After a few rumblings on the Australian culinary scene, it appears 2024 is the year that the honey cake – also known as medovik – makes its mark on menus around the country. The story behind the cake, which is a multi-layered sponge stacked with sour cream, caramelised honey and roasted nuts or cake crumbs, is believed to have originated in the Russian Empire during the early 19th century. 

A young baker looking to impress Empress Elizabeth Alexeievna, wife of Alexander I, was unaware of her hatred of honey and made the labour-intensive cake for her. The empress immediately fell in love with it… and apparently her distaste for honey disappeared. Or so the legend goes. 

If it’s good enough for a Russian empress, it’s good enough for us. And thankfully, a bunch of bakers in Australia have taken it upon themselves to bring this beautiful cake to the masses.

In Sydney, Christina and Sergey of Christina’s Honey Cakes have seen first-hand the increase in popularity of the dish. Growing from a one-bedroom apartment operation and a modest Instagram following to a fully-fledged commercial kitchen in Newtown, the rise and rise of Christina’s Honey Cakes has been astronomical.

“I think its popularity comes down to two factors,” Christina says. “First, people are drawn to its appearance, having many thin layers. Secondly, after trying it, people are impressed by its unique flavour profile and balance.”

So, what’s Christina’s secret to the perfect honey cake? “It’s important to caramelise the honey for the right amount of time,” she says. “If it’s not caramelised enough, the honey layers might have a raw honey flavour. If it’s caramelised too much, it might have a burnt honey flavour.” 

The honey cake has also made waves at the swanky Charles Grand Brasserie in the Sydney CBD, where it has proven to be such a hit that it can be pre-ordered for pick-up or enjoyed with a bunch of pals after dinner. 

Cherry Moon General Store in Annandale makes the layered cake to order, and Marrick’s in Marrickville has started up a sister business called CBD Cakes to keep up with honey cake demand. Mella Cakes in Beverly Hills will even deliver their homemade cakes straight to your door. 

In Melbourne, the honey cake has gained traction with a healthy handful of bakers specialising in the sweet and sour treat. MCakes in Oakleigh and domestic operators At Nane’s, Honey Cake King, and Bee Honey Cakes are adding their homemade touches to the celebration cake.

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Brisbane and the Gold Coast are in on the buzz, too, with Ukrainian baker Anna Glodya baking honey cakes to order in Brissy and Marishka’s Honey Cakes servicing the Gold Coast.

Perth’s The Honeycake specialises, unsurprisingly, in medovik from its sleek and homey Northbridge shop, and over in South Australia, market operation House of Honey Cake is popping up everywhere from the Adelaide Showgrounds to the Central Market.

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