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In Ukraine, people say “Slava Ukraini,” or Glory to Ukraine, in toasts, in signage, in activism, and in conversation. Ukrainian Honey Cake. Photo by Randi Baird.

RECIPE: Baking Honey Cake for Ukrainians


  • Author: Rachel Vaughn
  • Yield: Makes about 20 squares. 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup sunflower or vegetable oil
  • 1 cup raw honey (clover, wildflower, or other mild honey, not buckwheat)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • A pinch of cardamom (optional)
  • Optional garnishes:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Crushed pistachios, fresh berries, whipped cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter or line with parchment paper an 11-x-17 baking sheet with sides.
  2. In a large bowl, with an electric or hand mixer, beat the eggs, brown sugar, and salt until light and fluffy, 8-10 minutes.
  3. In a small bowl, combine and stir the baking soda and apple cider vinegar together — it will fizz a bit. Add the honey, sour cream, and baking soda/vinegar mixture to the batter. Beat on low for 30-40 seconds, until just combined. (Do not over-beat here, or the cake texture will turn out hard, not fluffy.) 
  4. Mix the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom (if using) together. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the batter, mixer on low, and beat just until combined. The batter will be runny and lose some of its  fluffiness.
  5. Pour all the batter into the prepared baking sheet and carefully level to the edges with a spatula. Bake on the middle oven rack for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven, and cool for 10 minutes in the pan. Remove from pan onto a wire rack, and cool completely. Cut into square or diagonal pieces and sprinkle with powdered sugar or a spoon of freshly whipped cream topped with a few berries and crushed pistachios. 

Notes

Honey Note: Honey, specifically raw honey, is considered a superfood. Raw honey has antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help boost your immune system and fight sickness. When your honey becomes solid or a bit crystallized, you know it hasn’t been processed or overheated in the bottling process. Real honey, like Nature Nate’s Raw & Unfiltered Honey or honey purchased from your farmers market, undergoes natural processes like crystallization because the honey remains 100 percent pure and natural. If your honey has hardened or crystallizes you can microwave it for 30 seconds and then use as recipe directs.