Slovak Honey Cake
Medovník
A rich and aromatic honey cake, Medovník is a traditional Slovak dessert known for its thin, spiced layers and creamy filling. Often decorated, it's a popular choice for celebrations and holidays.
🧂 Ingredients
- 450 g All-purpose flour(plus more for dusting)
- 180 g Powdered sugar
- 180 g Unsalted butter(softened)
- 1 unit Large egg
- 1.5 tsp Baking soda
- 180 ml Liquid honey
- 4 tbsp Heavy cream
- 1 tbsp Cocoa powder
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp Ground cloves
- 0.25 tsp Ground nutmeg
- 0.25 tsp Ground allspice
- 500 ml Vanilla pudding(at room temperature, for filling)
- 1 jar Jam(thick jam of your choice, for filling)
- 180 g Icing sugar(for buttercream filling)
- 250 g Unsalted butter(room temperature, for buttercream filling)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare a bain-marie by filling a medium saucepan with water and bringing it to a simmer. In a large bowl, combine softened butter, powdered sugar, egg, liquid honey, and heavy cream. Place the bowl over the simmering water and whisk until the mixture is creamy and white, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
💡 Tip: Ensure the water in the saucepan does not touch the bottom of the bowl. - 2
In a separate large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice. Gradually add the warm honey mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
💡 Tip: The dough should be soft but not sticky. - 3
Divide the dough into 5 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- 4
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each dough disc very thinly (about 2-3 mm thick) into a circle or rectangle. Trim edges to create neat layers.
💡 Tip: Work with one dough disc at a time, keeping the others chilled. - 5
Bake the dough layers for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden. Watch carefully as they bake quickly. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
💡 Tip: If layers puff up, you can gently press them down while still warm. - 6
Prepare the buttercream filling: Cream the icing sugar with softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the vanilla pudding, mixing until well combined and thick.
💡 Tip: Ensure the pudding is at room temperature to avoid curdling the butter. - 7
Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of jam, followed by a generous amount of the buttercream filling. Repeat with the remaining cake layers, ending with a final layer of buttercream.
💡 Tip: Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly. - 8
For decoration (optional): You can glaze the cake with melted chocolate or decorate with chopped nuts. Chill the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The thinner you roll the cake layers, the more delicate the final cake will be.
- ✓Ensure all ingredients for the filling are at room temperature for a smooth consistency.
- ✓Medovník can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a tablespoon of rum or brandy to the buttercream for an extra flavor dimension.
- Use a different type of thick jam, such as apricot or raspberry.
- Decorate with candied fruits or edible flowers.