Layered Honey Cake with Sour Cream Frosting

Layered honey cake with five to seven tender honey sheets and sour cream frosting.

Total 10 hr 30 minMakes 10 servings
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This classic honey cake layers thin, fragrant honey sheets with tangy sour cream frosting. Roll the warm dough thinly, bake each layer briefly and chill the assembled cake overnight so the frosting softens the layers. Heat honey, sugar and butter in a heatproof bowl over simmering water until smooth. Stir in baking soda until foamy. Cool 5 minutes. Whisk in eggs quickly, then gradually stir in flour to form a soft dough. Divide into 6 portions. Heat oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll each portion thinly on parchment and bake 5 to 7 minutes until golden. Trim edges and save scraps. Mix cold sour cream, powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Layer cake rounds with frosting. Crush trimmings over top. Cover and refrigerate overnight before slicing.

Recipe card

Layered Honey Cake with Sour Cream Frosting

Prep 45 minCook 45 minTotal 10 hr 30 minYield 10 servings
Only numbered ingredient amounts change.

Equipment: Mixing bowl, measuring tools and suitable pan

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Make honey mixture

    Heat honey, sugar and butter in a heatproof bowl over simmering water until smooth. Stir in baking soda until foamy. Cool 5 minutes.

  2. Make dough

    Whisk in eggs quickly, then gradually stir in flour to form a soft dough. Divide into 6 portions.

  3. Bake layers

    Heat oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll each portion thinly on parchment and bake 5 to 7 minutes until golden. Trim edges and save scraps.

  4. Make frosting

    Mix cold sour cream, powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.

  5. Assemble and chill

    Layer cake rounds with frosting. Crush trimmings over top. Cover and refrigerate overnight before slicing.

How to tell when it is ready

Cook until tender, set or golden as described.

Tips

  • Measure ingredients before starting.
  • Use even-sized pieces for consistent cooking.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning near the end.
  • Cool leftovers promptly and refrigerate covered.

Troubleshooting

  • If the mixture is too thick, add liquid gradually.
  • If browning too quickly, lower the heat.

Substitutions

  • Use a suitable neutral oil if needed.
  • Choose a compatible dairy-free alternative where appropriate.

Variations

  • Adjust herbs or spices to taste.
  • Add citrus zest or juice for brightness.

Serving suggestions

  • Serve with a crisp green salad.
  • Offer fresh herbs or a complementary sauce.
  • Pair with seasonal vegetables or fruit.
  • Serve warm for the best texture.

Make ahead

Measure ingredients ahead and refrigerate perishable components; finish shortly before serving.

Storage

Refrigerate promptly and use within 3 days.

Food safety

Contains wheat, egg and dairy. Keep assembled cake refrigerated.

Frequently asked questions

Can I prepare this ahead?

Prepare components ahead and refrigerate promptly.

How should I store classic honey cake with sour cream?

Refrigerate promptly and use within 3 days.

Serve promptly and store leftovers safely.

About the author

Savva Loginov

Savva Loginov writes about traditional Ukrainian cooking, including regional dishes, heritage baking and the customs behind familiar recipes. His English guides explain each dish’s context alongside clear, practical cooking instructions.

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