Banat cake with honey

Banat Honey Cake - A Delicacy for Holidays

If you want to bring a touch of sweetness and flavor to your home, the Banat honey cake is the perfect choice. This dessert with fine layers, delicious cream, and fruit jam is ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a celebration, a family meal, or simply a sweet afternoon. In this recipe, I will present each step, providing you with useful tips and valuable details to achieve a perfect result.

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 15 minutes (for each layer)
- Total time: 2 hours (including cooling and assembling)
- Number of servings: 12-15

Ingredients

For the layers:
- 4 tablespoons honey
- 12 tablespoons oil
- 300 g sugar
- 2 whole eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking soda (unleavened)
- 6 tablespoons milk
- 500 g flour

For the cream:
- 1 cube of margarine (approximately 250 g)
- 2-3 tablespoons flour
- 200 ml milk
- 250 ml milk
- 200 g sugar

Additionally:
- Plum jam (or another sour jam, according to preference)

A Brief History of the Recipe
The Banat honey cake is a symbol of culinary traditions that have been passed down through generations. This cake stands out for its combination of simple yet flavorful ingredients that transform into an irresistible delight. The honey adds warmth and sweetness, while the plum jam provides a perfect contrast. It is a dessert that cannot be missing from festive tables, being appreciated by everyone.

Preparation Techniques

Step 1: Preparing the Layers
1. In a large pot, add the honey, oil, sugar, and eggs. Place the pot over low heat and stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Once the mixture is homogeneous, remove the pot from heat and add the baking soda and milk. Mix well.
3. Start gradually incorporating the flour, half a kilogram at a time. You will obtain an elastic dough.
4. Divide the dough into four equal parts. Cover them with a damp cloth to prevent drying.

Step 2: Baking the Layers
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat).
2. Grease the back of a baking tray with oil. Place each portion of dough on the back of the tray and spread it evenly using a well-cleaned beer bottle (this is a clever technique that will give you thin and even layers).
3. Bake the layers for 5-7 minutes until they become golden and slightly firm. Repeat the process for all four layers.

Step 3: Preparing the Cream
1. In a pot, combine the cube of margarine, 200 ml of milk, and the 2-3 tablespoons of flour. Make sure the margarine is cold to avoid complete melting.
2. Separately, boil the 250 ml of milk with the sugar for about 8 minutes.
3. Add the mixture with margarine and flour to the pot with boiled milk. Put everything on the heat and stir vigorously until the cream thickens.

Step 4: Assembling the Cake
1. Place the first layer of dough on a platter. Spread a portion of cream evenly over the entire surface.
2. Place the second layer on top, followed by a layer of plum jam.
3. Repeat the process with the third layer and another layer of cream, then add the last layer.
4. Let the cake cool and set for 24 hours in the refrigerator before cutting.

Practical Tips
- Flour: Make sure to use good quality flour to obtain tender layers. Type 650 flour is ideal for cakes.
- Margarine: A quality margarine will provide a fluffier and tastier cream. You can also use butter if you prefer.
- Jam: Plum jam is classic, but you can experiment with apricot or cherry jam to add a different note to your cake.

Variations
- You can add finely chopped nuts or hazelnuts between the layers of cream for an extra texture.
- Instead of plum jam, try a combination of berry jams for a more intense flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why do I need to wait a day to cut the cake?
The layers are very hard immediately after baking. By leaving the cake in the refrigerator for 24 hours, the layers soften and become easier to cut, and the flavors blend perfectly.

2. Can I freeze the cake?
It is recommended not to freeze the assembled cake, as the texture of the layers may deteriorate. However, you can freeze the layers and cream separately.

3. What can I serve the cake with?
This cake pairs perfectly with aromatic tea or sweet wine. A glass of white wine or fresh lemonade will add a pleasant contrast.

Conclusion
The Banat honey cake is more than just a dessert; it is a true culinary experience that brings family and friends together. Its rich taste and delicate texture make it perfect for any occasion. So, start your culinary adventure and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen!