Kremówka

Kremówka is a Polish cream cake traditionally made from two layers of puff pastry separated by a thick cream filling, usually vanilla custard or whipped cream. It is commonly finished with a thin sugar glaze or powdered sugar and is often compared to the French mille-feuille.

In Poland, the cake is sometimes called kremówka papieska, a name that derives from its association with Pope John Paul II, who reportedly recalled his mother's kremówka. The connection has made the nickname widely known in Polish popular culture.

Preparation and variations vary by bakery. The filling may be custard, pastry cream, or whipped cream; pastry layers may be crisp or slightly soft. Toppings range from a light glaze to a chocolate topping, with some versions using cocoa dusting or a glossy chocolate finish.

History and cultural significance: The dessert likely emerged in Central Europe and became a staple in Polish pastry kitchens in the 19th or 20th century. In Poland it is widely consumed on holidays, birthdays, and festive occasions, and the papal association has helped elevate its public profile. In the broader culinary context, kremówka is a regional variant of the Napoleon cake or mille-feuille.

See also: Napoleon cake; Mille-feuille.