Mazurek Czekoladowy Chocolate Shortcrust Cake

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour and cocoa powder. Set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

4. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and salt to the butter mixture, and mix until well combined.

5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.

6. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, making sure to smooth out the surface.

7. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until set and slightly firm to the touch.

8. Remove the crust from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.

9. Once the crust has cooled, spread the apricot jam evenly over the top.

10. Sprinkle the chopped nuts over the jam layer, pressing them slightly into the surface.

11. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the jam is bubbling and the nuts are lightly toasted.

12. Allow the Mazurek Czekoladowy to cool in the pan before carefully lifting it out using the parchment paper.

13. Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for a festive finish.

14. Cut the Mazurek Czekoladowy into squares or rectangles to serve.