Try this authentic Sharlotka recipe – a classic Russian apple cake made even better with a sweet, crunchy caramel-cinnamon crumb topping. Easy, flavorful, and irresistibly delicious!

This Sharlotka recipe is the tastiest one you’ll ever try with absolutely authentic flavors.

This moist and delicious Sharlotka combines tart apples with rich caramel and warm cinnamon for the perfect cozy dessert. Easy to make and beautifully topped with a crunchy crumb, this classic apple cake is ideal for dinner parties, family gatherings, or a relaxing evening at home. Keep reading to learn how to make this irresistible caramel cinnamon Sharlotka recipe!

What Is Sharlotka?

Sharlotka is a traditional Ukrainian or Russian apple sponge cake made with tender apples, warm cinnamon, sweet caramel, and a crunchy crumb topping. Unlike apple pie, where the crust takes center stage, this comforting dessert is all about the apples.

The combination of tart apples, rich caramel, fragrant cinnamon, and buttery crumb creates an irresistible balance of flavors and textures. It’s an easy, cozy fall dessert that’s perfect for apple lovers and special occasions. Plus, homemade Sharlotka can be a lighter option than many store-bought desserts.

Why You’ll Love This Sharlotka

Easy to make: Simple steps and minimal ingredients make it beginner-friendly.
Delicious: Caramel and cinnamon add rich, cozy flavor.
Versatile: Customize it with nuts, chocolate chips, or extra cinnamon.
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.
Classic with a twist: A crunchy caramel-cinnamon topping takes traditional Sharlotka to the next level.

Sharlotka is a Ukrainian or Russian dessert made with layers of apples, cinnamon, caramel, and a crumb topping.

What You Need to Make Sharlotka at Home

All you need are some simple pantry staple ingredients to make this Sharlotka recipe at home. Let’s look at them in more detail:

For the Sharlotka:

Eggs: We will be using some large eggs to give the recipe a light and fluffy texture. They will also help to bind the ingredients together.
Sugar: We will also need one cup of sugar to add sweetness to the recipe. It will help to balance out the flavors and enhance the overall taste.
Baking soda: Next, we will be using baking soda to help the recipe rise and become light and airy. It will react with other ingredients to create bubbles and give the final product a soft texture.
Baking powder: We will also need some baking powder to further help the recipe rise. It will provide additional leavening and contribute to the overall fluffiness of the final product.
Salt: We will be adding some kosher salt to enhance the flavors of the recipe. It will help to balance out the sweetness and bring out the natural flavors of the other ingredients.
All-purpose flour: We will also need all-purpose flour to provide structure and texture to the recipe. It will help to bind the ingredients together and give the final product a soft and tender crumb.
Granny Smith apples: We will be using Granny Smith apples to add a tart and crisp flavor to the recipe. They will also add moisture and texture to the final product.

All you need are some simple pantry staple ingredients to make this sharlotka recipe at home.

For the Topping:

Flour: We will also need some flour for the topping to create a crispy and crumbly texture. It will add a nice contrast to the softness of the main recipe.
Sugar: Next, we will be adding sugar for the topping to add a sweet and caramelized flavor. It will create a crunchy and caramelized crust on top of the recipe.
Ground cinnamon: We will also need ground cinnamon for the topping to add warmth and spice to the recipe. It will compliment the flavors of the other ingredients and add a fragrant aroma.
Unsalted butter: We will use unsalted butter for the topping to add richness and a buttery flavor. It will melt and create a buttery and crispy texture on top of the recipe.
Caramel Sauce for drizzling (optional): We will also need caramel sauce for drizzling on top of the recipe to add a rich element. It’ll take the Sharlotka to the next level!

Sharlotka crumb toppings need just a few ingredients.

How to Make Sharlotka with Caramel and Cinnamon Crumb (Step-by-Step)

Making this incredible Sharlotka with caramel and cinnamon crumb is easier than you think. Here’s how to make them at home step by step:

How to Prep to Make Sharlotka

Start by adding the flour to a sifter placed over a medium bowl. Then, add the baking soda, baking powder, and salt to the flour. Sift and then mix everything using a whisk to combine the dry ingredients. Set this mixture aside.

In a separate small bowl, sift 3 tablespoons of flour. Add the softened butter, cinnamon, and sugar to the bowl. Use a fork to mash and mix these ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly. Set this aside for later.

Wash and peel the apples. Then, use an apple slicer to slice apples. Use a knife to further cut these slices into smaller pieces. Coat chopped apples with a few tablespoons of flour and Place them into the fridge to keep them fresh until you’re ready to use them.

Place the chopped apples into the fridge to keep them fresh until you’re ready to use them.

How to Make Sharlotka Batter

Preheat your oven to 325°F.

In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together on medium-high speed for about 10 minutes using a stand mixer or electric mixer until ribbon forms. This will help to create a light and fluffy texture.

Gradually add the flour mixture to the beaten eggs and sugar in four additions. Stir the mixture using a silicone spatula until all the ingredients are well combined.

Now, take the chopped apples out of the fridge and gently fold them into the batter using a spatula. Make sure all the apples are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Gradually add the flour mixture to the beaten eggs and sugar. Stir the mixture using a whisk until all the ingredients are well combined.

Grease a 9” baking dish with butter to prevent the Sharlotka from sticking, or use parchment paper. Then, pour the batter into the prepared pan, making sure it is evenly spread.

Bake the Sharlotka in the preheated oven for 45 minutes at 325°F.

Once the Sharlotka has cooled completely, remove it from the oven and let it cool further in the baking pan before transferring it onto a platter.

Finally, drizzle some caramel sauce over the Sharlotka cake before serving.

Your delicious Sharlotka is ready to be served!

Tips for Making the Best Sharlotka Ever

Prep the apples: Make sure to peel, core, and slice the apples before starting the recipe. This will make sure that the apples are evenly distributed in the cake and cook evenly.

Add cinnamon to the crumb topping: For an extra burst of flavor, add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the crumb topping. This will compliment the apples and caramel perfectly.

Use a springform pan: To easily remove the Sharlotka from the pan, use a springform pan. This will allow you to release the sides of the pan and lift the cake out without it sticking or breaking.

Let the Sharlotka cool completely: Before serving, make sure to let the Sharlotka cool completely. This will help it set and make it easier to slice and serve.

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream: For a delicious touch, serve the Sharlotka with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The creamy richness will compliment the sweet and tart flavors of the cake.

How to Serve Sharlotka

Serve warm Sharlotka with caramel-cinnamon crumb, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For a cozy fall treat, pair it with hot apple cider or a latte. You can also dust it with powdered sugar and serve it for breakfast, brunch, or as a crowd-pleasing dessert.

Recipe Variation Ideas for Sharlotka

This delicious Sharlotka recipe is absolutely perfect as is, but if you’re looking to change things up, here are a few variation ideas you can try:

Chocolate: Add cocoa powder to the batter for a rich and delicious chocolate flavor. Top with a drizzle of melted chocolate and extra chocolate chips.

Nuts: Stir in chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, to the batter for added texture and crunch, along with some vanilla extract. Sprinkle some extra nuts on top of the crumb topping for a nutty twist.

Lemon zest: Add the zest of 1 lemon to the batter for a refreshing and tangy twist. Top with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any kind of apples for this recipe. However, it is highly recommended to use a firm and slightly tart apple variety, such as Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Fuji, or Honey Crisp, for best results.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Just make sure to check that all other ingredients used are also gluten-free.

Can I add nuts or raisins to this recipe?

Yes, you can add nuts or raisins to this recipe if desired. Simply sprinkle them over the apple layer before adding the crumb topping. This will add extra texture and flavor to the Sharlotka.

How to Store Leftover Sharlotka

To store leftovers, you should first let the cake cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Place the cake in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

When you want to enjoy the leftovers, you can simply take a slice from the refrigerator and serve it cold or at room temperature. If you prefer to have it warm, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

Unfortunately, this cake may not be suitable for freezing. The texture and taste of the cake may change significantly upon thawing. It’s best to consume the leftovers within a few days or share them with friends and family instead of popping them into the freezer.

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This recipe was originally posted on October 28, 2015 (original picture below). I updated the pictures and the post for a better user experience. This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure.