Ukrainian Poppy Seed Cake with Nuts and Raisins Recipe
If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug and looks like a jewel-studded treasure, you simply must try Ukrainian Poppy Seed Cake with Nuts and Raisins. This enchanting cake, beloved as “Tort Ckazka” in Ukraine, charms everyone with its striking layers: one dotted with nutty walnuts, another sparkling with poppy seeds, and a third bursting with plump raisins. Each slice is lavishly slathered in luscious dulce de leche buttercream, making every bite feel festive. The medley of textures and flavors creates a cake that feels both celebratory and timeless, perfect for cozy gatherings or special moments alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The key to a perfect Ukrainian Poppy Seed Cake with Nuts and Raisins lies in its straightforward, staple ingredients. Each one adds its own magic—aroma, crunch, sweetness, or moisture—resulting in a cake with layers of taste and tradition.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the cake structure and helps it achieve that tender, sponge-like crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps aerate the eggs during beating for a light, fluffy base.
- Large eggs: Vital for richness and stability, they make the batter rise beautifully.
- Sour cream: Brings moisture and a subtle tang, ensuring each layer stays soft and not too sweet.
- Baking soda: The leavening agent that keeps the sponge nice and light.
- Vanilla sugar: Infuses the sponge with warm, aromatic sweetness that perfumes every bite.
- Poppy seeds: Give an irresistible crunch and earthy flavor, making one layer extra special.
- Chopped walnuts: Add heartiness and a rustic crunch, balancing the cake’s sweetness.
- Raisins: Serve as juicy bursts of fruity sweetness and chewiness in their own layer.
- Softened butter (for frosting and garnish): Forms the creamy, dreamy backbone of the buttercream frosting.
- Dulce de leche: Transforms frosting into pure decadence with its caramel notes.
- Coarsely ground walnuts (optional garnish): Pressed onto the sides, these turn each slice into a showstopper.
How to Make Ukrainian Poppy Seed Cake with Nuts and Raisins
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans and Oven
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so everything bakes evenly from the get-go. Line three 13×9-inch pans with parchment paper. This step is crucial because you want those lovely layers to pop out of the pan without a fuss, keeping each intact for assembly.
Step 2: Whip Up the Egg and Sugar Mixture
In a stand mixer, add the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla sugar. Beat on high speed for 20 minutes—yes, a full 20! The mixture will turn pale, thick, and voluminous. This is the secret to an ultra-fluffy sponge that defines Ukrainian Poppy Seed Cake with Nuts and Raisins.
Step 3: Incorporate Moist Ingredients and Leavening
Mix in the sour cream and baking soda, blending until smooth. Sour cream adds lushness and tang, while the baking soda ensures a delicate rise, so tempo is key—mix just until combined to keep the batter airy.
Step 4: Gently Fold in the Flour
Gradually add the flour to the batter, gently folding it in until just barely combined. This careful touch keeps your sponge texture tender, not tough. Remember, you want airy cake, not a dense loaf!
Step 5: Divide and Mix in the Pop-ins
Pour the batter evenly into three bowls. Stir poppy seeds into one, walnuts into another, and raisins into the third. Each addition gives its layer a unique taste and bite, underscoring why this cake is such a joy to make and eat.
Step 6: Bake the Layers
Spread each batter into its prepared pan, smoothing the tops for even layers. Bake all at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes, watching for golden edges and a springy touch. Once out of the oven, let them cool completely right in their pans for easier handling.
Step 7: Prepare the Dulce de Leche Frosting
Beat the softened butter in a mixer until pale and fluffy. Add the dulce de leche and beat until silky smooth. This frosting is the soul of the cake, turning every bite of Ukrainian Poppy Seed Cake with Nuts and Raisins into a caramel dream.
Step 8: Assemble the Cake
Start with the walnut layer on the bottom, then add a generous sweep of frosting. Top with the poppy seed layer and more frosting, finishing with the raisin layer on top. Be generous with frosting between each! Press gently to ensure the layers nestle together snugly.
Step 9: Frost and Garnish
Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining butter-dulce de leche frosting. If you’re going for the showstopper finish, whip up the optional garnish frosting (more butter and dulce de leche) and pipe swirls on top. Encrust the sides with coarsely ground walnuts for a truly spectacular look and even more texture.
How to Serve Ukrainian Poppy Seed Cake with Nuts and Raisins
Garnishes
This cake shines with a scattering of extra walnuts along the sides or a drizzle of dulce de leche over the top. If you want to get fancy, a dusting of powdered sugar or a scatter of edible flowers adds a whimsical touch. The contrast of deep, toasty walnuts and golden caramel against those dramatic cake layers makes the whole cake irresistible.
Side Dishes
A cup of black tea or strong coffee pairs beautifully, balancing the cake’s sweetness and highlighting its subtle floral notes from the poppy seeds. If you’re serving at a gathering, offer a platter of sliced fresh fruit—think tangy orange segments or crisp apples—to provide a refreshing counterpoint.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off those lovely layers by serving slices upright on clear glass dessert plates. For a special celebration, cut into small bars and build a “cake tower,” or add elegant swirls of leftover frosting and nestle in extra raisins and whole walnuts for visual appeal. This makes Ukrainian Poppy Seed Cake with Nuts and Raisins look as extraordinary as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Ukrainian Poppy Seed Cake with Nuts and Raisins tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will stay moist for up to five days in the refrigerator, and the flavors actually deepen after a day or two, making every secret midnight fridge visit totally worthwhile.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the cake, it’s best to do so before garnishing. Wrap individual slices or whole layers tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator—frosting and all—and enjoy a taste of celebration any time the mood strikes.
Reheating
This cake is best served at room temperature, so let it sit out for about 30 to 60 minutes before serving if it’s been refrigerated or thawed. Microwaving can soften the buttercream too much, so just leave it on the counter until perfectly supple and delicious.
FAQs
Can I substitute other nuts for walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans or hazelnuts also work beautifully here. The key is to keep them coarsely chopped for the best texture. Just make sure they’re fresh so their flavor comes through in your Ukrainian Poppy Seed Cake with Nuts and Raisins.
Do I need to soak the raisins beforehand?
If your raisins seem a little dry, plumping them up in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes before adding them to the batter will give you deliciously juicy bursts inside your cake. Drain well and pat dry before folding into the batter.
Is it possible to use a hand mixer for the sponge?
You can use a hand mixer, but keep it on high speed and stick to the recommended 20 minutes of mixing. The long mixing time is essential to building that classic sponge texture in Ukrainian Poppy Seed Cake with Nuts and Raisins.
What if I don’t have dulce de leche?
No worries! You can make your own by slowly simmering sweetened condensed milk, or you could swap in a thick caramel sauce—but the traditional dulce de leche really makes this cake sing.
How do I keep the cake layers from sticking?
Parchment paper is your best friend here! Line each baking pan thoroughly and, once the cakes are cooled, run a knife around the edges to ensure easy release. This will keep your Ukrainian Poppy Seed Cake with Nuts and Raisins looking pristine.
Final Thoughts
With its rich, multi-layered tradition and crowd-pleasing flavors, Ukrainian Poppy Seed Cake with Nuts and Raisins is a gift to both bakers and eaters. Don’t hesitate—gather your ingredients and create this slice of Ukrainian comfort at home. You’ll love sharing (and savoring) every decadent bite!
