Description
This Russian Honey Layer Cake (Medovik) is a classic Eastern European dessert featuring layers of caramelized honey cake and creamy filling. Perfect for special occasions, it offers a rich, tender texture that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Layers:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
Cream Filling:
- 2 cups sour cream or whipped cream
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk or 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Optional Decorations:
- Crushed cake crumbs
- Fresh berries
- Caramel drizzle
Instructions
Preparing the Cake Layers:
- Melt the Honey Mixture: In a heatproof bowl over a double boiler, melt honey, sugar, and butter. Stir until well combined and slightly caramelized.
- Add Baking Soda: Remove from heat and whisk in baking soda. The mixture will foam up slightly.
- Incorporate Eggs and Flour: Allow the honey mixture to cool slightly before whisking in the eggs. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft, pliable dough forms.
- Roll Out Thin Layers: Divide the dough into equal portions and roll each piece into a thin circle. Trim edges for uniformity.
- Bake the Layers: Bake each layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, until golden brown. Cool completely before assembling.
Making the Cream Filling:
- Prepare the Cream Mixture: Whisk together sour cream and sweetened condensed milk (or powdered sugar) until smooth.
- Add Flavoring: Stir in vanilla extract if using.
Assembling the Cake:
- Layer the Cake: Spread a generous amount of cream filling between each cake layer, ensuring even coverage.
- Cover the Top and Sides: Use the remaining cream to coat the exterior of the cake.
- Decorate: Sprinkle crushed cake crumbs over the top and sides, or add berries and caramel drizzle.
- Chill the Cake: Let the cake rest in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, for the layers to soften and flavors to meld.
Notes
- Custard Filling: Use a cooked custard made with egg yolks and milk instead of sour cream.
- Chocolate Medovik: Add cocoa powder to the cake layers for a chocolate-infused version.
- Nutty Medovik: Sprinkle crushed walnuts or almonds between the layers.
- Fruit-Infused: Add fresh fruit slices like raspberries or strawberries between layers.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Assembly and Resting Time: 6-12 hours
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: dessert,cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Russian, Eastern European
Keywords: Medovik, Russian honey cake, layered honey cake, Eastern European dessert, caramelized honey cake