Ukrainian Makivnyk Poppy Seed Roll with Honey
A soft Ukrainian yeast roll wrapped around a honeyed poppy seed filling.
Despite the source’s “cake” label, its method spreads a poppy seed filling across a rectangle of yeast dough and rolls it into a log. This is makivnyk, a poppy seed roll. Bloom the seven grams of dry yeast in warm milk, knead the dough and let it rise until doubled. Soften poppy seeds with hot milk, then grind them with sugar, honey and vanilla to make a spreadable filling; drain excess liquid so the roll will not split. Roll the dough about half a centimeter thick, leave a clean border and close the seam and ends well. A short rest before baking helps the log expand evenly. Cool it before slicing through the dark spiral.
Recipe card
Ukrainian Makivnyk Poppy Seed Roll with Honey
Equipment: Mixing bowl, grinder or food processor, baking tray
Ingredients
Instructions
Mix dough
Activate yeast with some warm dough milk and sugar, then mix with flour, remaining milk and sugar, eggs, butter, vanilla and salt; knead and rise 60–90 minutes.
Make filling
Soak poppy seeds in hot filling milk for 30 minutes, drain excess and grind with filling sugar, honey and vanilla; add optional fruit or nuts.
Roll
Roll dough into a thin rectangle, spread filling leaving a border and roll tightly into a log; pinch seam and ends.
Proof and bake
Rest 20 minutes on lined tray and bake at 180°C for 30–40 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Cool
Cool on rack before slicing the spiral.
How to tell when it is ready
Crust golden and middle dough cooked through without wet filling seepage.
Tips
- Drain poppy seeds.
- Grind for spreadable filling.
- Seal the seam.
- Cool before slicing.
Troubleshooting
- If filling leaks, drain it better and pinch ends.
- If roll splits, avoid overfilling and proof briefly before baking.
Substitutions
- Use a similar neutral honey in the filling.
- Use unsalted butter in the same weight.
Variations
- Add source raisins.
- Add chopped nuts.
Serving suggestions
- Slice with tea.
- Offer with coffee.
- Add to a festive dessert table.
- Serve a slice with plain yogurt.
Make ahead
Prepare ingredients ahead and keep perishable items cold until cooking or serving.
Storage
Store airtight up to 2 days or freeze slices.
Food safety
Keep milk and eggs chilled before preparation and cook the filled dough through.
Frequently asked questions
Is makivnyk a cake or a roll?
This source makes a rolled yeast dough filled with poppy seeds.
How should I store makivnyk poppy seed roll?
Store airtight up to 2 days or freeze slices.
Cut only after the poppy spiral has cooled.
More recipes to try
Spotted a detail that needs correcting? Contact the FeastDelights editors.