Medirnyk (Honey Cake)(International: Ukraine)
Honey cake with walnuts and raisins offers rich sweetness and warm spices, perfect for festive occasions or as a comforting treat for dessert lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring honey just to a boil, then remove from heat and let cool.
- Cream together the brown sugar and butter until smooth.
- Slowly beat in the egg yolks one at a time.
- Add the cooled honey to the mixture and blend well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, and chopped walnuts.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Stir in the sour cream and raisins until combined.
- Pour the batter into a prepared baking pan.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, use dark honey instead of light honey. If you don't have walnuts, pecans or almonds can be good substitutes. To enhance the spices, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming with sugar. For a delicious twist, you can add some zest from an orange or lemon to the batter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Medirnyk warm or at room temperature, dusted with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness. It pairs beautifully with Bavarian Cream Pudding or a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat, and consider serving it alongside fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Medirnyk in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, ensuring it retains its moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Medirnyk (Honey Cake)(International: Ukraine) contains roughly 423 calories, with 10g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 669mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition. However, keep in mind that this might change the texture of the cake slightly, making it denser. Experimenting with gluten-free flour blends can also work if you're looking for a gluten-free option.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
A good way to check if Medirnyk is done is to insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, the cake is ready. If there is wet batter on the toothpick, it needs more time in the oven. Make sure to check it a few minutes before the suggested baking time.
Can I add other fruits or nuts to the batter?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding dried fruits like apricots or cranberries, or even fresh fruits like peaches or apples. Additional nuts such as pecans or hazelnuts can provide extra crunch and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the amount of other ingredients accordingly to maintain the batter's consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).