Ukrainian Honey Cake (Medivnyk)

This traditional Ukrainian Medivnyk is a rich, dense cake celebrated for its deep honey flavor and warm spice profile. Unlike typical spongy cakes, this loaf has a moist, fudgy texture that intensifies as it rests. The combination of dark honey, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg creates an aromatic experience reminiscent of festive winter holidays. Packed with dried fruits like raisins, currants, and dates, plus crunchy walnuts, it offers a delightful contrast of textures. It is best served in thin slices, often with tea or coffee. This cake truly shines when made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld and mellow over two days, making it an ideal centerpiece for special occasions or a thoughtful homemade gift.

Cooking Method: Baking, Boiling

Cuisine: Global

Courses: Desserts

Difficulty: Advanced

Servings: 10

Calories: 814

Dietary: Vegetarian

Description

This traditional Ukrainian Medivnyk is a rich, dense cake celebrated for its deep honey flavor and warm spice profile. Unlike typical spongy cakes, this loaf has a moist, fudgy texture that intensifies as it rests. The combination of dark honey, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg creates an aromatic experience reminiscent of festive winter holidays. Packed with dried fruits like raisins, currants, and dates, plus crunchy walnuts, it offers a delightful contrast of textures. It is best served in thin slices, often with tea or coffee. This cake truly shines when made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld and mellow over two days, making it an ideal centerpiece for special occasions or a thoughtful homemade gift.

Ingredients

Dark honey
Powdered cinnamon
Nutmeg or mace
Powdered cloves
Unsalted butter, softened
Baking soda
Dark brown sugar, firmly packed
Egg yolks
Flour, sifted
Salt
Baking powder
Gold raisins
Currants
Pitted dates, chopped
Candied orange peel, chopped
Walnuts or blanched almonds, chopped
Egg whites
Sugar

Directions

1
In a small saucepan, combine the honey, cinnamon, nutmeg (or mace), and cloves. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
2
Remove the honey mixture from heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.
3
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Butter two 7- or 8-inch loaf pans and line them with buttered brown paper.
4
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, baking soda, and dark brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
5
Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
6
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
7
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the cooled honey mixture, stirring until just combined.
8
Fold in the raisins, currants, chopped dates, candied orange peel, and chopped nuts.
9
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with 1 tablespoon of sugar until stiff peaks form.
10
Gently fold the stiffly beaten egg whites into the batter in two additions, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
11
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans.
12
Bake for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
13
Turn the cakes out of the pans, remove the paper, and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
14
Wrap the cooled cakes tightly and let them mellow for at least 2 days before slicing to allow flavors to develop.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 10 servings

Amount Per Serving
Calories 814kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 49g76%
Saturated Fat 31g155%
Cholesterol 129mg43%
Sodium 3mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 102g34%
Dietary Fiber 2g8%
Sugars 100g
Protein 1g2%

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

Keywords: ukrainian, medivnyk, honey cake, spiced cake, holiday dessert, traditional baking, raisins, walnuts, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, dates, currants, loaf cake, make ahead, christmas cake, east european, fruit cake, spice cake, vegetarian dessert

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/ukranian-honey-cake-medivnyk/