safe and well in this troubled times. All the best.

    Reply
    • The Saporito says

      April 16, 2022 at 10:11 am

      Dear Laura,
      Thank you very much for you warm comment. I am very happy that you liked the recipe. Thank you also for being close to me and my family in this dark period. All the best to you too.

      Reply
      • Laura says

        June 10, 2023 at 6:09 am

        5 stars
        Dear Iryna,
        I’d like to tell you that your sharlotka has become a family classic! As our ancestors are 25% Polish, I’ve taken the liberty to serve sharlotka with a drizzle of blueberry sauce. Hope you don’t consider it disrespectful.
        Please, take good care of yourself and your loved ones. It just seems crazy to still be talking about the hideous word starting with w.
        You are always in our thoughts.

        Reply
        • The Saporito says

          June 11, 2023 at 1:43 pm

          Dear Laura,

          Thank you for your kind message! I’m so happy to hear that this sharlotka has become a beloved family favorite for you. Your idea of adding a drizzle of blueberry sauce sounds absolutely delicious, and I think it’s a wonderful adaptation.

          I hope so much the current situation in my country will improve soon, and we can return to a peaceful and happy life. Thank you for your support.

          Take care and best wishes to you and your family.

          Warm regards,
          Iryna

          Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

About me

Good morning, afternoon, evening, or maybe night (the culinary muse is a very unpredictable creature, she may be hiding somewhere ...
Read more

Follow us…

Savory recipes

pan fried tuna steaks Mediterranean pan fried tuna steaks recipe
skillet flatbread Skillet flatbread with feta and potatoes
cheesy baked asparagus Cheesy baked asparagus (Italian side dish)
bacon wrapped prunes Bacon wrapped prunes (the best 2 ingredient appetizer)
mashed potato waffles Leftover mashed potato waffles with cheese
lebanese hummus Lebanese Hummus recipe

From Grandma’s Cookbook

Sweet recipes

A square piece of double crust lemon pie without meringue, beautifully dusted with powdered sugar and garnished with lemon zest. Old fashioned double crust lemon pie without meringue
French glazed fruit tart French glazed fruit tart recipe
chocolate almond biscotti Chocolate almond biscotti
sour cherry bars Sour cherry bars
Ukrainian cookies Ukrainian cookies with jam
italian chocolate salami Italian chocolate salami (eggless no-bake dessert)

Categories

  • Appetizers (9)
  • Baking (31)
    • savory (7)
    • sweet (23)
  • Bread and Pizza (9)
  • Breakfast (8)
  • Cakes (3)
  • Canning (1)
  • Christmas (14)
  • Desserts (11)
  • Drinks (3)
  • Easter (4)
  • From Grandama's Cookbook (20)
  • Main Course (14)
  • Pasta recipes (3)
  • Rice (4)
  • Salads (6)
  • Soup (3)

Archive

Footer

  • Copyright © 2021-2023 The Saporito
  • Privacy Policy

  • All information on www.thesaporito.com is protected by copyright law. It is forbidden to copy any material from the site without the written consent of the author.

made by soulmuse
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
SAVE & ACCEPT