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Classic Ukrainian Cake

Classic Ukrainian Cake: A Sweet Journey to Tradition

This Classic Ukrainian Cake features a delightful blend of crunchy hazelnut meringue and silky Charlotte cream, making it a must-try dessert.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Cooling Time 1 day
Total Time 1 day 7 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Ukrainian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Meringue Layers
  • 4 large Egg Whites Aged for stability
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour Can be substituted with gluten-free flour
  • 1 cup Roasted Hazelnuts Can be replaced with almonds
For the Charlotte Cream
  • 4 large Egg Yolks
  • 1 cup Butter Softened
  • 1 cup Milk Any type of dairy milk
  • 1 tbsp Vanilla Sugar Can be swapped with vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp Cognac Optional, can substitute with rum
For Decoration
  • 2 tbsp Cocoa Powder For dusting

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Spatula
  • cake pans
  • Saucepan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Classic Ukrainian Cake
  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line two round cake pans with parchment paper. Beat the aged egg whites until frothy, gradually add granulated sugar, and whip until glossy and stiff peaks form (about 8-10 minutes).
  2. Combine ground roasted hazelnuts, sugar, and all-purpose flour in a separate bowl and stir until well blended.
  3. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the whipped egg whites, preserving the airy texture using a spatula.
  4. Divide the meringue mixture between the prepared pans, smooth the tops, and bake for approximately 2 hours until dry and lightly golden.
  5. Turn off the oven and let the layers cool inside for 12-24 hours with the door slightly ajar.
  6. For the Charlotte cream, heat milk and sugar gently in a saucepan. Whisk egg yolks and temper them with the warm milk, return to the heat until thickened. Beat in softened butter after cooling.
  7. Assemble the cake by placing one meringue layer on a serving plate, spreading a layer of Charlotte cream on top, then add the second meringue layer and repeat until stacked.
  8. Cover the assembled cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 5gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure egg whites are at room temperature before whipping for maximum volume. Resist opening the oven for the first 90 minutes of baking. Chill the cake for at least 4 hours for best flavor.

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