Szarlotka: Polish Apple Pie

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1. 1Step 1: Use a deep rectangular baking tray (18x27 cm / 7x10 inch), but any shape will do just fine.
2. 2Step 2: Take out the butter for half an hour in advance to let it soften.
3. 3Step 3: Knead together all the ingredients (flour, icing sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla sugar), form a smooth mass, wrap into cling film and place in the fridge.
4. 4Step 4: Wash the apples, peel them and then grate or cube them. I've done the latter.
5. 5Step 5: Move the apple pieces to a pot. Cover in sugar and start cooking until soft. Add cinnamon mid-way through.
6. 6Step 6: Grease the baking tray and/or line it with baking paper. Roll out half of the dough and place in the tray. Pierce with a fork.
7. 7Step 7: Heat the oven to 170°C (340°F), bake the shortcrust base for 5-10 minutes until it starts to gain some colour.
8. 8Step 8: Remove from the oven. Spread apples on top. Roll the remaining dough and use it on top to cover the apples. Bake for 1 hour in 140-160°C (280-320°F).
9. 9Step 9: Serve cooled or warm with some whipped cream or vanilla ice-cream, with some icing sugar sprinkled on top.