Ryzhik Cake is a tender honey layer cake that chills into soft, creamy slices with a mellow caramel note and a gentle finish from the butter cream.
Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 50 g butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 egg yolks
- 200 g butter
Instructions
- 1
Set a water bath over low heat.
- 2
Combine the egg, sugar, butter, and honey in a heatproof bowl set over the water bath.
- 3
Stir in the baking soda and sour cream.
- 4
Cook, stirring, until the mixture thickens and turns slightly deeper in color, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- 5
Remove from the heat and mix in the flour to form a soft dough.
- 6
Chill the dough for 1 hour.
- 7
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line two baking sheets with parchment.
- 8
Divide the dough into 7 equal portions. Roll each portion directly on parchment into a very thin round.
- 9
Bake each layer for 5 to 7 minutes until lightly golden. Cool on the pan.
- 10
Beat the condensed milk, egg yolks, and 200 g butter until smooth and creamy.
- 11
Spread the cream between the cooled layers and stack into a cake. Spread the remaining cream over the top and sides.
- 12
Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight before slicing.
Cook's Note
Chill the dough for at least 1 hour before rolling so it firms up and the thin layers hold their shape cleanly.
Best Served With
Fresh berries
Why This Recipe Works
A small amount of honey gives the layers their warm flavor, while the condensed milk and butter cream softens them into a cake that slices neatly after resting.
Make It Yours
- Add toasted nuts between the layers.
- Use browned butter in the cream.
- Finish the top with cake crumbs or a light dusting of cocoa.
Leftover Strategy
Refrigerate covered for up to 4 days. Serve chilled, or let slices sit for a few minutes before eating so the honey layers soften.
Want to impress guests with this dish? Ask Jeff →
Pairing
Hot
black tea ↗ or coffee fits the honeyed layers; honey cookies make a natural pantry-side match.
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