The Russian honey cake, or Medovik, is set to make its debut on Australian menus in 2023.
The Russian Empire in the early 19th Century is the origin of this cake. It’s a multilayered sponge cake with caramelized honey, roasted nuts, or cake crumbs.
Unaware of the Empress’s dislike of honey, a young baker, eager to impress her, made this labor-intensive cake. She fell in love instantly, and her dislike of honey disappeared. So the legend goes.
It’s good for us if it’s enough for the Russian Empress.
And thankfully for the Australian public, some bakers have decided to make this popular Soviet cake available to all.
Christina and Sergey of Christina’s Honey Cakes in Sydney have witnessed the rise in popularity of the dish. Honey cake’s popularity has exploded. From a small apartment business and an Instagram account to a commercial kitchen in Newtown.
I think there are two main reasons for its popularity. People are attracted to the appearance of its many thin layers. After tasting it, people remember the unique flavor profile and balance.”
What’s Christina’s recipe for the perfect honey cake, then? It’s crucial to caramelize honey for the correct amount of time. The honey layers may taste raw if it isn’t caramelized enough. It could have a burnt taste if it is caramelized too much.
Honey cake is also a big hit at the Charles Grand Brasserie in Sydney CBD. It’s so popular that you can order it for pickup or enjoy it with friends after dinner.
Cherry Moon General Storein Annandale bakes the layered cakes to order. Marrick’sin Marrickville opened a sister company called CBD Cakes to meet the demand for honey cakes. Mella Cakes will deliver their cakes to your home.
The honey cake is gaining popularity in Melbourne. A handful of bakers specialize in this sweet-and-sour dessert. MCakes and domestic operators Honey Cake King and Honey Cakes add their homemade touches to this celebration cake.
The Gold Coast and Brisbane are also in the know. Ukrainian baker Anna Glodyabakes honey cakes on order in Brissy, and Marishka’s Honey Cakesserves the Gold Coast.
In Perth, House of Honey Cake is a market operation that has been popping up all over the place, from the Adelaide Showgrounds to the Central Market.