Russian honey cake is perfect for any special occasion. Featuring layers of soft honey cookies and sweet sour cream frosting, this cake is a real treat. And while it might look complicated, this Russian honey cake recipe is surprisingly easy to make. Your friends and family will adore this delicious dessert!
![Russian honey cake](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/cme-data/10/12/1647e22605aa4e2783d1805c2cc87be3.jpg)
Video of the Day
![Russian honey cake](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/cme-data/10/12/b0f782402d0b4e9fa123c57d196461f8.jpg)
Things You'll Need
1/4 cup honey
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
3 eggs, room temperature, beaten
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
![Ingredients for Russian honey cookie layers](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/cme-data/10/12/045f82a2edae4bc4af37e575378f2413.jpg)
Step 1
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey, sugar, butter and vanilla extract.
Video of the Day
![Combine the honey, sugar, butter and vanilla](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/cme-data/10/12/e5f3afe7836c440e985cf288014dd189.jpg)
Melt the ingredients until smooth and combined, about 5 to 7 minutes.
![Heat until melted](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/cme-data/10/12/de2b7032ce2e4afa9dab4ce4bdca43b6.jpg)
Step 2
Transfer to a large mixing bowl. Beat the eggs in a separate container, then slowly add to the honey mixture as you quickly whisk it. Constantly whisking will prevent the eggs from cooking.
![Add eggs while whisking](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/cme-data/10/12/270fc5c085ad49aa8e6b3b68eb028be5.jpg)
Step 3
Add the salt and baking soda. Stir well.
![Add salt and baking soda](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/cme-data/10%2F12%2F2395ceccee074a6f9102940d02545d71.jpg)
Step 4
Add 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour. Mix well, then continue adding the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time.
![Add flour, half a cup at a time](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/cme-data/10/12/01e2ef2ce7044acb8eaaf58df3c2fb87.jpg)
As the mixture forms into a dough, you'll need to use your hands to mix and knead. Repeat until the dough resembles clay. If it's too sticky, gradually add all-purpose flour and knead some more.
![Knead dough until it resembles clay](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/cme-data/10/12/13c3fa8009ed4eeab4035fd869f12f8e.jpg)
Step 5
Place the dough onto a well-floured surface. Using a dough scraper or pizza cutter, separate the dough into 8 equal-sized pieces.
![Slice dough into eight pieces](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/cme-data/10/12/c1d9ac073df84773aa95befe2acaa6f4.jpg)
Tip
To make 8 equal pieces, cut the dough in half. Halve each one to make 4 pieces. Finally, halve each quarter to make 8 pieces.
Step 6
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Roll the pieces of dough into balls.
Place one ball of dough on a large sheet of parchment paper. Using a well-floured rolling pin, roll the dough into an 8-inch circle, about 1/8-inch thick.
![Roll the dough](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/cme-data/10/12/4cdba62eb80b4ff8a62e39e4d56e29e9.jpg)
Tip
You'll have two large circles on each sheet, so roll out each one on either side. Avoid rolling the dough in the center.
Step 7
Place an 8-inch-wide plate on top of the dough. Slice away the excess dough with a knife or pizza cutter. Set aside the dough scraps, as you'll use them later.
![Slice dough circle](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/cme-data/10/12/b529785fbf3a464fbddf509d96304477.jpg)
Step 8
Repeat with a second ball of dough. Transfer the parchment paper onto a large baking sheet.
![Roll out second ball of dough](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/cme-data/10/12/25d74d284298438f8f8e4d7e22f80399.jpg)
Step 9
Bake for 4 to 5 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown. As the first 2 layers cook, work on preparing the next 2 on a separate sheet of parchment paper.
Once golden brown, remove the cookies from the oven. Let cool slightly, then carefully transfer onto a cooling rack. Pierce any large air bubbles with a fork or knife, but be sure to avoid cutting straight through.
Place the next 2 layers in the oven. Repeat until all 8 layers are baked.
![Let cookie layers cool](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/cme-data/10/12/331638fc9b0a4930879b87f34aea8312.jpg)
Tip
If you have a large oven or several baking sheets, you can bake more than 2 at a time.
Step 10
Finally, bake the dough scraps for 4 to 5 minutes, or until golden brown.
![Bake scraps of dough](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/cme-data/10/12/d9ac23232890419a97e01b3aae88ac83.jpg)
Step 11
Let cool, then pulverize in a high-powered blender or food processor. Set aside in an air-tight container.
![Crush cookie scraps](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/cme-data/10/12/2a2652569d8a43a4877f75063fc9a8e3.jpg)
Sour Cream Frosting
![Ingredients for Russian honey cake frosting](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/cme-data/10/12/b138fe7b6c524fb1a6d0c3fdb06ea56e.jpg)
Things You'll Need
2 cups sour cream
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup honey
1/4 to 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more as needed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step 1
Using a hand mixer, beat the heavy whipping cream for 1 to 2 minutes or until fluffy and stiff.
![Beat heavy whipping cream](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/cme-data/10/12/e765308d8d5b487aab3bd8ea994feb72.jpg)
Step 2
Add the sour cream, vanilla, honey and powdered sugar. Fold to combine, taking care to avoid overmixing. Taste and add more powdered sugar, if necessary.
![Fold in sour cream and vanilla](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/cme-data/10/12/7f5ac079e3384d279c9ae39c2a67272c.jpg)
Step 3
Place the first cookie layer on a plate or cake stand. Spread 1/2 cup of frosting across the entire cookie.
![Spread frosting on cookie](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/cme-data/10/12/4b4bd391984842609dd715eac9cc17b9.jpg)
Step 4
Add a second cookie layer, then firmly press down to get rid of any air pockets. Spread another 1/2 cup of frosting on top.
![Add a cookie and top with frosting](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/cme-data/10/12/577140cd86144e4c87812b05dad34724.jpg)
Step 5
Continue alternating cookies and frosting, making sure to press down on each layer. Spread the leftover frosting across the top and sides.
![Coat cake with leftover frosting](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/cme-data/10/12/77fc86c18ae14d178459e09ff693f2da.jpg)
Step 6
Sprinkle the cookie crumbs on top of the cake.
![Add cookie crumbs](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/cme-data/10/12/1ed25c8d23b74eca89f8573d765b3475.jpg)
Step 7
Cover the cake with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator. Or, if your cake is on a plate, you can put it in a large aluminum pan with a lid. In either case, try and limit air exposure.
Chill in the refrigerator for 8 hours or overnight. As the cookie layers absorb moisture from the frosting, they'll become wonderfully soft and decadent.
Top the cake with berries, chocolate shavings or both!
![Russian honey cake](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/cme-data/10/12/bf429b296ac34eb78073b6921e6bbe18.jpg)
Drizzle with extra honey just before serving.
![Russian honey cake](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/cme-data/10/12/1647e22605aa4e2783d1805c2cc87be3.jpg)