Honey Layer Cake

Honey Layer Cake - A delicacy that combines tradition and flavor

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Honey Layer Cake is a dessert that brings a touch of nostalgia and warmth to any moment. This recipe, with deep roots in culinary tradition, combines layers of delicate sheets filled with a fine semolina cream and vanilla flavor, while a fruit jam adds a touch of freshness. It is the perfect dessert to impress guests at a party or to enjoy a moment of indulgence with family. Let's begin our culinary journey!

Ingredients

For the sheets:
- 200 g sugar
- 100 g butter
- 100 ml honey
- 100 ml milk
- 750 g flour
- 3 eggs
- 10 g baking powder

For the cream:
- 500 ml milk
- 100 g semolina
- 250 g sugar
- 1 vanilla pod
- 150 g butter

For the filling:
- 200 g fruit jam (preferably plum or apricot)
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Preparation

1. Preparing the sheets

1. In a saucepan, add sugar, honey, butter, and milk. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter melts completely and the sugar dissolves. Once the mixture is homogeneous, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly.

2. In a bowl, lightly beat the eggs with a fork, then add them to the cooled mixture, mixing well.

3. In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder. Gradually add the flour mixture to the liquid composition. At first, add half of the flour and mix with a mixer using the dough hooks. Then, add the rest of the flour and knead with floured hands until you obtain a homogeneous dough.

4. Divide the dough into 6 equal parts, each weighing about 230 g.

5. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Prepare a tray by greasing it with butter and placing baking paper.

6. Roll each piece of dough as thin as possible, making sure it fits the size of the tray. Place each sheet on the baking paper, prick it with a fork in several places, and bake in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until the edges become slightly golden. The baking time will decrease as you bake each sheet, so stay attentive.

7. Once baked, remove the sheets from the oven and place them on a flat tray, one on top of the other, to cool.

2. Preparing the cream

1. In a saucepan, add sugar and the seeds from the vanilla pod. Place over medium heat, and when the milk starts to boil, add the semolina in a rain, stirring constantly with a whisk. This is an essential step to avoid lumps.

2. Continuously stir with a wooden spoon until the mixture pulls away from the edges of the saucepan, similar to making polenta. Let it cool until it is bearable to touch.

3. In a bowl, mix the soft butter with powdered sugar, then gradually add the cooled semolina, continuing to mix until homogeneous.

4. Divide the cream into 4 equal parts.

3. Assembly

1. Place the first sheet on a flat tray. Spread a part of the cream on top, followed by another sheet. Repeat the process: cream, sheet, then add the jam (make sure it is very thick; if it is too thin, you can add some ground nuts to thicken it).

2. Cover with another sheet, apply cream again, a sheet, cream, and finally, the last sheet.

3. On top of the cake, place a cutting board or a tray of the same size, putting something heavy on top to press the layer. Let it sit overnight, during which the sheets will soften.

4. The next day, cut the cake into portions and dust with powdered sugar.

Practical tips

- Choosing the jam: Choose a high-quality jam, preferably homemade, for an authentic taste. Plum or apricot jams work perfectly, but feel free to experiment with other flavors, such as raspberry or blueberries.

- Storing the cake: The cake stores well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, and can be enjoyed for several days. It can also be frozen, but it is recommended to portion it before freezing.

Variations

- The cream: You can add cocoa to the cream for a chocolate version. Alternatively, replace some of the semolina with almond flour for a richer texture.

- The sheets: Try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a more sophisticated taste and aroma.

Ideal pairings

This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of green tea or aromatic coffee. If you want to enjoy it with an even more decadent dessert, try serving it alongside vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce.

Frequently asked questions

- Why do the sheets break? It is important not to bake the sheets too long. If you leave them in the oven for too long, they will dry out and become brittle.

- Can I use another type of flour? Wheat flour is ideal, but you can experiment with whole wheat flour to make the cake healthier.

- How can I make the cake less sweet? Reducing the amount of sugar in the cream and jam can help, but make sure the chosen jam is not too sweet.

Enjoy every bite of this honey layer cake, a dessert that not only delights the taste but also brings a touch of tradition to every plate. This delicacy is more than just a simple cake; it is a true culinary story worth sharing!