Russian Honey Cake, also known as Medovik, is a traditional Eastern European dessert made of thin honey-flavored sponge cake layers and a creamy sour cream frosting. This melt-in-your-mouth cake is a beautiful balance of mild sweetness and tang, often served at celebrations or alongside tea. Unlike labor-intensive versions that require rolling and chilling, this easy sponge-based recipe simplifies the process without compromising the iconic texture or taste. Decorated with cake crumbs, it’s rustic, nostalgic, and incredibly satisfying.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Sponge Cake Layers:

• 3 large eggs

• 1 cup clover honey

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp baking soda

• 1 tbsp white distilled vinegar

For the Sour Cream Frosting:

• 8 oz Cool Whip (thawed)

• 1 cup sour cream (preferably Daisy brand)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut 4 pieces of parchment paper to fit an 18×13-inch sheet pan.

2. Make the batter: In a bowl, beat eggs and honey for 2 minutes until frothy. Dissolve baking soda in vinegar, then add to the egg mixture along with flour. Mix just until combined.

3. Bake the layers: Spread ½ cup of batter thinly over a parchment-lined, inverted baking sheet into a 16×11-inch rectangle. Bake each layer for 7 minutes until golden. Repeat to make 4 large rectangles.

4. Cool & cut: Let the layers cool, peel off parchment, and cut two 7½–8 inch circles from each layer using a plate (makes 8 round layers total). Keep the leftover scraps for decoration.

5. Prepare the cake crumbs: Bake leftover scraps at 275°F for 5–8 minutes until dry. Crush into fine crumbs using a rolling pin.

6. Make the frosting: Mix sour cream and Cool Whip together until smooth.

7. Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread with cream, and continue layering. Frost the top and sides, then coat with the reserved crumbs.

8. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight, to allow the layers to soak and flavors to develop.

Nutrients (Per serving, approx. for 16 slices)

• Calories: 182 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 33 g

• Protein: 3 g

• Fat: 4 g

• Saturated Fat: 2 g

• Cholesterol: 40 mg

• Sodium: 192 mg

• Fiber: 1 g

• Sugar: 20 g

• Calcium: 39 mg

• Iron: 1 mg

• Vitamin A: 159 IU

• Vitamin C: 1 mg

A Cake with Deep Roots and Enduring Charm

Medovik dates back to the 19th century and is said to have originated in the Russian imperial court. Since then, it has become a staple dessert in homes across Russia, Ukraine, and other Slavic countries. Its name comes from the Russian word for honey—med—a nod to the star ingredient that gives this cake its unmistakable aroma and golden hue.

Over time, many variations have emerged, some more elaborate than others, involving rolling out dough, extensive chilling, or pastry cream fillings. This version simplifies the process with sponge cake layers that bake quickly and easily without rolling, while still delivering the tender, flavorful texture that defines the original.

The Signature Honey-Infused Sponge Layers

The foundation of this cake lies in its thin sponge layers, each delicately flavored with honey. When baked, these layers develop a golden hue and a light, airy structure that remains soft yet sturdy enough to support multiple tiers of frosting. The flavor is gently sweet, with floral notes from the honey, making it a subtle yet elegant backdrop for the tangy cream.

Because the batter is spread thinly before baking, each layer takes only minutes in the oven. Once cooled and trimmed into rounds, these sponges stack neatly to create a beautiful, tall cake that looks as impressive as it tastes. The layers soften as the cake chills, creating a unified, tender bite that’s surprisingly light despite the cake’s height.

A Tangy Sour Cream Frosting that Complements Perfectly

No Medovik is complete without the signature sour cream frosting—a creamy, lightly sweetened topping that balances the richness of the honey sponge with a refreshing tang. In this recipe, the frosting is made with a combination of sour cream and Cool Whip, which adds fluffiness and stability without overpowering the flavor.

The slight acidity of the sour cream cuts through the sweetness of the honey and sugar, offering a clean, balanced finish. This contrast is what makes Medovik so beloved—it’s not just a sweet cake, but a harmoniously layered dessert with complexity in every bite.

Each layer is spread with just enough frosting to soak in and transform the sponges from firm to fork-tender. The longer the cake rests in the refrigerator, the more beautifully the layers meld together, making this one of those rare desserts that only improves with time.

A Rustic Appearance with a Timeless Appeal

One of the hallmarks of Russian Honey Cake is its rustic, crumb-coated exterior. After trimming the sponge layers into perfect circles, the leftover scraps are dried, crushed, and used to coat the outside of the cake. This not only gives the cake its signature texture but also reduces waste and adds a toasted honey flavor that completes the dessert.

Visually, the fine golden crumbs give the cake a natural, earthy elegance. It’s the kind of dessert that doesn’t rely on elaborate decorations to impress—it wins hearts with its understated beauty and the promise of nostalgic flavor. Whether served as a centerpiece for a gathering or sliced simply for afternoon tea, it delivers old-world charm in a modern, approachable form.

Ideal for Holidays, Celebrations, and Family Moments

Medovik is a cake that feels celebratory, even when served casually. Its layered structure and soft, creamy filling make it a special treat for birthdays, holidays like Christmas or Easter, and cultural celebrations such as Russian New Year. It’s also a thoughtful dessert to make for loved ones, especially those with roots in Eastern Europe or a love for nostalgic sweets.

Because it improves with time, it’s also an excellent make-ahead dessert. Prepare it the day before your event, let it rest in the fridge overnight, and you’ll be rewarded with a tender, perfectly set cake that slices cleanly and serves beautifully. The ease of preparation makes it a favorite for hosts who want to impress without the stress.

Comfort Food with a Light Touch

While Medovik may look rich and dense, it’s actually surprisingly light. The thin sponge layers, airy frosting, and modest sweetness make it an easy dessert to enjoy after a heavy meal or alongside a warm beverage. It’s satisfying without being overwhelming—a trait that has helped it endure as a beloved favorite for generations.

The balance of flavors—floral honey, tangy cream, and gentle vanilla—makes it appealing to a wide audience, even those who typically shy away from sugary cakes. And thanks to its low butter content and fluffy texture, it offers a comforting experience without heaviness.

Perfect for Beginner and Seasoned Bakers Alike

Despite its elegant appearance, Russian Honey Cake is quite accessible. This sponge-based version is especially friendly for newer bakers who may be intimidated by the traditional rolled version. The batter comes together quickly, the layers bake fast, and the final assembly is forgiving thanks to the generous layer of crumbs that covers any imperfections.

For seasoned bakers, it’s a wonderful blank canvas for experimentation. You can infuse the cream with vanilla, citrus zest, or even a hint of caramel. The cake layers can be made with buckwheat or rye flour for a more traditional twist, or the frosting can be made entirely from whipped sour cream or Greek yogurt for added tang.

The possibilities are endless, but the result is always a cake with soul—one that reflects both history and home.

Conclusion

Russian Honey Cake, or Medovik, is a dessert that celebrates tradition, flavor, and the joy of layered baking. With its delicate honey sponge, creamy tangy filling, and rustic crumb-coated finish, it’s a timeless treat that bridges generations and cultures. This simplified version captures the essence of the original while making it accessible for everyday bakers.

Whether you’re honoring a family recipe, exploring new culinary traditions, or simply baking to bring people together, this cake is a perfect choice. It’s sweet without being heavy, beautiful without being fussy, and satisfying in a way that only heritage recipes can be.

Serve it with tea, share it with loved ones, and let each slice tell its own delicious story.