Decadent Russian Honey Cake with Burnt-Honey Icing Recipe

Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by Antoni Recipes Team

As the first hints of autumn begin to weave their way into our lives, I find myself yearning for the comforting scents of home-baked treats. One such delight that never fails to enchant is the Russian Honey Cake, or Medovik, with its enchanting layers that tell a story of tradition and warmth. This cake, lovingly crafted with burnt-honey icing that brings a delicate caramel touch, serves not just as a dessert but as a centerpiece for your special gatherings imagine the admiring glances from friends and family as each slice reveals its beautiful layers!

This isn t just any cake; it s a testament to the art of baking that requires a sprinkle of patience but rewards you with a stunning creation worthy of praise. Whether it s a celebration or just a cozy afternoon, this Russian Honey Cake transforms an ordinary day into something extraordinary. Let s dive into this indulgent adventure and create something truly memorable together!

Why is Russian honey cake so special?

Exquisite Layers: Each slice reveals beautifully stacked layers that make for an eye-catching dessert worthy of any occasion.

Rich Burnt-Honey Icing: The icing s caramel notes add a decadent twist that elevates this dessert to new heights.

A Celebration of Tradition: Rooted in Russian culinary heritage, this cake brings warmth and nostalgia to your table.

Versatile Flavor Profile: Adjust the spices or incorporate nuts for a personal touch that suits your taste.

Perfect for Gatherings: Impress your guests with a stunning centerpiece that s sure to spark joy and compliments.

Effort Pays Off: While it requires a bit of patience, the satisfaction of crafting this cake is undeniably rewarding!

Russian Honey Cake Ingredients

For the Cake Layers

• Honey Provides sweetness and a unique flavor; feel free to substitute with maple syrup for a different taste.
• Unsalted Butter Ensures a moist and rich cake; always use unsalted for better flavor control.
• Soft Light Brown Sugar Adds moisture and caramel flavor; white sugar can be used but will alter flavor slightly.
• Plain Flour The ingredient that gives structure; opt for a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
• Baking Soda Essential for helping the cake rise.
• Salt Enhances flavors throughout the cake.
• Ground Ginger Infuses warmth and spice; increase for a more robust flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon Offers warmth and sweetness to each bite.
• Mixed Spice A blend that adds complex notes; substitute with pumpkin pie spice if needed.
• Eggs Vital for binding the ingredients and adding moisture; ensure they are at room temperature for optimal mixing.
• Vanilla Extract Enhances depth of flavor remarkably.

For the Burnt-Honey Icing

• Double Cream Provides richness and a smooth texture; heavy whipping cream is a suitable alternative.
• Dulce de Leche Adds a glorious caramel note; both store-bought and homemade are acceptable.
• Soured Cream Contributes tanginess to balance the sweetness; plain yogurt may serve as a substitute.
• Sea Salt Enhances sweetness and balances flavors; feel free to use kosher salt as an alternative.

For Assembly

• Baked Cake Trimmings Use crumbled scraps for an eye-catching decoration that adds texture to the finished cake.

How to Make Russian Honey Cake

1. Prepare the Icing: In a small pan, cook honey over medium heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it turns dark. Then, combine with double cream and sea salt, and chill in the fridge until needed.
2. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 200 °C (fan 180 °C / gas 6). Prepare two baking trays by lining them with parchment paper, marking 23cm circles as templates to guide your cake layers.
3. Make Cake Layers: In a saucepan, melt butter, honey, and sugar together. Once melted, combine everything in a bowl and let it cool slightly for a smoother mix.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the plain flour, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and mixed spice in a separate bowl.
5. Combine Mixtures: Mix the eggs and vanilla with the cooled butter mixture, then blend in the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles pliable dough.
6. Portion Dough: Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and cover them to prevent drying. Roll each piece to fit the marked circles before baking for 8-9 minutes, until they are firm and lightly browned.
7. Finish Baking: Cool the baked layers before baking the trimmings until crisp, giving you a delightful garnish later.
8. Complete Icing: Mix the chilled honey mixture with dulce de leche and soured cream, then gently fold in whipped cream until slightly fluid for a luscious finish.
9. Assemble Cake: Layer the cooled cake layers with icing in between, covering the top and sides with icing. Chill the assembled cake overnight to enhance its texture and flavor.
10. Decorate: Before serving, crumble the baked scraps over the top of the cake for a beautiful and tasty garnish.

Optional: Consider adding crushed nuts between layers for extra texture and flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Russian Honey Cake

• Room Temperature Eggs: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature; this helps create a smooth and well-mixed batter for your Russian honey cake.
• Chill for Best Results: Don t rush the chilling process allowing the assembled cake to rest overnight infuses moisture between layers, enhancing flavor and texture.
• Use Parchment Paper: To prevent cake layers from sticking, always line your baking trays with parchment paper, making it easier to remove the layers after baking.
• Check Layer Flexibility: When baking, ensure cake layers are slightly flexible like gingerbread; this helps prevent cracking when stacking.
• Avoid Overmixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense layers in your cake.

What to Serve with Russian Honey Cake?

To create a delightful dining experience, consider pairing your cake with complementary dishes and drinks that elevate its flavors.

• Whipped Cream: Light and airy, freshly whipped cream enhances the cake s richness, providing a lovely contrast to the velvety icing.
• Fresh Berries: Tart raspberries or sweet strawberries add a burst of freshness, cutting through the cake s sweetness and balancing the flavors beautifully.
• Coffee or Espresso: A robust cup of coffee rounds out dessert perfectly, with its bitter notes balancing the honey s sweetness. Sip slowly with a slice for pure bliss!
• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream paired with the warm caramel notes in the icing creates a decadent treat that s hard to resist.
• Nuts and Seeds: A sprinkle of toasted walnuts or hazelnuts brings a delightful crunch that contrasts the soft layers of cake, enhancing the overall experience.
• Earl Grey Tea: The fragrant notes of bergamot in this tea complement the honey and spices in a unique way, making every bite even more enjoyable.
• Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling a bit of warm chocolate sauce can elevate your dessert presentation and offers a rich flavor contrast to the honey notes.

Indulging in these pairings will not only round out your meal but will also make your Russian Honey Cake the star of the show!

Russian Honey Cake Variations

Feel free to explore these creative twists and tweaks that can make your Russian Honey Cake uniquely yours!

• Gluten-Free: Substitute plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs while keeping the flavor intact.
• Spiced Version: Increase the amount of ground ginger and cinnamon for a spicier cake that warms your palate with every bite.
• Nuts Galore: Incorporate crushed walnuts or hazelnuts between the layers for delightful crunch and texture; it adds a lovely surprise in each slice.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the assembled cake for a rich contrast to the sweetness of the honey icing.
• Citrus Zing: Add a splash of lemon or orange zest to the icing for a refreshing burst of flavor that brightens the dessert beautifully.
• Cream Cheese Icing: Swap out the burnt-honey icing for a tangy cream cheese frosting, creating a different but equally delicious dessert experience.
• Fruit Infusion: Layer in fresh fruits like raspberries or strawberries between the cake layers; not only does it look beautiful, but it also adds a refreshing touch of sweetness.
• Chai Spice Mix: Use a chai spice blend instead of mixed spice for a unique, aromatic experience that gives each bite a hint of warmth and comfort.

Get creative and let your personality shine through every delicious layer of this cake!

Make Ahead Options

These delightful Russian Honey Cake layers are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts seeking to save time during busy days. You can prepare the cake layers up to 24 hours in advance. Simply allow them to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and refrigerate to maintain freshness. The icing can also be made ahead; just chill it in the fridge and assemble the cake when you re ready to serve. When it s time to enjoy your cake, layer the chilled icing between your cake layers and allow the assembled cake to chill for a couple of hours to enhance the flavors. This way, you ll have a stunning dessert ready with minimal effort!

How to Store and Freeze Russian Honey Cake

Airtight Storage: Store your Russian honey cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its moist texture and flavor.

Refrigeration: For longer freshness, place the cake in the refrigerator, where it can last up to a week. Just remember to cover it well to prevent it from absorbing any odors.

Freezer Option: If you want to keep it for an extended period, freeze the layers individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating Tips: When you re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and bring it to room temperature before serving for the best taste experience.

Russian Honey Cake Recipe FAQs

What type of honey should I use for Russian honey cake?
I recommend using a high-quality, flavorful honey such as wildflower or clover honey for the best taste. However, if you re feeling adventurous, maple syrup can be a great alternative, providing a unique flavor twist to your cake.

How should I store leftover Russian honey cake?
Store your Russian honey cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer to keep it longer, place it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to a week just make sure to cover it well!

Can I freeze Russian honey cake?
Absolutely! To freeze your cake, wrap each layer individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

What if my cake layers turn out too dry?
If you find that your cake layers are dry, it may be due to overbaking. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven when they are lightly browned but still flexible. Additionally, make sure to let your cake chill overnight after assembly; this helps the layers retain moisture and flavor as they meld together.

Is there a gluten-free option for this Russian honey cake?
Definitely! You can substitute plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a lovely gluten-free version of this cake. Just ensure that the blend you choose is suitable for baking, as some may not yield the same results.

Can I add nuts or different spices to the cake?
Yes, the more the merrier! You can certainly incorporate crushed nuts between the layers for extra crunch. If you prefer a spicier flavor, feel free to increase the amount of ground ginger or cinnamon according to your taste. Just be sure to balance the additional flavors with the sweetness of the icing.