Russian Honey Cake (Medovik)

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Russian Honey Cake (Medovik) is a beloved, traditional Russian dessert known for its layers of delicate, honey-flavored sponge cake and creamy filling. The cake is sweet yet balanced, with a subtle honey aroma that infuses the entire dessert. It’s a perfect combination of soft cake layers and a rich, velvety cream that melts in your mouth. Although it requires a bit of patience to assemble, the results are absolutely worth it, making it an excellent choice for special occasions or as an impressive dessert for guests.

Origin:

Medovik, or Russian Honey Cake, has been a staple of Russian culinary tradition for centuries. The dessert’s origins are often debated, but it has long been enjoyed in Russia and neighboring countries. It’s known for its ability to improve in flavor after resting for a day or two, allowing the layers to fully absorb the creamy filling, creating a more refined taste.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

  • 2/3 cup (160g) honey
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Filling:

  • 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (200g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Prepare the Cake Layers:

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the honey, granulated sugar, butter, and baking soda. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture melts and begins to bubble. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until it slightly thickens.
  2. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool for 5-10 minutes.
  3. Whisk the eggs into the cooled mixture one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix well.
  4. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. It should be slightly sticky but manageable.
  5. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then roll each one out on a floured surface into thin circles, roughly the size of a cake pan (about 8 inches).
  6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place one of the dough circles on the sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Repeat with all dough portions, ensuring each layer is baked separately. Once baked, set the layers aside to cool completely.

Prepare the Cream Filling:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture until stiff peaks form, creating a fluffy, creamy filling.

Assemble the Cake:

  1. Once the cake layers and cream filling have cooled, begin assembling the Medovik.
  2. Place the first cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of cream filling over the top. Repeat with each subsequent layer, spreading the filling evenly between each one.
  3. After stacking all the layers, spread the remaining cream on the top and sides of the cake.
  4. To garnish, you can crumble some of the leftover cake layers and sprinkle the crumbs on top of the cake, or you can leave it as is.

Chill the Cake:

  1. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This resting period helps the cake layers absorb the cream, making the texture soft and the flavors more intense.

Serve:

  1. Slice and enjoy the luxurious layers of Russian Honey Cake (Medovik)!

Tips for Success:

  • Allow the cake to rest for a day or two in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.
  • If you’re short on time, you can refrigerate the cake overnight and serve it the next day.
  • Be sure to use high-quality honey, as it greatly impacts the flavor of the cake.

Recommendations:

  • Serve this cake with a cup of black tea or coffee to complement its rich, honeyed flavors.
  • This cake is perfect for celebrations such as birthdays, holidays, or family gatherings.

Nutrition (per serving, approximate for 12 servings):

  • Calories: ~330
  • Protein: 3g
  • Fat: 23g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Sugar: 23g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sodium: 40mg

Russian Honey Cake (Medovik) is an irresistible dessert that combines the sweetness of honey with a creamy filling and soft layers. It’s perfect for any occasion and is sure to impress with its delicious flavor and elegant presentation!

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