Lithuanian Honey Cake with Spiced Cream

Ingredients

• For the cake: For the cake:
• 300g (2 ½ cups) all-purpose flour 300g (2 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
• 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• 120ml (½ cup) honey 120ml (½ cup) honey
• 120ml (½ cup) milk 120ml (½ cup) milk
• 120g (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted 120g (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tsp baking powder 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp salt ½ tsp salt
• For the spiced cream filling: For the spiced cream filling:
• 500ml (2 cups) heavy cream 500ml (2 cups) heavy cream
• 100g (½ cup) powdered sugar 100g (½ cup) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• For the honey glaze: For the honey glaze:
• 60ml (¼ cup) honey 60ml (¼ cup) honey
• 60g (¼ cup) granulated sugar 60g (¼ cup) granulated sugar

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat: 25g (15g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 52g (35g sugars)
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.4g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a round cake pan.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until light and fluffy. Add the honey, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. 5.
   Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
6. 6.
   Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. 7.
   Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely.
8. 8.
   In the meantime, prepare the spiced cream filling. In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Continue to whip until stiff peaks form.
9. 9.
   Once the cake has cooled, carefully slice it into three equal layers.
10. 10.
    Spread a generous amount of the spiced cream filling on the bottom layer of the cake. Place the second layer on top and repeat the process. Finally, place the third layer on top.
11. 11.
    In a small saucepan, heat the honey and granulated sugar for the glaze over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture has thickened slightly.
12. 12.
    Pour the honey glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
13. 13.
    Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
14. 14.
    Slice and serve chilled.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Honey — Use high-quality honey for the best flavor. Opt for a floral or mild honey variety to complement the cake's taste.
• Cinnamon and nutmeg — Freshly ground spices will enhance the flavor of the cream filling. Grind whole cinnamon sticks and nutmeg for the best results.
• Heavy cream — Ensure the heavy cream is cold before whipping to achieve the desired consistency.
• Eggs — Use room temperature eggs for easier mixing and better incorporation into the batter.
• All-purpose flour — Sift the flour before measuring to ensure accurate measurements and a lighter texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced honey flavor, brush each cake layer with a thin layer of honey before spreading the cream filling.
• Allow the cake to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight before serving to enhance the flavors and achieve a firmer texture.
• Decorate the top of the cake with crushed nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of elegance.
• If you prefer a lighter cream filling, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with mascarpone cheese.
• Serve the cake with a drizzle of additional honey and a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Serving advice

Serve the Lithuanian Honey Cake chilled for the best taste and texture. Slice it into generous portions and accompany each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of honey. This cake is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet ending to a Lithuanian-inspired meal.

Presentation advice

Present the Lithuanian Honey Cake on a cake stand or a decorative platter. Garnish the top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or edible flowers for an elegant touch. The golden glaze and creamy layers will make this cake a centerpiece on any dessert table.