Introduction
This layered honey cake, inspired by classic Medovik / Marlenka, is a rich and elegant dessert made with soft honey-infused cake layers, a silky milk cream filling, and a glossy caramel nut topping. It’s perfect for celebrations and special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Cake Layers
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup honey
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
For the Cream Filling
2 cups whole milk
2/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup butter, softened
For the Caramel Nut Topping
1 can (14 oz) dulce de leche or boiled condensed milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup roasted hazelnuts or peanuts, chopped
Instructions
Melt honey, butter, and sugar over low heat until smooth.
Add baking soda and stir until foamy.
Remove from heat and whisk in eggs.
Gradually add flour to form a soft dough.
Spread dough thinly onto parchment-lined trays.
Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 8–10 minutes until golden.
Prepare the cream by cooking milk, sugar, and cornstarch until thick.
Cool completely, then beat in softened butter and vanilla.
Assemble cake by layering cake sheets and cream.
Mix dulce de leche with cream and nuts.
Pour topping over cake and chill for at least 6 hours.
How to Make
Trim cake layers evenly for clean edges.
Use an offset spatula to spread cream smoothly.
Keep layers thin to allow proper softening.
Chill the cake before adding the caramel topping.
Pour topping slowly for an even glossy finish.
Refrigerate overnight for best texture and flavor.
Variations
Add cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate honey cake.
Replace cream filling with sweetened sour cream for a tangy taste.
Add apricot or plum jam between layers.
Use salted caramel for a sweet-salty contrast.
Substitute nuts with almonds or walnuts.
Tips
The cake tastes better the next day.
Use room-temperature butter for smooth cream.
Choose dark, aromatic honey for deeper flavor.
Toast nuts before using for extra crunch.
Keep cake refrigerated to maintain structure.
Conclusion
This layered honey cake with caramel and nuts is a show-stopping dessert that combines softness, creaminess, and crunch in every bite. Elegant, rich, and deeply comforting, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any special moment 🍯✨