Honey Cake (Medovik) is a classic Russian dessert known for its thin, caramelized honey layers and rich sour cream frosting. The cake is easy to assemble with a sponge cake base that soaks up the sweet cream filling, creating a melt-in-your-mouth treat. This recipe is perfect for gatherings or as a special dessert to enjoy with a warm cup of tea.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Sponge Cake Layers:

• 3 eggs

• 1 cup clover honey

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp baking soda

• 1 tbsp white distilled vinegar

Sour Cream Frosting:

• 8 oz Cool Whip (thawed)

• 1 cup sour cream (Daisy brand)

Directions

1. Prepare the Sponge Cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 18×13” sheet pan with parchment paper.

2. Beat the eggs and honey for 2 minutes until light and frothy. Add the baking soda dissolved in vinegar and the flour. Mix well.

3. Spread ½ cup of the batter onto the parchment paper, making it as thin as possible, covering the pan. Bake each layer for 7 minutes. Repeat this process to bake four layers.

4. Cool the Cake Layers: Once baked, cool the layers completely before peeling off the parchment paper.

5. Cut the Cake Layers: Cut out 2 circles from each layer (about 7-8 inches in diameter), totaling 8 rounds. Save the scraps for garnish.

6. Prepare the Cake Crumbs: Place the leftover cake scraps on a baking sheet and bake at 275°F for 5-8 minutes to dry out. Crush them into crumbs.

7. Make the Frosting: Mix together the Cool Whip and sour cream to create a creamy frosting.

8. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake round on a serving plate, spread a layer of frosting, and repeat the process until all layers are stacked.

9. Garnish: Coat the top and sides of the cake with the reserved crumbs. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.

Nutrients

• Calories: 182 per slice

• Carbohydrates: 33g

• Protein: 3g

• Fat: 4g

• Saturated Fat: 2g

• Cholesterol: 40mg

• Sodium: 192mg

• Potassium: 75mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 20g

• Vitamin A: 159IU

• Vitamin C: 1mg

• Calcium: 39mg

• Iron: 1mg

Why You’ll Love Honey Cake (Medovik)

Medovik is not only delicious, but it’s also a treat with a fascinating texture. The sponge cake layers are light and airy, but once combined with the creamy frosting, they soak up the moisture and become irresistibly soft, almost melting in your mouth. The honey gives the cake a subtle, natural sweetness, while the sour cream frosting adds a rich, slightly tangy contrast, creating the perfect balance.

This cake is also quite versatile. Though it’s traditionally made with honey and sour cream, the recipe is adaptable, and you can experiment with different frostings or layer fillings to suit your taste. Medovik is also great for making ahead of time, as it benefits from resting in the fridge overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to develop.

The Ingredients That Make Medovik Special

The beauty of this honey cake lies in its simplicity and high-quality ingredients:

• Eggs: The eggs help create a light, airy texture for the cake layers, ensuring it doesn’t become too dense.

• Clover Honey: The honey gives the cake its signature sweetness and depth of flavor. Clover honey, in particular, is mild and fragrant, making it ideal for this cake.

• Flour and Baking Soda: The all-purpose flour and baking soda help the cake layers rise and maintain structure, making them light and easy to stack.

• Vinegar: The vinegar reacts with the baking soda to create a gentle rise in the cake layers, adding to the light texture.

• Cool Whip and Sour Cream: The sour cream adds a tangy creaminess to the frosting, while the Cool Whip provides a fluffy, smooth consistency that binds everything together without being overly heavy.

How to Make Honey Cake (Medovik)

Making Honey Cake (Medovik) is a multi-step process, but the results are well worth the effort. Here’s how you can make this delightful dessert:

1. Prepare the Sponge Cake Layers

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 18×13” sheet pan with parchment paper.

• In a medium-sized bowl, beat the eggs and honey together for about 2 minutes until the mixture becomes light and frothy.

• In a separate small bowl, dissolve the baking soda in the white distilled vinegar. Add this to the egg and honey mixture, followed by the flour. Stir until the batter is well mixed.

• Spread ½ cup of the batter onto the parchment paper, making it as thin as possible to cover the pan.

• Bake for 7 minutes. Repeat this process until you’ve baked four layers. Allow each layer to cool completely before peeling it off the parchment paper.

2. Cut the Cake Layers

• Once the cake layers have cooled, cut out 2 circles from each layer, about 7-8 inches in diameter. This will give you a total of 8 rounds.

• Keep the cake scraps, as they will be used for garnish.

3. Prepare the Cake Crumbs

• Place the leftover cake scraps on a baking sheet and bake them at 275°F (135°C) for 5-8 minutes to dry them out.

• Once dried, crush the cake scraps into small crumbs that will be used to coat the cake.

4. Make the Frosting

• To make the frosting, simply mix together the Cool Whip and sour cream in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy.

5. Assemble the Cake

• Place one of the cake rounds on a serving plate. Spread a layer of the sour cream frosting over the cake round.

• Repeat this process by layering the remaining cake rounds, applying frosting between each layer.

• Once all layers are stacked, coat the top and sides of the cake with the reserved crumbs. This adds texture and gives the cake a beautiful finish.

6. Refrigerate

• Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the cake to absorb the frosting, making it even more delicious.

Nutritional Benefits of Honey Cake (Medovik)

Though honey cake is a treat, it also offers some nutritional benefits, especially when compared to other richer desserts. Each slice contains 182 calories, which makes it a relatively moderate-calorie option for a sweet treat.

• Carbohydrates: At 33 grams per slice, the majority of the calories come from carbohydrates, primarily from the honey and flour in the cake layers.

• Protein: Each slice offers 3 grams of protein, thanks to the eggs and sour cream, which help contribute to muscle repair and recovery.

• Fat: The cake contains 4 grams of fat per slice, with 2 grams coming from saturated fat, which is present in the sour cream and Cool Whip.

• Fiber: The cake contains 1 gram of fiber per slice, mainly from the flour and sour cream.

• Vitamins and Minerals: The cake provides small amounts of vitamin A (159 IU), calcium (39 mg), and iron (1 mg), helping to support bone health, blood circulation, and overall well-being.

Customization Options

While Medovik is traditionally made with a honey and sour cream combination, there are several ways you can make the cake your own:

• Frosting Variations: If you’re looking for a lighter frosting, you can substitute the Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream or use mascarpone cheese for a richer texture.

• Flavor Add-ins: You can add a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract to the cake layers for a different flavor profile. Some people even like to incorporate ground cinnamon or cardamom for an added touch of spice.

• Decorating the Cake: For extra decoration, you can garnish the cake with fresh berries, edible flowers, or even a drizzle of honey over the top to enhance the visual appeal and add a little extra sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Honey Cake (Medovik) is perfect for many occasions, whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or a simple dessert to enjoy with friends. It pairs beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making it an ideal dessert for afternoon tea or a cozy dessert after dinner. The cake is best enjoyed after it has rested, allowing the layers to soak up the creamy frosting.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Honey Cake (Medovik) is a classic and delicious Russian dessert that is sure to impress. The combination of light, caramelized honey layers and creamy sour cream frosting creates a perfect balance of sweetness and richness. While the recipe may take some time and effort, the result is a cake that is well worth the wait. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy it with a cup of tea or share it with friends and family—Honey Cake is a truly delightful treat!