Dreamy Russian Honey Cake Recipe: Sweet Layered Delight

Sweet layers of golden sponge and rich, creamy frosting make this Russian honey cake a decadent dessert that melts in your mouth.

Traditionally known as medovik, this cake has delighted generations with its delicate, honeyed charm.

Bakers across russia have perfected this intricate layered treat over centuries, creating a culinary masterpiece that balances delicate sweetness with complex textures.

Each thin cake layer gets brushed with honey, creating a delectable contrast between crisp edges and soft, moist interiors.

The caramelized honey notes dance across your palate, promising a truly memorable experience.

Crafted with patience and love, this cake stands as a testament to russia’s rich culinary heritage.

Dive into this luxurious dessert and savor every delightful bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 13

Russian Honey Cake Ingredient Guide

• Eggs: Provide structure and richness, choose fresh, room-temperature eggs for smooth mixing.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and golden color, select pure, local honey for best flavor.
• Baking Soda: Creates light, tender texture, ensure it's fresh and not expired.
• White Distilled Vinegar: Activates baking soda for optimal rise, use clear, pure vinegar.
• Flour: Gives cake its base, opt for all-purpose flour for consistent results.

• Cool Whip: Delivers creamy, light texture, choose full-fat version for richer consistency.
• Sour Cream: Provides tangy flavor and smoothness, select full-fat, high-quality sour cream.

• Cake Scraps: Adds rustic, homemade touch, save all leftover cake pieces for garnishing.

Tools That Help You Layer Russian Honey Cake

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining and beating eggs, honey, and other ingredients.
• Whisk or electric mixer: Perfect for achieving a smooth, well-blended batter.
• 18: Crucial for creating thin, even cake layers.
• Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes layer removal easier.
• 7-8: Used as a template for cutting precise cake circles.
• Spatula: Helps spread batter thinly and evenly on the baking sheet.
• Cooling rack: Allows cake layers to cool completely without getting soggy.
• Frosting knife or offset spatula: Ideal for spreading frosting smoothly between layers and on the cake's exterior.

How to Make Russian Honey Cake at Home

• Cake Layer Foundation

Warm up the kitchen oven and prepare a large baking sheet with parchment paper for creating delicate cake layers.

• Honey Mixture

Blend eggs and golden honey into a smooth, silky base that will create the cake’s signature rich taste.

• Baking Soda Magic

Activate the baking soda with a splash of vinegar, then fold into the honey mixture with flour until a light, airy batter forms.

• Thin Layer Creation

Spread the batter super thin across parchment paper, ensuring each layer is delicate and uniform.

• Baking Process

Carefully bake each gossamer-thin layer until edges turn golden, creating multiple delicate sheets.

• Layer Preparation

Once cooled, trim the cake layers into perfect circles, saving scraps for a delightful decorative touch.

• Creamy Frosting

Whip together a luscious cream mixture that will bind the layers and create a dreamy, smooth coating.

• Cake Assembly

Stack the layers generously, spreading frosting between each delicate sheet and covering the entire cake.

• Final Flourish

Sprinkle the reserved cake crumbs around the sides and top, adding texture and visual appeal.

• Flavor Melding

Chill the cake to allow flavors to harmonize, transforming it into a sublime dessert ready to be enjoyed.

Flavor Secrets for an Unforgettable Honey Cake

• Warm your honey slightly before mixing to help it blend more smoothly with eggs, creating a more uniform batter consistency.
• Roll out batter using an offset spatula to ensure ultra-thin, even cake layers that create the signature delicate Russian honey cake texture.
• Chill whipped cream and sour cream mixture for 15 minutes before spreading to achieve a more stable, spreadable frosting that won't slide off layers.
• Use leftover cake scraps strategically by creating a fine, sandy texture that adds delightful crunch and visual interest when sprinkled on cake exterior.
• Prepare cake one day in advance to allow flavors to develop and layers to soften, resulting in a more luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth dessert experience.

Serve Russian Honey Cake with Tea or Coffee

• Cozy Family Dessert Night: Serve this Russian honey cake as the star of a warm family gathering, creating sweet memories around the dinner table.
• Elegant Celebration Centerpiece: Showcase the delicate layered cake at special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries, impressing guests with its unique texture and rich flavor.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Pair a slice with a hot cup of black tea or coffee, enjoying the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth during a relaxing afternoon break.
• Gifting Delight: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and neighbors, spreading joy through this traditional Russian dessert.

Storing Russian Honey Cake Without Losing Moisture

• Fridge-Friendly Storage: Keep your Russian honey cake covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in the freezer for up to 3 months for a delightful dessert anytime.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare the cake layers and frosting a day in advance, assembling them just before serving to maintain optimal texture and taste.
• Serving Sweet Spots: Let the refrigerated cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the layers and enhance the cake's delicate honey notes.

Rustic Russian Honey Cake

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• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Medovik, a classic Russian honey cake, weaves layers of delicate sweetness through caramelized honey and tender pastry. Bakers craft this intricate dessert with patience, inviting you to savor each delicate, honeyed bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup clover honey
• 3 eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) white distilled vinegar
• 8 oz (226 g) Cool Whip (thawed)
• 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream (Daisy brand)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an inverted baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a smooth workspace for delicate cake layers.
2. Batter Creation: Vigorously whisk eggs and honey until light and fluffy, then activate baking soda with white distilled vinegar, folding into the mixture along with flour to form a uniform batter.
3. Layer Baking: Spread thin, even batter layers across parchment paper, baking each for approximately 7 minutes until achieving 4 golden, paper-thin cake sheets.
4. Layer Preparation: Once cooled, carefully remove layers from parchment and use a plate as a guide to cut 2 precise circles from each sheet, reserving scraps for later decoration.
5. Frosting Development: Blend Cool Whip and sour cream until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency that will bind the cake layers together.
6. Cake Assembly: Stack circular layers, generously spreading frosting between each, creating a tall and elegant cake structure.
7. Finishing Touch: Completely cover the cake’s exterior with remaining frosting, then delicately sprinkle reserved cake crumbs across the surface for a rustic, textured appearance.
8. Chilling: Refrigerate the assembled cake for a minimum of one hour, allowing flavors to harmonize and frosting to set perfectly before serving.

Notes

• Precision Matters: Spread batter extremely thin for authentic paper-like layers, using an offset spatula for even coverage.
• Temperature Control: Monitor oven closely during baking, as thin layers can quickly burn and require exact 7-minute timing.
• Cooling Technique: Let cake layers cool completely before handling to prevent cracking and ensure structural integrity.
• Crumb Coating Tip: Chill cake briefly after initial frosting to create a smooth, professional-looking final exterior when adding decorative cake crumbs.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Russian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg