What Is Medovik? The Story Behind the Honey Layer Cake

If you've never had Medovik, you're in for a treat. This honey layer cake is one of the most beloved desserts in Eastern Europe, found at birthdays, holidays and family gatherings. Here's what makes it so special, a little of its history, and how to enjoy it.

What is Medovik?

Medovik (from med, the word for honey) is a layered honey cake. Instead of a few thick sponge layers, it's made from many thin, honey-sweetened cake layers stacked with a creamy frosting. After it's assembled, the cake rests so the layers absorb the cream and turn soft, tender and almost melt-in-your-mouth.

A little history

Medovik is closely associated with Russia and is popular across Eastern Europe, including Ukraine and Belarus. A popular legend says it was created in the early 1800s by a young chef in the Russian imperial court for Empress Elizabeth, the wife of Tsar Alexander I, who was said to dislike honey until she tasted this cake. Whether or not the story is true, Medovik has been a family favorite for generations, and every household seems to have its own version.

What's inside our Medovik

Our Medovik honey cake keeps it classic:

• Honey cake layers: thin layers with a warm, caramelized honey flavor
• Sour cream frosting: light and slightly tangy, which balances the sweetness of the honey
• Fresh crumb coating: made from baked honey cake crumbs, for the signature look and texture

What does Medovik taste like?

Think warm honey and caramel, balanced by a smooth, tangy cream. The texture is what surprises most people: the thin layers soften as the cake rests, so each slice is tender and moist rather than dry or dense. It's sweet, but not overly heavy.

How to serve and store Medovik

• Keep it refrigerated. Because of the cream frosting, Medovik should be stored in the fridge.
• Serve it chilled. Cut with a sharp knife wiped clean between slices for neat layers.
• Pair it with coffee or tea. A smooth, chocolatey coffee like our House Blend or a malty Irish Breakfast tea balances the honey beautifully.

Sizes for every occasion

Our Medovik comes in an 8" round, a 10" round, and a 16" x 12" rectangle for bigger crowds, perfect for birthdays, holiday parties and office celebrations.

Order Medovik in Springfield, MO

We make our Medovik and other Eastern European cakes for delivery in the Springfield, MO area. Order a Medovik honey cake, or explore our other favorites like the Napoleon cake and Milk Maid cake. Planning a wedding or big event? See our wedding and event desserts.

Keep exploring: All cakes & pastries · Medovik Honey Cake · Fresh-roasted coffee