Description
A traditional Russian Honey Cake (Medovik) made with thin, honey-kissed cake layers and a tangy sour cream filling. Perfectly sweet, tender, and rich with nostalgic flavor.
Ingredients
For the Cake Layers:
1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter
3/4 cup (180g) granulated sugar
1/3 cup (110g) honey (mild, like clover or wildflower)
3 large eggs
1 tsp baking soda
3 1/4 cups (400g) all-purpose flour, sifted
For the Cream Filling:
2 1/2 cups (600g) full-fat sour cream
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream, whipped
3/4 cup (90g) powdered sugar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Optional for Decoration:
Crushed baked cake layer or graham cracker crumbs
Dried edible flowers or powdered sugar
Instructions
1. In a double boiler, melt butter, sugar, and honey. Stir gently until smooth.
2. Remove from heat. Allow to cool slightly, then whisk in eggs one at a time.
3. Add baking soda and stir. Mixture will foam and lighten.
4. Gradually mix in sifted flour to form a soft, pliable dough.
5. Divide dough into 8–10 pieces. Roll each into a ball, cover, and chill for 30 minutes.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll each dough ball into a thin circle on parchment.
7. Bake each layer for 4–6 minutes until golden. Cool completely.
8. In a bowl, combine sour cream, whipped heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
9. Place first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of cream filling.
10. Repeat layering until all layers are used. Frost the top and sides generously.
11. Use leftover baked layer crumbs to coat the cake exterior.
12. Chill cake for 8–24 hours before serving to allow layers to soften.
Notes
• The cake is best when made a day ahead—it improves overnight in the fridge.
• Use mild honey to avoid overpowering the flavor.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 5 days.
• For a lighter filling, replace sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Russian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 105mg