Baba Piaskowa
Polish Sand Cake
A classic Polish pound cake, known for its dense, moist crumb and slightly sandy texture thanks to the potato starch. This rich butter cake is a delightful treat for any occasion.
🧂 Ingredients
- 250g Unsalted butter, softened(Ensure butter is at room temperature for best creaming.)
- 250g Granulated sugar
- 5 Large eggs(At room temperature.)
- 200g Potato starch(This is key for the characteristic 'sandy' texture.)
- 50g All-purpose flour(Provides structure to the cake.)
- 1 tsp Baking powder (optional)(For a slightly lighter cake, though traditional recipes may omit it.)
- 1/4 tsp Salt(Enhances flavor.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Generously grease and flour your Bundt pan, ensuring all crevices are coated to prevent sticking. If using, whisk together the potato starch, all-purpose flour, baking powder (if using), and salt in a medium bowl. Sift this dry mixture to ensure no lumps.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together for about 5-7 minutes. The mixture should become very pale, light, and fluffy, resembling whipped cream. This step is crucial for incorporating air.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 3
Reduce the mixer speed to medium-low. Add the room temperature eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. The batter might look slightly curdled at this stage, which is normal.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients (from step 1) to the wet ingredients in three additions, mixing on low speed until just combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in any remaining dry bits with a spatula to ensure a uniform batter.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter a couple of times to release any large air bubbles.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 6
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the thickest part of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be a deep golden brown and the edges should be pulling away slightly from the sides of the pan.
⏱️ 50-60 minutes - 7
Let the cake cool in the Bundt pan on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes before carefully inverting it onto the rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from breaking.
⏱️ 20 minutes (cooling in pan)
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The potato starch is essential for the characteristic 'sandy' or 'piaskowa' texture, making the cake dense yet tender.
- ✓Using room temperature ingredients (butter, eggs) ensures they emulsify properly, leading to a smoother batter and a better cake texture.
- ✓Do not overmix the batter once the flour and starch are added, as this can develop gluten and make the cake tough.
- ✓Ensure the Bundt pan is thoroughly greased and floured, as pound cakes can be prone to sticking.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add the zest of one lemon to the batter along with the eggs for a bright citrus note.
- For a chocolate version, replace 30g of the potato starch with unsweetened cocoa powder and add it to the dry ingredients.
- Dust with powdered sugar or serve with fresh berries and whipped cream.