Medianyk (Honey Cake)

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Servings: 10 Difficulty: Advanced
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A traditional Polish honey cake with warm spices and a tender, moist crumb
Medianyk (Honey Cake recipe image
Medianyk (Honey Cake recipe image
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Medianyk (Honey Cake)

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 10 Calories: 3210.0

Description

This classic Medianyk is a beloved Polish honey cake known for its deep, rich flavor and dense, moist texture. Infused with a warm blend of ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon, it offers a comforting sweetness that improves as it rests. The batter is lightened by whipped egg whites, creating a tender crumb that holds up well to slicing. It is a traditional holiday treat, often served during Christmas or Easter celebrations. Perfectly paired with a cup of coffee or tea, this cake brings a taste of Eastern European heritage to your holiday table. It is simple to prepare using pantry staples yet delivers an impressive, old-fashioned result that guests will remember.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
  2. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 2 teaspoons baking powder. Set aside.
  3. Separate the eggs, placing the yolks in a mixing bowl and the whites in a clean, dry bowl for whipping.
  4. Cream the softened butter in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
  5. Add the egg yolks one at a time to the butter, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
  6. Stir in the honey until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
  7. Sift the flour and the spice mixture together twice to ensure even distribution. Gradually add to the butter-honey mixture, stirring until just combined.
  8. Whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
  9. Gently fold one-third of the whipped egg whites into the batter to lighten it.
  10. Carefully fold in the remaining egg whites, mixing gently until no white streaks remain.
  11. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  12. Bake for about 1 hour, or until the top is firm and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  13. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 10

Amount Per Serving
Calories 3210.0kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 95.5g147%
Saturated Fat 55.0g275%
Cholesterol 588.0mg196%
Sodium 777.5mg33%
Total Carbohydrate 554.2g185%
Dietary Fiber 9.5g38%
Sugars 289.2g
Protein 48.9g98%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

This cake tastes best after resting for a day or two, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to soften further.

Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Ensure your bowl for whipping egg whites is completely clean and dry, with no traces of fat, to ensure they whip to stiff peaks.

Keywords: polish, honey cake, medianyk, spice cake, christmas cake, holiday baking, traditional, moist cake, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, eastern european, loaf cake, vegetarian dessert, classic recipe, baking powder, egg whites, flour, butter
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