Ukrainian Honey Walnut Cake

Ingredients

While the Icebox Cake is a no-bake dessert, the Ukrainian Honey Walnut Cake is a baked cake that requires a few additional steps. The original recipe's graham crackers are replaced with layers of honey-infused sponge cake, and the whipped cream filling is substituted with a creamy walnut filling. The Ukrainian version also incorporates traditional flavors like honey and walnuts, which are commonly used in Ukrainian desserts. We alse have the original recipe for Icebox Cake, so you can check it out.

• For the sponge cake: For the sponge cake:
• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the honey syrup: For the honey syrup:
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• 1/2 cup (170g) honey 1/2 cup (170g) honey
• For the walnut cream filling: For the walnut cream filling:
• 2 cups (200g) walnuts, finely chopped 2 cups (200g) walnuts, finely chopped
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For garnish: For garnish:
• Powdered sugar Powdered sugar
• Toasted walnuts Toasted walnuts

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 28g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 28g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until pale and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Add the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture. Mix until well combined.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. 5.
   Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
6. 6.
   Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
7. 7.
   While the cakes are baking, prepare the honey syrup by combining the water and honey in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat until the honey is dissolved. Set aside to cool.
8. 8.
   Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. 9.
   Once the cakes are cooled, use a skewer or toothpick to poke holes all over the surface of each cake. Pour the honey syrup evenly over both cakes, allowing it to soak in.
10. 10.
    To prepare the walnut cream filling, whip the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the chopped walnuts.
11. 11.
    Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of the walnut cream filling on top. Place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining walnut cream filling.
12. 12.
    Garnish the cake with powdered sugar and toasted walnuts.
13. 13.
    Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.
14. 14.
    Serve chilled and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Walnuts — Make sure to finely chop the walnuts for a smooth cream filling.
• Honey — Use a good quality honey for the syrup to enhance the flavor of the cake.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, toast the walnuts before chopping them.
• If you prefer a sweeter cake, you can add an additional drizzle of honey over the top layer of the cake before garnishing.
• Make sure the cakes are completely cooled before pouring the honey syrup to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Serving advice

Serve the Ukrainian Honey Walnut Cake chilled for the best taste and texture. Cut into slices and enjoy with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, dust the serving plate with powdered sugar before placing the cake on it. Garnish the top of the cake with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few whole toasted walnuts.