20-layer medovik honey cake recipe

Source: sundaystack.substack.com

TL;DR

The story at a glance

Katie's paid Substack post details a towering 20-layer medovik (honey cake), an Eastern European classic she grew up loving alongside napoleon cake. It makes one 7-8 inch cake with thin honey layers, sour cream frosting, and an optional Earl Grey-citrus infusion. Published December 21, 2025, as part of holiday recipes, it highlights nostalgic family baking. Medovik layers famously soften after an overnight fridge rest.[[1]](https://sundaystack.substack.com/p/20-layer-honey-cake)

Key points

Details and context

The post is paywalled beyond intro and partial ingredients, but snippets reveal a hands-on recipe suited for holidays. Katie expresses "my love for a many layered cake knows no bounds" and ties it to childhood memories in Russian households.[[1]](https://sundaystack.substack.com/p/20-layer-honey-cake)

Thin layers bake quickly, roll easily, and absorb cream to create the signature soft texture—key to medovik's appeal over quicker cakes.

Optional infusion adds modern twist, evoking tea; skip for traditional version.

Key quotes

"growing up, this was a top cake alongside napoleon. they both are perfectly sweet enough, have lots of layers that soften from the cream overnight, and of course - pair excellently with a cup of black tea."[[1]](https://sundaystack.substack.com/p/20-layer-honey-cake)

"my love for a many layered cake knows no bounds. coincidentally, I also love a cake that requires an overnight sit in the fridge."[[1]](https://sundaystack.substack.com/p/20-layer-honey-cake)

Why it matters

Medovik revives Eastern European baking traditions with impressive height and subtle honey depth, standing out at gatherings. Home bakers get a tested recipe yielding soft, tea-friendly layers that improve with time, saving trial-and-error. Watch for Katie's future holiday spins like napoleon, though full details need Substack paid access.