Traditional Honey Cake Recipe

This traditional honey cake offers a delightful blend of sweetness and creamy textures, making it a favorite for special occasions. With its multiple thin layers, this cake provides a rich experience as the flavors of honey and cream meld together. Perfecting the cake involves detailed preparation, from creating a smooth dough to achieving an airy cream filling. The honey adds a unique depth, while a hint of rye flour gives a rustic touch to the layers. Each step aids in achieving the right balance of softness and structure, ensuring the cake holds together beautifully. Even though it requires patience, starting with caramelizing sugars to folding the cream layers, the final product is worth every bit of effort. This cake is perfect for those who enjoy the delicate interplay of honey and cream flavors with a satisfying crunch. It's not just a treat for the taste buds but also a stunning visual centerpiece on any dessert table. Dive into this step-by-step guide and discover the secrets to crafting a delicious honey cake.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons honey
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1 pinch salt
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 150 grams butter
• 250 milliliters sugar
• 1 cup fine rye flour
• 3 cups wheat flour

For the Filling:

• 2 liters sour cream
• 1/2 can condensed milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 8 packets whipped cream stabilizer (for 250ml each)

Preparation Time

Total Time: 120 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a saucepan, gently heat the milk, honey, sugar, and salt, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
2. Add the butter, stirring continuously until it melts and integrates into the mixture.
3. Introduce baking soda and stir over high heat for about 5 minutes, until the mixture becomes a dark brown mass, similar to caramel.
4. Watch closely during this step, as this will determine the golden hue of the cake.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly. Once cooled, whisk in the eggs one by one, ensuring a smooth mixture after each addition.
6. The batter will darken with the addition of eggs.
7. Begin by mixing in the rye flour, followed by enough wheat flour to form a thick, workable dough.
8. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it cool down; this resting period helps the flour absorb liquids and requires fewer adjustments later.
9. Once cooled, incrementally add the remaining flour, kneading until a stretchy dough forms.
10. Divide the dough into 11 portions; the size depends on the desired cake diameter (around 29cm for each layer).
11. Roll out each portion thinly between two parchment sheets, until translucent.
12. Use a cake ring to cut out discs and prick each with a fork to prevent uneven rising.
13. Bake each layer in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius for about 7 minutes, or until golden brown.
14. Remove from oven; initially soft, these will harden when cooled.
15. Prepare the cream by whipping the sour cream with sugar and condensed milk for about 15 minutes until fluffy.
16. Add the cream stabilizer until the mixture thickens like whipped cream.
17. Reserve one cake layer for crumble decoration and generously spread cream over each remaining cake disc.
18. Place the coated layers on a plate lined with plastic wrap, stacking them gently without pressing down.
19. Spread cream on the sides and pull up the plastic wrap to keep the cream in place.
20. Refrigerate for a few hours until set, then coat the sides again as needed and sprinkle with crumbled cake for texture.

Tips

• Temperature Control: Ensure the sugar mixture doesn’t burn; patience and continuous stirring are essential.
• Flour Substitutions: Use alternative flours like almond or spelt for different flavors or dietary preferences.
• Resting Time: While the batter can settle faster due to the thin layers, overnight resting ensures maximum flavor absorption.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
• Protein: 6g
• Fats: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 40g

Variations

• Substitute honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
• Use a dairy-free sour cream and plant-based condensed milk for a lactose-free option.
• Experiment with different spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a dollop of fresh whipped cream on top.
• Accompany with a side of berries for a refreshing contrast.
• Pair with a hot cup of tea or coffee for an indulgent experience.

Best Places

• La Patisserie des Rêves - Known for its exquisite pastries and delightful ambiance. Location: 93 Rue du Bac, Paris, France.
• Konditori - Offers a cozy environment with homemade treats. Location: 182 Allen St, New York, USA.
• Café Central - Famous for its traditional desserts and historical atmosphere. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.
• The Cakery - Specializes in custom cakes and pastries with a modern twist. Location: 19 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, Hong Kong.
• Caramel Patisserie - Known for its layered cakes and creative flavors. Location: 123 Fashion Street, London, UK.
• Sweet Tooth Bakery - Offers a variety of treats, perfect for every sweet-toothed visitor. Location: 22 Queen Street, Toronto, Canada.
• Pasticceria Marchesi - Blends tradition with modern flair in all their pastries. Location: 5 Corso Magenta, Milan, Italy.
• Tartine Bakery - Provides an artisanal experience with every bite. Location: 600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, USA.
• Sugary Tales - A dessert haven with an extensive cake selection. Location: 55 Rue Saint-Honoré, Paris, France.
• Bäckerei Konditorei - Combines authentic recipes with local ingredients for authentic flavors. Location: Augsburger Strasse 50, Berlin, Germany.