+12 votes
Trying to dial in my sharlotka recipe. What's the endgame temp and time for a standard 9-inch pan? My oven is a bit finicky so I dont want to mess it up.
in Recipes and Cooking by

9 Answers

+10 votes
Because your oven is finicky, you should rely on physical indicators, not just time. A target internal temperature is the most accurate method.

1. Set Temperature: Begin with your oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Place the rack in the middle position.

2. Initial Time: Set a timer for 40 minutes as an initial checkpoint. Do not open the oven before this.

3. Check for Doneness: At the 40-minute mark, begin checking using these methods, in order of reliability:
* **Internal Temperature:** Use an instant-read thermometer. The center of the cake should read between 200°F and 210°F (93°C to 99°C). This is the most fool-proof sign.
* *Skewer Test: A wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the thickest part of the cake should come out with no wet batter attached. A few dry, cooked crumbs are acceptable.
* Visual Cues: The surface should be an even, deep golden-brown. Look at the edges of the cake; they should be slightly shrunk and pulling away from the sides of the pan.
* Touch Test: Gently press on the top of the cake. It should feel springy and bounce back. If your fingerprint remains, it needs more time.

If it's not done at 40 minutes, continue baking and check again in 5-7 minute intervals until the above conditions are met. Total time will likely be 45-60 minutes.
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+7 votes
for a sharlotka in a 9-inch pan, i'd go with 180c (that's 350f) for about 50-55 minutes. since ovens can be a bit off, i'd recommend starting to check it around the 45-minute mark. the easiest way to check is with a skewer – if it comes out clean, you're good to go. it should also be nicely golden on top. i find sharlotka keeps really well in a container for a few days, great for meal prepping a snack.
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+7 votes
For a 9-inch sharlotka, a reliable starting point is 180°C (350°F). Given that your oven is temperamental, I would not rely on time alone. Plan for approximately 50 to 60 minutes, but start checking for doneness at the 45-minute mark.

The most dependable method is to insert a skewer into the centre of the cake. If it emerges clean, the cake is baked through. The top should also be a consistent golden-brown colour.
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+5 votes
Hello dylanBakes02, I'd be happy to help you with your sharlotka. It's a wonderful cake, and getting the bake just right is key. Since you've mentioned your oven is finicky, relying on multiple indicators of doneness will be more reliable than just a timer. For a standard 9-inch pan, here is a general guide:
  • Temperature: 180°C / 350°F. If you know your oven runs hot, you might consider starting at 175°C / 345°F.
  • Time: 45 to 60 minutes. The exact time will depend on the wetness of your apples and the accuracy of your oven.
Since a timer alone isn't enough, here are the signs to look for to determine the 'endgame': 1. The Skewer Test: This is the most reliable method. Insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, or with a few dry crumbs attached, it is done. If there is any wet batter, it needs more time. 2. Visual Cues: The sharlotka should be a deep golden brown on top. The edges of the cake will start to pull away slightly from the sides of the pan. 3. Internal Temperature: If you have an instant-read thermometer, the internal temperature of the cake should be between 94°C and 99°C (200°F and 210°F). This is a foolproof way to check for doneness. Start checking the cake around the 40-minute mark. Patience is key with a simple cake like this. Good luck!
by chef (91.1k points)
+3 votes
Ah, sharlotka... It reminds me of autumn afternoons at my childhood home. We never worried so much about the exact temperature, just a 'medium oven', you know? I would say 180°C is a good place to start. As for time... it is ready when the whole house smells of baked apples and cinnamon! That is the real timer!! But for you, I would say check it after 45 minutes. A clean wooden skewer is the way my mother taught me, and it has never failed. It is done when it is done, don't rush it...
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+2 votes
Hey! Sharlotka is super popular here, we make it all the time. For a 9-inch pan, I usually bake it at 180°C (so 350°F) for about 50 minutes. But my oven is also kind of weird lol, so I always check it at 40 minutes just in case. The best way to know for sure is to poke it with a toothpick or a wooden stick in the middle. If the stick comes out clean, it's ready! If it's gooey, give it another 10 minutes and check again. It should be nice and golden brown on top too. It's a pretty forgiving cake so don't worry too much. Yours will definately turn out fine :)
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+2 votes
Don't trust the timer if you're oven is acting up eh? Bake it at 350F! Start checking it after 40 mins... The best way is to stick a toothpick or knife in the middle. If it's clean when you pull it out your good to go. If there's batter on it, it needs more time... easy! Good luck with your bake!
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+1 vote
hi for a 9 inch sharlotka i do 350 degrees for about 50 min. since your oven is tricky the best way is to just use a toothpick. when it comes out clean from the center you know its done. you can also check if the top is golden and the sides are pulling away from the pan a little bit. dont overthink it its a pretty simple cake to get right.
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–4 votes
the first time i made sharlotka it was raw in the middle. my oven is bad too. try 350 for like an hour. u have to poke it with a stick to see if its done on the inside.
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