Traditional Ukrainian Honey Cake with Walnut Crunch
This Traditional Ukrainian Honey Cake is a nostalgic recipe that has been cherished for generations. Known for its rich flavor and incredibly moist texture, this cake harmoniously blends the sweetness of honey with the earthy crunch of walnuts. The hint of cinnamon adds a warm spice that makes every bite delightful. Served with a simple dusting of icing sugar, this cake is perfect for any occasion—from family gatherings to festive celebrations. It's not just a treat; it's a sweet slice of tradition.
10
Servings
320
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Honey
1 cup (Boiled and brought to room temperature)
Butter
1/2 cup (Softened)
Brown Sugar
1 cup (Packed)
Eggs
4 (Separated into whites and yolks)
All-Purpose Flour
3 cups (Sifted)
Baking Soda
2 teaspoons (N/A)
Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Sour Cream
1 cup (N/A)
Walnuts
1 cup (Chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a tube pan thoroughly.
2
In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and packed brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
3
Add the egg yolks to the creamed mixture one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4
Pour in the cooled honey and mix until fully incorporated.
5
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
6
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined.
7
Fold in the chopped walnuts for an added crunch.
8
In another bowl, beat the egg whites until they reach stiff peaks. Carefully fold the beaten egg whites into the batter, ensuring not to deflate the mixture.
9
Pour the batter into the prepared tube pan and smooth the top.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11
In the final stages of baking, lower the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C) to prevent the honey from burning.
12
Once done, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
13
Dust the cooled cake with icing sugar before serving.
Nutrition Information
17.5g
Fat
39.5g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Traditional Ukrainian Honey Cake?
A nostalgic dessert cherished for generations, known for its rich honey flavor, moist texture, and walnut crunch.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 10 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 320 calories.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The cake features a sweet honey base balanced with earthy walnuts and a warm hint of cinnamon.
How should the honey be prepared?
The honey should be boiled and then brought to room temperature before being added to the batter.
What type of pan is recommended?
A tube pan is recommended, and it must be thoroughly greased.
Why are the eggs separated?
The yolks are creamed with butter and sugar, while the whites are beaten to stiff peaks and folded in to provide lift and moisture.
What role does sour cream play?
Sour cream adds significant moisture and a slight tang that complements the sweetness of the honey.
What is the initial baking temperature?
The oven should be preheated and the cake started at 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius).
Why is the oven temperature lowered during baking?
The temperature is lowered to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius) in the final stages to prevent the honey from burning.
How long does the cake bake?
The total baking time is between 50 to 55 minutes.
How much fat is in one serving?
There is 17.5g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
Each serving contains 39.5g of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this cake provide?
Each serving provides 5g of protein.
Can I substitute the walnuts?
Yes, while traditional, you can substitute walnuts with other nuts like pecans or omit them if necessary.
What is the best way to finish the cake?
The cake should be dusted with icing sugar once it has cooled completely.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients total, including pantry staples like flour, sugar, and spices.
What are the leavening agents used?
The recipe uses a combination of 2 teaspoons of baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder.
How should I mix the dry ingredients?
The flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt should be sifted together in a separate bowl before adding to the wet mix.
What technique is used for the egg whites?
Egg whites are beaten to stiff peaks and then carefully folded into the batter to avoid deflating the mixture.
How do I test if the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is finished baking.
How long should the cake cool in the pan?
Let the cake cool in the tube pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
What kind of sugar is used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of packed brown sugar.
How much honey is required?
You will need 1 cup of honey.
Is there salt in the recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is included to enhance the other flavors.
How much flour is needed?
The recipe requires 3 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
What tags define this recipe?
Key tags include Ukrainian, honey cake, walnut cake, traditional recipe, and moist cake.
Can this be served at festive celebrations?
Yes, it is considered perfect for both family gatherings and festive celebrations.
Is the texture light or heavy?
Despite being rich, the folded egg whites and sour cream ensure the texture is moist and light.
What is the walnut preparation?
The walnuts should be chopped before being folded into the batter for an even crunch throughout.