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Prep 45min (+ 3hr 15min proving time)Bake 14minMakes about 8
They get their name from where they originated in the city of Białystok in north-eastern Poland. They are best eaten the day they are baked (even better warm) and spread with cream cheese or butter.
Ingredients
500ml (2 cups) lukewarm water
7g (1 sachet) instant dried yeast
2 teaspoons caster sugar
450g (3 cups) strong bread or pizza flour, plus extra to dust
340g (2¼ cups) plain flour
3 teaspoons fine salt
olive oil, to grease
Onion and poppy seed topping
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium brown onion, finely diced
½ teaspoon fine salt
2 tablespoons poppy seeds
Method
- Combine 60ml (¼ cup) of the lukewarm water with the yeast, sugar and 2 tablespoons of the bread flour in a small bowl and use a fork to whisk to combine. Set aside in a warm, draught-free place for 5 minutes or until the mixture is frothy.
- Combine the remaining bread flour, plain flour and salt in a large bowl. Combine the yeast mixture with the remaining water, add to the flour mixture and use a wooden spoon and then your hands to mix to a soft dough.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes or until it is smooth and elastic and springs back when you push your finger into it (see Baker’s Tips).
- Brush a large bowl with olive oil to grease. Add the dough turning it to coat lightly with olive oil. Cover with plastic wrap and place in a warm, draught-free place for 1½ hours or until doubled in size.
- When the dough has doubled in size knock it back by punching it in the centre with your fist. Recover with plastic wrap and place in a warm, draught-free place for 60 minutes or until doubled in size again.
- Line 2 large oven trays with non-stick baking paper. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly to bring the dough together. Divide the dough evenly into 8 equal portions and shape each into a ball. Use your hands to press, pinch and stretch a ball of dough into a disc about 12cm in diameter and 1cm thick. Repeat with the remaining balls of dough, placing them on the lined oven trays about 4cm apart. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm, draft-free place for 30 minutes or until risen by about half their volume.
- Preheat the oven to 210°C (190°C fan-forced). Meanwhile, to make the onion and poppy seed topping, place the olive oil, onion and salt in a small frying pan over medium heat and cook for 8-10 minutes until the onion is soft and starts to become golden. Remove from the heat.
- Use lightly floured fingertips to make an indent in the centre of the dough discs, leaving a 2cm border around the outside. Spoon the onion mixture into the indents, dividing evenly, and then sprinkle with the poppy seeds. Cover with a slightly damp tea towel and set aside in a warm draught-free place for 15 minutes or until slightly puffed.
- Bake in preheated oven for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden and cooked through (see Baker’s Tips). Serve warm or at room temperature, spread with cream cheese or butter.
Baker's Tips
- You can also knead the bread dough in step 2 in an electric stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Knead on lowest possible speed for 5-6 minutes or until smooth, elastic and the dough has come away from the sides of the bowl and the bowl is clean.
- Over-baking the bialy will cause them to become dry, so make sure you remove them from the oven as soon as they are baked through.
- These Bialy are best eaten the day they are made however they do freeze well. Seal in a freezer-proof plastic bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat by wrapping individually in foil and placing in an oven preheated to 160°C (140°C fan-forced) for 10 minutes or until heated through. Serve warm.
This recipe is part of Anneka's SBS Food Bakeproof: Jewish Baking online column. For more Bakeproof columns and recipes, click here.
Photography by Alan Benson.

Prep 20minBake 35-40minMakes 10 serves
Inspired by the wild rosemary found growing on the Gallipoli peninsula and the symbolic wearing of sprigs as a sign of remembrance for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, this cake is the perfect way to pay your respects through your baking on Anzac Day. It's a simple cake, made special by the rosemary-infused syrup and is equally good accompanied by a cup of tea or lashings of cream or vanilla ice-cream for dessert (particularly when served while still warm)!
Ingredients
Olive oil, to grease
180ml olive oil
3 eggs, at room temperature
2 lemons, rind finely grated
150g caster sugar
125g almond meal
75g (1/2 cup) self-raising flour, plus extra to dust
40g flaked almonds
Fresh rosemary flowers (optional), to decorate
Lemon & Rosemary Syrup
60ml (1/4 cup) strained fresh lemon juice
60ml (1/4 cup) water
110g (½ cup) caster sugar
4 x 10cm sprigs fresh rosemary
Method
- Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Brush a 20cm spring form tin with olive oil and line the base with non-stick baking paper.
- Combine the flour, sugar and almond meal in a large bowl. Whisk together the olive oil, eggs and lemon rind until well combined. Add to the almond meal mixture and use a balloon whisk or spatular to stir until just evenly combined.
- Pout into the prepared tin and spread with the back of a spoon. Sprinkle evenly with the flaked almonds. Bake in preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Stand the cake in the tin before turning transferring to a wire rack sitting over a tray.
- Meanwhile, to make the Lemon & Rosemary Syrup combine the lemon juice, water and sugar in a small saucepan and stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Add the rosemary sprigs, bring to a simmer and simmer for 5 minutes or until reduced by about half.
- Slowly pour the hot syrup over the warm cake, allowing it to soak in as much as possible. Cool to room temperature (this will take about 1 hour). Decorate with the rosemary flowers if using and serve in slices.
Baker's Tip
- This cake will keep in an airtight container at room temperature in a cool spot for up to 3 days.

Prep 40min (+1hr cooling and 2hr standing time)Bake 30minMakes 10-12 serves
Possibly the most famous cake in the world, and certainly the pride of Austria, Sacher Torte was created by Franz Sacher, a 16-year-old apprentice stepping in for an ill head chef, to impress the guests of Prince Wenzel von Metternich. And as they say, the rest is now cuisine history. This elegant, rich and enticing cake is now loved the world over.
Ingredients
Melted butter, to grease
125g unsalted butter, softened
125g (1 cup) icing sugar, sifted
1½ teaspoons natural vanilla essence or extract
6 eggs, at room temperature, separated
175g good-quality dark chocolate (54% cocoa), chopped, melted and cooled to room temperature
110g (¾ cup) plain flour
110g (½ cup) caster sugar
85g (¼ cup) apricot jam, warmed and sieved
40g good-quality milk chocolate, melted, to decorate
Thick or whipped cream, to serve
Chocolate Glaze
300g good-quality dark chocolate (54% cocoa)
60g butter, cubed
Method
- Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Brush 2 x shallow 20cm round cake tins with melted butter to grease and line the bases with rounds of non-stick baking paper.
- Use an electric mixer to beat the butter, icing sugar and vanilla until pale and creamy. Add the egg yolks and beat until well combined and creamy. Beat in the cooled melted chocolate until well combined. Use a large metal spoon or spatula to fold in the flour until just combined.
- Use an electric mixer with a whisk attachment to whisk the egg whites in a large clean, dry bowl until soft peaks form. Add the caster sugar and whisk on medium-high speed until thick and glossy and all the sugar has dissolved (see Baker’s tip). Add half the egg white mixture to the chocolate mixture and use a large metal spoon or spatula to fold in to ‘loosen’ the mixture. Add the remaining egg white mixture and fold until just evenly combined.
- Divide the mixture evenly between the tins and use the back of a spoon to smooth the surface. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre of the cakes comes out clean. Stand in the tins for 10 minutes before turning onto a wire rack to cool (this will take about 1 hour).
- Once cool, spread one cake layer with the warmed sieved jam and then top with the second layer, bottom side up. Place the cake on a wire rack over a tray and set aside while making the chocolate glaze.
- To make the chocolate glaze, combine the chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl and place over a saucepan of barely simmering water (make sure the base of the bowl doesn’t touch the water). Stir occasionally until just melted and combined. Use a plate knife to spread a little of the glaze over the outside of the cake to form a ‘crumb coat’ and to even the surface. Place in the fridge for 20 minutes or until set. Remove from the fridge and carefully pour over the rest of the glaze, allowing it to run down the sides of the cake to coat evenly. Tap the cake, still on the rack, gently on the tray to remove any air bubbles and to settle the glaze. Use a fork to drizzle the milk chocolate over the top of the cake to decorate. Set aside for 2 hours or until the glaze sets. Serve cut into small wedges with cream.
Baker’s Tips
- To test if all the sugar has dissolved, rub a little of the egg white and sugar between two fingers – you will be able to feel if there is still undissolved sugar. Whisk for another minute if not completely dissolved before testing again.
- This cake will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
This recipe is from Anneka's SBS Food online column, Bakeproof: Austrian Baking.
CLICK HERE for more Bakeproof columns and recipes.
Photography by Alan Benson.

Prep 25min (+1hr cooling time)Bake 40minMakes 16 serves
More a slice than a cake, I can’t believe I have only just discovered this gem from the land of the long white cloud. I can completely understand why it features fondly in the childhood memories for anyone who grew up in rural New Zealand!
Ingredients
Biscuit base100g butter, at room temperature
110g (½ cup) caster sugar
1 teaspoon natural vanilla essence or extract
3 egg yolks
225g (1½ cups) plain flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
320g (1 cup) good-quality raspberry jam
Coconut meringue topping
4 egg whites, at room temperature
220g (1 cup) caster sugar
1 teaspoon natural vanilla extract or essence
135g (1½ cups) desiccated coconut
1 tablespoon good-quality raspberry jam
Method
- Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C). Grease a 20cm x 30cm slice tin with melted butter to grease and line the base and sides with one piece of non-stick baking paper, cutting into the corners to fit and allowing the paper to overhang the sides.
- In an electric stand mixer, beat the butter, sugar and vanilla until pale and creamy. Beat in the egg yolks until well combined. Sift together the flour and baking powder, add to the butter mixture and beat on low speed until just combined.
- Press the biscuit base mixture into the prepared tin to cover evenly. Bake for 10 minutes or until starting to colour (the base won’t be cooked through at this stage). Remove from the oven and spread evenly with the raspberry jam. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Meanwhile, use an electric mixer with a whisk attachment to whisk the egg whites in a large clean, dry mixing bowl on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Add the sugar, a spoonful at a time, whisking well on medium-high speed after each addition. Continue to whisk until the mixture is thick and glossy, the sugar has dissolved and a trailing peak forms when the whisk is lifted. Whisk in the vanilla and then use a spatula or large metal spoon to fold in the coconut until evenly combined. Spread the meringue mixture over the raspberry jam to cover. Dot the 1 tablespoon of jam over the top of the meringue and then use a tooth pick or skewer to swirl it through the meringue mixture.
- Return the slice to the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until golden and crisp to touch on top. Place on a wire rack and allow the slice to cool in the tin (about 1 hour).
- Use the paper to help transfer the slice to a cutting board. Cut into portions to serve.
Baker's Tips
- This slice will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
This recipe is from Anneka's SBS Food online column Bakeproof: Meringue. Click here for more Bakeproof columns and recipes.
Photography by Alan Benson.

Prep 35min (+1hr 15min resting time)Bake 30minMakes 12
Many countries have their own version of this egg-rich, cake-like bread. This simple, slightly sweet, citrus-scented Ukrainian Easter one is typically baked in tall and cylindrical moulds just like Russian Kulich and Italian panettone.
Ingredients
5 egg yolks, at room temperature
1 whole egg, at room temperature
110g (½ cup) caster sugar
2 teaspoons natural vanilla essence or extract
½ teaspoon salt
185ml (¾ cup) lukewarm milk
10g (3 teaspoons) dried yeast
finely grated rind of 1 lemon
525g (3½ cups) plain flour, plus extra to dust
150g butter, cubed, at room temperature
170g (1 cup) seedless raisins
melted butter, to grease
Icing
370g (3 cups) pure icing sugar
3-4 tablespoons water
Method
- Put the egg yolks, egg, sugar, vanilla and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer and beat on high until pale and well combined. Add the milk, yeast and lemon rind and beat on low speed to combine. Gradually beat in 300g (2 cups) of the flour on low speed until combined. With the motor running gradually add the butter, a cube at a time, alternating with the remaining 225g (1½ cups) flour until a smooth, soft dough forms. Replace the beater with a dough hook and continue to knead on low speed for about 6 minutes or until very smooth and elastic. (Alternatively, turn onto a lightly floured bench and knead by hand for 10-15 minutes.) Knead in the raisins. Cover the dough in the bowl with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm draught-free place for 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Grease and lightly flour 12 x 125ml (½ cup) dariole moulds. Punch the centre of the dough down with your fist and turn onto a well-floured surface. Knead for 2-3 minutes or until smooth. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions, roll into balls and drop each into a prepared tin. Cover the moulds with a slightly damp tea towel and set aside in a warm draught-free place for 30 minutes or until the dough has risen to the top of the tins.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- Bake the babkas in preheated oven for 28-30 minutes, covering the tops with foil if they start to brown too quickly, or until cooked when tested with a skewer and they sound hollow when tapped on the base. Stand in the moulds for 5 minutes before turning onto a wire rack to cool.
- To make the icing, put the icing sugar in a medium bowl and stir in the water to make a medium coating consistency. Spread over the tops of the babka, allowing it to drizzle down the sides. Set aside for the icing to set. Serve warm or at room temperature cut into slices.
Baker's Tips
- The babka dough can also be baked in two 9 x 19cm (base measurement) loaf tins. Grease and lightly flour as for the moulds. Divide the dough in half, roll each portion into a log about 15cm long and place in the prepared tins. Bake for 40 minutes or until cooked when tested with a skewer and they sound hollow when tapped on the base.
- This babka is best eaten the day it is made. To freeze, wrap well in plastic wrap and then seal in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
CLICK HERE for more Bakeproof recipes.
Photography by Alan Benson.

Prep 25min (+1hr 10min cooling time)Bake 45minMakes 8-10 serves
One of Scandinavia’s most loved cakes, both Sweden and Denmark have their own version of this wonderful cake (and, like all great cakes, the origins are unclear). A rich, buttery, moist cake toped with a crisp caramel-almond Florentine-like topping it is simply too good to care too much about its origins!
Ingredients
150g butter, at room temperature, plus extra, melted, to grease
110g (½ cup) caster sugar
1 teaspoon natural vanilla extract or essence
2 eggs
150g (1 cup) plain flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
80ml (⅓ cup milk)
vanilla ice-cream or thick cream, to serve
Caramel almond topping
70g butter, cubed
75g (⅓ cup) caster sugar
70g (⅔ cup) flaked almonds
2½ tablespoons pure cream
1½ tablespoons plain flour
Method
- Preheat the oven to 170°C (150°C fan-forced). Grease a 22cm springform tin with melted butter and line the base with non-stick baking paper.
- Use an electric mixer to beat the butter, sugar and vanilla in a large bowl until pale and creamy. Add the eggs one at t a time, beating well after each addition. Sift together the flour and baking powder. Add half the flour mixture to the butter mixture and beat on lowest possible speed until just combined. Add the milk and beat on lowest possible speed until just combined. Add the remaining flour mixture and beat on lowest possible speed until just combined.
- Spoon the cake mixture into the prepared tin and smooth with the back of a spoon. Place the tin on a baking tray and bake in preheated oven for 28 minutes or until almost cooked.
- Meanwhile, when the cake has been in the oven for about 15 minutes, make the topping. Combine the butter, sugar, almonds, cream and flour in a medium saucepan, using a wooden spoon to stir over medium heat until well combined and the sugar has dissolved. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes or until thickened slightly.
- Remove the cake from the oven and increase the temperature to 200°C (180°C fan-forced). Quickly pour the caramel almond topping evenly over the top of the cake and then use the back of a metal spoon to spread evenly to cover the top. Return the cake immediately to the oven and bake for a further 10–15 minutes or until the cake is cooked through and the topping is golden brown.
- Remove the cake from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes. Run a spatula around the outside of the cake to release the topping from the pan. Carefully remove the sides of the pan and set the cake aside for 1 hour or until cooled completely.
- Serve in wedges with ice-cream or cream.
Baker's Tips
- This cake will keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Photography by Alan Benson.

Prep 2hr (+3hr cooling and 1hr chilling time)Bake 50minMakes 8 serves
This pie is one of my all-time favourites and brings together some of Greece’s most popular ingredients – silverbeet, haloumi, Kalamata olives, rice and filo pastry. It takes a little while to prepare but don’t be put off, I promise it will be well worth the effort.
Ingredients
20g butter, plus extra melted for brushing
80ml (⅓ cup) olive oil
2 leeks, white section only, trimmed and thinly sliced
200g (1 cup) long-grain white rice
1 bunch silverbeet (about 960 g), thick stems discarded, leaves washed and coarsely chopped
250ml (1 cup) pouring (thin) cream
70g pitted Kalamata olives, sliced
225g haloumi, cut into 1 cm pieces
¼ cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
1 tablespoon thyme leaves
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
12 sheets filo pastry
60ml (¼ cup) olive oil
3 teaspoon sesame seeds, to sprinkle
lemon wedges, to serve
Poached chicken
1.5kg whole chicken
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 brown onion, unpeeled, quartered
10 whole peppercorns
4 litres water (about)
Herbed yoghurt
260g (1 cup) plain Greek-style yoghurt
1 garlic clove, finely grated
1 tablespoon chopped dill
1 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf parsley
Method
- To make the poached chicken, put the chicken, carrot, celery, onion and peppercorns in a large saucepan or stockpot and add enough water to cover the chicken by about 2cm. Cover and bring to the boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and poach gently, covered, for 40 minutes or until just cooked though. Remove from heat and stand the chicken in the stock at room temperature for 1 hour to cool slightly. Transfer to the fridge and cool the chicken in the stock completely (this will take about 2 hours).
- Strain the stock, discarding the solids. Return 1 litre (4 cups) stock to the saucepan and bring to the boil (see Baker’s Tips). Continue boiling the stock for a further 12-15 minutes or until reduced to 375ml (1½ cups). Set aside.
- Remove the meat from the chicken, discarding the skin and bones. Use your fingers to shred the chicken meat, cover and place in the fridge until required.
- Put the butter, 1 tbsp oil and leek in a medium saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, covered and stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes or until the leek is just soft. Add the rice and stir to coat in the oil. Add the 375ml (1½ cups) reduced stock and bring to the boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to the lowest possible setting, cover the saucepan with a lid, and cook gently for 10 minutes or until the stock is absorbed and the rice is almost tender. Transfer to a large bowl and place in the fridge to cool (this will take about 1 hour).
- Meanwhile, put the silverbeet in a large saucepan, cover with a lid and cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until wilted. Strain and cool slightly, then use your hands to squeeze out any excess moisture. Set aside.
- To make the herbed yoghurt, combine the yoghurt, garlic and herbs in a small bowl and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate until required.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Brush a 20cm x 30cm (base measurement) shallow slice tin with some of the melted butter.
- When the rice has cooled, add the chicken, silverbeet, cream, olives, haloumi, parsley and thyme and stir gently to combine. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
- Lay the filo sheets in a stack, cover with a dry tea towel and then a damp one to stop them from drying out. Take 1 sheet of filo (keeping the remaining sheets covered with the tea towels) and brush generously with the remaining olive oil. Lay another sheet on top. Continue to layer with the remaining filo to make two stacks, each with 6 sheets. Place the filo stacks widthways and slightly overlapping, into the greased tin to line, allowing the ends to overhang the top.
- Spoon the chicken and rice mixture into the tin. Fold the overhanging filo over the top to cover. Brush top with remaining oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until filo is golden and crisp. Remove from oven and stand in tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a serving plate or board. Serve warm or at room temperature with the herbed yoghurt and lemon wedges.
Baker's Tips
- Any leftover pie will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Serve at room temperature or reheat, covered with foil, in a preheated 160°C oven for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake for a further 5-10 minutes or until the filling is heated through and the pastry is crisp.
Photography by Alan Benson.

Prep 40min (+1hr proving)Bake 20minMakes 40 serves
Visiting the local bakery is part of everyday life in Bosnia and the bakeries always have a good variety of kifle (rolls) to choose from. Salted or cheese-filled are popular but you can find Frankfurt stuffed versions, or perhaps a chocolate, or jam-filled sweeter bun which are also popular. Traditionally shaped, these cheese kifle are dotted with butter before baking giving them a lovely tender, rich crumb that makes them completely irresistible.
Ingredients
- 500g (3⅓ cups/1lb 2oz) strong bread or pizza flour, plus extra to dust
- 2½ teaspoons instant dried yeast
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- 250ml (1 cup/9fl oz) lukewarm milk
- 80ml (⅓ cup/2½fl oz) sunflower or vegetable oil, plus extra to brush
- 1 egg
- 1 egg yolk whisked with 1 teaspoon milk, to glaze
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, to sprinkle
- 100g (3½oz) chilled salted butter, diced
Cheese Filling
- 125g (4½oz) cottage cheese
- 30g (1oz) feta, finely crumbled
- Salt, to taste
Method
- Combine the flour, yeast, sugar and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. Use a fork to whisk together the milk, oil and egg until evenly combined. With the motor running, add to the flour mixture and knead with the dough hook for 5 minutes on low speed until the dough is smooth and elastic and has come away form the sides of the bowl.
- Brush a large bowl with extra oil to grease. Transfer the dough to the bowl turning it to coat lightly with the oil. Cover with plastic wrap and place in a warm, draught-free place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- To make the Cheese filling, combine the cottage cheese and feta in a bowl and stir well to combine. Season well with salt and pepper. Cover and place in the fridge until required.
- Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F (160°C/315°F fan-forced).
- When the dough has doubled in size knock it back by punching it in the center with your fist. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 2-3 minutes or until smooth and elastic.
- Divide the dough into 5 equal portions. Use a lightly floured rolling pin to roll out the dough into a disc until about 4mm thick and about 23cm/9in in diameter. Use a large sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the circle into 8 wedges. Lift one of the wedges off the bench top with your hands and gently stretch it into a long triangle. Place back on the bench top and spread about ½ teaspoon of the filling across the wide end. Fold the edges of the wide end inwards and then, starting from the wide end, roll up the dough triangle. Place on a large, heavy oven tray. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling to make 40 rolls in total and placing about 2cm/¾in apart on the tray.
- Brush the rolls with the egg glaze and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Dot the rolls with the diced chilled butter. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Stand on the tray for a few minutes to cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.
Baker's Tip
- These rolls are best eaten the day they are made (fresh from the oven is even better) however they do freeze well. Seal in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature.
This recipe is from Anneka's SBS Food online column, Bakeproof: Bosnian Baking.
CLICK HERE for more Bakeproof recipes.
Photography by Alan Benson.

Prep 20minBake 35minMakes 8-10 serves
Much more like a cake than a pie, this apple-dense traditional Norwegian dessert is comforting, homely and can warm the soul with just one mouthful – especially when served straight from the oven in generous scoops and topped with ice-cream or a large dollop of thick cream. Don’t overlook the fact that it is also pretty good served like any other cake, cooled and in wedges. The trick to this recipe is not to over-mix – only mix until the wet and dry ingredients are evenly combined.
Ingredients
- Melted butter, to grease
- 110g (¾ cup) plain flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- 110g (½ cup) caster sugar
- 3 medium (about 150g each) apples (such as golden delicious, royal gala or pink lady), peeled, cored and cut into 2 cm pieces
- 80g slivered almonds, toasted
- 100g butter, melted and cooled
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1½ teaspoons natural vanilla essence or extract
- Vanilla ice-cream or thick cream, to serve
Method
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Grease a 20cm springform tin with melted butter and line the base with baking paper.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and cardamom into a large bowl. Stir in the sugar, apple and almonds. Use a fork to whisk together the butter, egg, milk and vanilla. Add to the flour mixture and use a spatula to mix until just combined.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and spread evenly with the back of a spoon. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes or until golden and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- Stand the pie in the tin for 5–10 minutes before removing the sides of the tin. Serve warm in scoops or at room temperature in wedges with ice-cream or cream.
Baker's Tips
- This pudding/cake will keep in an airtight container at room temperaturein a cool spot for up to 3 days.
This recipe is from Anneka's SBS Food online column, Bakeproof: Scandi Baking. CLICK HERE for more Bakeproof recipes.
Photography by Alan Benson.

Prep 30minBake 30minMakes 8 serves
Commonly referred to as potato ‘pita’ these filo pies are simplicity personified – and that is what makes them so good! Traditionally a homemade flaky dough is made to encase the simple potato filling and filo pastry is a great alternative, especially for the convenience. This recipe uses vegetable oil, but feel free to use olive oil in its place, if you wish.
Ingredients
- 125ml (½ cup) vegetable oil
- 16 sheets filo pastry
- sesame seeds (optional), to sprinkle
- natural yoghurt and freshly ground black pepper, to serve
Filling
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small brown onion, finely diced
- 600g potatoes (such as Desiree), finely diced
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Method
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (170°C fan-forced). Brush a large baking tray with a little of the oil.
- To make the filling, heat the oil in a small saucepan and cook the onion over medium heat for 5-8 minutes or until softened. Transfer to a medium bowl and set aside.
- Peel the potatoes and then use a mandolin to cut them into medium-thick slices (about 7 mm-thick). Use a sharp knife to then dice the potatoes finely. Add to the onion, season with the salt and pepper and set aside.
- Stack filo sheets flat on a bench top. Cover with a dry clean tea towel and then a slightly damp tea towel to help prevent them from drying out. Take one sheet of filo, lay it with a long side closest to you and brush with a little of the oil. Cover with another sheet of filo brush with oil again. Spread about ⅓ cup of the potato filling along the long edge closest to you, about 3 cm from the edge and about 3 cm in from each end. Fold in the pastry ends and then roll up to form a log and to enclose the filling. Shape the filo log into a coil and place on the oven tray. Brush with a little more oil and then sprinkle with the sesame seeds, if desired. Repeat with the remaining filo sheets and potato filling to make 8 coils in total.
Baker's Tips
The key to working with filo pastry is to work quickly so it doesn’t dry out and become brittle and tricky to work with. Covering the pastry sheet with a dry and then a slightly damp tea towel will always help keep them moist and pliable.This recipe is from Anneka's SBS Food online column, Bakeproof: Bosnian Baking.
CLICK HERE for more Bakeproof recipes.
Photography by Alan Benson.

Prep 40min (+20min cooling and 2.5hr chilling)Bake 15minMakes 6 serves
These little layered cakes are the sweetest hats you'll find. Made up of custard cream and a chocolate topping they are covered in shredded coconut for a little texture but you can also use nuts as well, if you have them handy. They are best served chilled and if you aren't much for a dessert fork, then eating these with your hands like a cupcake is absolutely acceptable!
Ingredients
- 100g (1½ cups) shredded coconut, to coat
Sponge Layers
- melted butter, to grease
- 4 eggs, at room temperature
- 165g (¾ cup) caster sugar
- 2 tablespoons boiling water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 100g (⅔ cup) self-raising flour, sifted
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder mixed to a paste with 60 ml (¼ cup) boiling water and cooled
Custard cream
- 1 tablespoon cornflour
- 1 tablespoon custard powder
- 2 tablespoons caster sugar
- 200ml milk
- 20g butter, cubed
- 1 egg yolk
- 1½ teaspoons natural vanilla essence or extract
Chocolate glaze
- 50g dark chocolate, chopped
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
Method
- To make the custard cream, sift together the cornflour and custard powder into a small saucepan. Add the sugar and then use a balloon whisk to gradually stir in the milk. Place the saucepan over a medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture boils and thickens. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter, egg yolk and vanilla until well combined. Pour into a medium bowl, cover the surface of the custard directly with a piece of plastic wrap and set aside to cool (this will take about 2 hours).
- To make the sponge layers, preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Brush two 16 x 26 cm shallow cake tins with a little melted butter to lightly grease and then line the base and two long sides of each with one piece of non-stick baking paper.
- Use an electric mixer with a whisk attachment on high speed to whisk the eggs and sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is very thick and pale (this will take 5-8 minutes). Lift the whisk out of the mixture and draw a figure eight, if the trail stays on the surface long enough for you to finish drawing then the mixture is ready. If not, continue to whisk for a further minutes and then test again.
- Combine the boiling water and oil. Sift the flour over the egg mixture. Immediately pour the warm water and oil mixture down the side of the bowl and use a spatula to fold until just evenly combined (be careful not to overmix).
- Pour half of the mixture into one of the prepared cake tins. Add the cocoa paste to the mixture still in the bowl and fold together until just combined. Pour into the second cake tin. Gently tap the tins on the bench top three times to settle the mixture. Bake in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the cakes spring back when lightly touched in the centre and start pulling away from the sides of the tins. Stand the cakes in the tins for 2 minutes before turning onto a wire racks to cool completely.
- To assemble, use a 6 cm round cutter to cut each of the Sponge cakes into 6 rounds. Place the round cutter over a chocolate sponge. Top the chocolate sponge round with about 1 tbsp of the Custard cream and then cover with around of plain sponge. Remove the pastry cutter. Repeat with the remaining chocolate and plain sponge rounds and 1 tbsp of Custard cream for each cake to make 6 layered cakes in total. Spread the sides of the cakes with the remaining Custard cream. Roll the sides of the cakes in the coconut to coat and place on a serving plate. Place in the fridge while making the Chocolate glaze.
- Place the chocolate and oil in a heatproof bowl. Place over a saucepan of simmering water, stirring occasionally, until melted and smooth. Carefully spread about 1 tsp of the Chocolate glaze over the tops of each of the cakes to cover. Return the cakes to the fridge for 30 minutes or until the Chocolate glaze is set. Serve chilled.
Baker's Tips
These cakes will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.This recipe is from Anneka's SBS Food online column, Bakeproof: Bosnian Baking.
CLICK HERE for more Bakeproof recipes.
Photography by Alan Benson.

Prep 40min (+1hr 15min proving time)Bake 25minMakes about 16
The Swedes love their sweet buns so much they have even declared 4 October National Cinnamon Bun Day! These more-ish cinnamon-almond filled buns are the quintessential accompaniment to a fika (or coffee). The traditional twisting and shaping of them may seem a little tricky to start with but follow my instructions and watch this quick video and you’ll have it mastered in no time.
Ingredients
melted butter, to grease1 egg, lightly whisked, to glaze
flaked almonds or pearl sugar (see Baker's Tips), to sprinkle
Dough
450g (3 cups) strong bread or pizza flour, plus extra to dust55g (¼ cup) caster sugar
7g (1 sachet) dried yeast
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
½ teaspoon salt
300ml milk
100g butter, diced
1 teaspoon natural vanilla essence or extract
Almond filling
80g butter, at room temperature50g (½ cup) almond meal
50g marzipan
55g (¼ cup) caster sugar
1½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Method
- To make the dough, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, cardamom and salt in a large bowl and make a well in the centre. Combine the milk and butter in a small saucepan and heat over low heat for 3–5 minutes or until the milk is lukewarm. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla and set aside for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally with a fork, until the butter melts. Add to the flour mixture and use a wooden spoon and then your hands to mix to a soft dough.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes or until it is smooth and elastic and springs back when you push your finger into it (see Baker's Tips).
- Brush a large bowl with melted butter to grease. Add the dough turning it to coat lightly with the butter. Cover with plastic wrap and place in a warm, draught-free place for 1 hour or until doubled in size. (See Baker's Tips).
- To make the almond filling, place all the ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth and well combined, scraping down the side of the bowl when necessary. Set aside.
- Line two large baking trays with baking paper.
- When the dough has doubled in size knock it back by punching it in the centre with your fist. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 2–3 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Use a lightly floured rolling pin to roll out the dough into a 30 cm x 50 cm rectangle, about 0.5cm thick. Place the dough on the benchtop so that a long side is closest to you.
- Use a palette knife to spread the almond filling evenly over the lower half of the dough. Fold the top third down to cover the filling and then the bottom third up, pressing down firmly.
- Use a large, sharp knife to cut the dough into 16 strips, each about 3.5cm wide. Use the knife to cut each strip in half three-quarters of the way up towards the folded end to make two 'legs'. Hold a strip at opposite ends and pull gently to stretch slightly. Then twist the two 'legs' separately about three times. Tie the two 'legs' together in a simple knot and then tuck the opposite end under the knot.
- Repeat with the remaining dough strips, placing them about 5cm apart on the lined trays as they are shaped. Cover with a damp tea towel and set aside in a warm, draught-free place for 25–30 minutes or until risen and the dough no longer springs back when you poke it gently with a finger.
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (170°C fan-forced).
- Brush the rolls with the whisked egg to glaze and sprinkle with flaked almonds or pearl sugar. Bake the rolls in preheated oven for 25 minutes or until golden and sound hollow when tapped on the base. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Baker's Tips
- Pearl sugar (also known as hail or nib sugar) is a coarse white sugar used extensively in European baking. Because it retains its shape (it doesn’t melt during cooking) it adds a lovely textural sweet crunch to pastries, sweet breads and biscuits. Pearl sugar is available at specialty food stores and European-style delicatessens.
- The dough can be kneaded with an electric mixer, fitted with a dough hook, on low speed for 5–8 minutes or until smooth and elastic and comes away from the side of the bowl.
- The dough can be proved in the fridge overnight (in the greased, covered bowl). Stand in a warm, draught-free place for 1–2 hours, or until the dough reaches room temperature, before continuing with the recipe.
- These rolls are best eaten the day they are baked, however they do freeze well. To freeze, wrap individually in plastic wrap, seal them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature. To reheat, place on a lined baking tray in an oven preheated to 160°C (140°C fan-forced) for 10 minutes or until heated through.
This recipe is from Anneka's SBS Food online column, Bakeproof: Scandi Baking.
CLICK HERE for more Bakeproof recipes.
Photography by Alan Benson.