Medivnyk, or Ukrainian Honey Cake, is a traditional dessert deeply rooted in Ukrainian culture. This layered cake, known for its sweet honey flavor and tender texture, is perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, or a comforting treat. The cake’s light, slightly chewy honey-infused layers, combined with a rich creamy filling, create a delicious balance of flavors that anyone can appreciate.

The recipe may seem complex at first glance due to its multiple layers and preparation steps, but with some time and patience, it’s surprisingly easy to execute. Whether you’re familiar with Ukrainian desserts or trying Medivnyk for the first time, this guide will help you create a delightful cake that is sure to impress.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Honey Cake Layers:

• Butter: 100 g (3.5 oz)
• Sugar: 100 g (3.5 oz)
• Eggs: 2 large
• Honey: 200 g (7 oz)
• Baking soda: 6 g (1 tsp)
• Flour: 275 g (9.7 oz)
• Salt: A pinch

This portion yields 9 layers with a diameter of 21 cm (8 inches). Baking temperature: 200-220°C (392-428°F). Baking time: 4-5 minutes per layer. Total cake weight: 1.5 kg.

For the Cream Filling:

• Sugar: 120 g (4.2 oz)
• Eggs: 2 large
• Sour cream: 400 g (14 oz) (any fat percentage)
• Cornstarch: 45 g (3 tbsp)
• Butter: 200 g (7 oz)
• Vanilla sugar: 1 tsp

How to Make Medivnyk

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Melt the Butter: Start by melting 100 g of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once fully melted, add 100 g of sugar and mix until the sugar dissolves.
2. Incorporate the Eggs and Honey: Beat the eggs in a separate bowl, then gradually whisk them into the butter-sugar mixture. Add 200 g of honey to the mix and stir until everything is well combined.
3. Add the Baking Soda: Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to the mixture. The soda will react with the honey and start to foam. Stir continuously for a couple of minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Sift in the Flour and Salt: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Gradually sift in the 275 g of flour and a pinch of salt, stirring until the dough comes together. The dough will be soft and sticky initially, but it will thicken as it cools.
5. Rest the Dough: Let the dough rest for 30 minutes at room temperature. As it cools, it will firm up, making it easier to handle later.

Step 2: Roll and Bake the Layers

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 200-220°C (392-428°F).
2. Divide and Roll Out the Dough: Divide the dough into 9 equal portions. Roll each portion into a thin circle (about 21 cm in diameter). You can use a plate or cake ring to cut the layers to size.
3. Bake the Layers: Place each rolled dough circle onto a sheet of parchment paper and bake for 4-5 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as they bake quickly.
4. Cool the Layers: Once baked, remove the layers from the oven and let them cool completely. Stack them with parchment paper between each layer if preparing them in advance.

Step 3: Make the Cream Filling

1. Cook the Cream Base: In a saucepan, whisk together 120 g of sugar, 2 eggs, 45 g of cornstarch, and 400 g of sour cream. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens to a custard-like consistency.
2. Add the Vanilla and Butter: Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla sugar. Let the cream cool slightly before incorporating the softened butter (200 g) into the mixture. Beat until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Layer the Cake: Spread a generous amount of cream filling between each layer of the honey cake. Stack the layers one on top of the other, making sure they are evenly aligned.
2. Frost the Top and Sides: Once all layers are stacked, use the remaining cream to frost the top and sides of the cake. You can also reserve some crumbs from trimming the layers to sprinkle over the top as decoration.
3. Chill the Cake: Place the assembled cake in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the layers to soften, resulting in a moist and delicious cake.

Nutrition Facts (Per 100 g)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Protein: 5 g
• Fat: 20 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Sugar: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make the layers in advance?

Yes! You can prepare and bake the cake layers a day or two ahead of time. Once cooled, stack them with parchment paper in between, and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Assemble the cake with the cream filling when you’re ready.

2. What if I don’t have cornstarch for the cream filling?

If cornstarch isn’t available, you can substitute it with an equal amount of all-purpose flour or use 1 tablespoon of potato starch. These alternatives will still give the cream filling the desired thickness.

3. Can I substitute the honey?

Honey is essential for the flavor and texture of Medivnyk. However, if you have dietary restrictions, you can substitute it with maple syrup or agave nectar, but the taste will differ slightly.

Tips for Making the Perfect Honey Cake

1. Keep an Eye on the Layers: The cake layers bake very quickly, so watch them closely to prevent over-baking. You want them to be golden, not too brown.
2. Cool the Cream: Allow the cream to cool slightly before incorporating the butter. This ensures a smooth, lump-free texture.
3. Let the Cake Rest: Allowing the cake to rest overnight in the fridge is key to achieving that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The layers will absorb the cream and become tender.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store the assembled honey cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors improve over time, making it even tastier after a day or two.
• Freezing: You can freeze the baked layers (without cream) for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature before assembling the cake with the filling.

Conclusion

This classic Ukrainian Honey Cake (Medivnyk) is a delightful, time-honored dessert that combines simple ingredients into a stunningly delicious cake. The layers are soft, slightly chewy, and infused with honey, while the rich cream filling adds smoothness and depth to each bite. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, this Medivnyk is sure to become a favorite in your home. Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a piece of Ukraine’s sweet culinary tradition in no time!