The Ukranian Wafer Cake is a traditional treat for all occasions in Ukraine. Just a few simple ingredients and a few minutes in the kitchen and you will have a delicious dessert to share and to savor!
In the realm of delectable desserts, the Ukrainian Wafer Cake stands out as a true masterpiece. This heavenly confection, also known as Kyiv Cake or Korolevsky Cake, is a delightful creation that will transport your taste buds to a world of pure indulgence. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the origins, ingredients, preparation, and cultural significance of this sumptuous treat. So, get ready to tantalize your senses and embark on a sweet journey through the enchanting world of Ukrainian cuisine!
Unveiling the Rich History and Cultural Significance
The Ukrainian Wafer Cake, also known as Kyiv Cake or Korolevsky Cake, traces its origins back to the Kyiv Confectionery Factory in Ukraine. The factory, established in 1956, became renowned for its exquisite pastries and confections. It was here that the recipe for the Ukrainian Wafer Cake was developed, combining traditional techniques with innovative ideas.
The cake gained popularity during the Soviet era when it became a staple dessert not only in Ukraine but throughout the Soviet Union. The Kyiv Confectionery Factory produced these cakes in large quantities, supplying them to cafés, restaurants, and households across the region. The cake’s reputation for its exceptional taste and exquisite appearance quickly spread, establishing it as an iconic dessert in Ukrainian cuisine.
Cultural Significance of the Ukrainian Wafer Cake
The Ukrainian Wafer Cake holds deep cultural significance and is often associated with special occasions and celebrations. It has become a symbol of joy, happiness, and indulgence in Ukrainian culture. Here are a few ways in which this cake holds cultural significance:
- Weddings and Celebrations: The Ukrainian Wafer Cake is a popular choice for weddings and other joyous celebrations. It is often featured as a centerpiece on the dessert table, impressing guests with its elegant layers and intricate decorations. Its presence signifies the importance of the occasion and adds a touch of grandeur to the festivities.
- Festive Holidays: The cake is also a beloved treat during festive holidays such as Christmas and Easter. Families gather around the table to enjoy this decadent dessert, savoring every bite as they commemorate these special occasions. Its presence on the holiday menu represents abundance, prosperity, and togetherness.
Sharing a Ukrainian Wafer Cake
The Ukrainian Wafer Cake is a symbol of Ukrainian culinary heritage. It reflects the country’s rich culinary traditions and craftsmanship. By preserving and sharing this recipe, Ukrainians take pride in their cultural identity and pass down their culinary heritage to future generations.
The Ukrainian Wafer Cake is often exchanged as a gift on birthdays, anniversaries, or other important milestones. Presenting this cake to loved ones is seen as a gesture of love, appreciation, and good wishes. It demonstrates the importance of sharing joy and sweetness with those around us.
The Ingredients That Make Ukrainian Wafer Cake Irresistible
The list of ingredients used to make a Ukrainian Wafer Cake is short. The most traditional version of this recipe uses:
Tort Wafers – I purchased mine at an International Grocery Store (Global Foods in St Louis, Missouri) but you can find these wafers on amazon or other online sources.
Dulce de Leche – Dulce de Leche is available on Amazon and in a lot of grocery stores. I don’t usually find it locally so I buy a lot of it when I go to Global Foods! You can also make it home by cooking a can of sweetened condensed milk, completely covered by water the entire time, for several hours.
Butter – One 13-ounce can of dulce de leche needs to have 4 tablespoons of butter whipped into it.
And that’s it! Those are the traditional and basic ingredients to make a Ukrainian Wafer Cake!
Use the highest quality ingredients that you can find to ensure the freshest flavors. Make sure that your wafers are crisp and not stale! This will make all the difference to the taste and texture!
A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Ukrainian Wafer Cake
There is a video below that shows step-by-step how to make this classic dessert. The process is simple.
- Whip the dulce de leche until lightened in color and very smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the softened butter to the dulce de leche and whip until incorporated and smooth, about 2 more minutes.
- Place a THIN layer of the whipped dulce de leche on the first wafer. Spread the filling VERY THIN to cover the entire wafer. Remove any excess so that you have the thinest layer possible.
- Place a second wafer on top and press down. If you are using colored wafers, make sure that you alter the colors for a pleasing design.
- Continue this process until you have used all of the wafers and filling.
- Cover the wafer cake with parchment paper and then place a cutting board or large book on top. Place a heavy object on top like a bowl of water or a tub of flour or sugar.
Creative Twists and Variations of the Ukrainian Wafer Cake:
Although traditional recipes are amazing to create, feel free to play with flavors and use your creativity to create your own unique Ukranian Wafer Cake variation! Here are some ideas!
- Chocolate Raspberry Bliss: Incorporate layers of rich chocolate ganache between the wafer layers. Add a luscious raspberry filling made from fresh raspberries or raspberry jam. Top the cake with a chocolate glaze and garnish with fresh raspberries and chocolate shavings.
- Nutella Hazelnut Delight: Spread a layer of Nutella hazelnut spread between the wafer layers. Add a generous sprinkling of crushed toasted hazelnuts for extra crunch and flavor. Decorate the cake with a Nutella buttercream frosting and garnish with whole hazelnuts.
- Lemon Blueberry Burst: Introduce a tangy twist by adding a layer of lemon curd between the wafer layers. Scatter fresh blueberries over each layer for bursts of fruity goodness. Finish with a lemon-flavored buttercream frosting and garnish with lemon zest and additional blueberries.
- Salted Caramel Pecan Sensation: Drizzle each wafer layer with a homemade salted caramel sauce for a delightful balance of sweet and salty. Sprinkle a generous amount of chopped pecans between the layers for added crunch and nuttiness. Frost the cake with a caramel buttercream frosting, and top with caramel drizzle and whole pecans.
- Matcha Green Tea Elegance: Infuse the wafer layers with matcha green tea powder for a vibrant and earthy flavor. Layer the cake with light and fluffy matcha-flavored cream or matcha buttercream. Decorate the cake with a dusting of matcha powder and edible flowers for an elegant touch.
- Tiramisu Inspired: Soak the wafer layers in a mixture of coffee and rum to infuse them with the flavors of a classic tiramisu. Spread a layer of mascarpone cheese filling between the layers, adding a touch of sweetness. Dust the top of the cake with cocoa powder and garnish with chocolate-covered coffee beans.
Remember, these variations are meant to inspire your creativity. Feel free to experiment with different flavors, fillings, and decorations to create your own unique twists on the traditional Ukrainian Wafer Cake. The possibilities are endless, and you can tailor them to suit your personal taste preferences and occasion. Enjoy the journey of exploring new flavors and delighting your taste buds!
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
It is traditional to cut the Ukrainian Wafer Cake into diamond-shaped pieces. The method for this is shown in the video. But you can cut this dessert to suit your own personal uses!
I recommend serving this dessert with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, a cup of hot tea, or a glass of cold milk for a balanced and satisfying experience.
The Ukranian Wafer Cake is so easy to make and incredibly versatile, making it suitable for both casual gatherings and formal occasions.
The Ukrainian Wafer Cake is a true masterpiece that combines delicate wafer layers with luscious buttercream and a medley of flavors. Its rich history, cultural significance, and mouthwatering taste make it a must-try dessert for any sweets enthusiast. By following our step-by-step guide, you can bring this heavenly delight into your own kitchen and experience the joy of Ukrainian cuisine. So, indulge your senses and embark on a delightful journey through the world of Ukrainian flavors with the iconic Ukrainian Wafer Cake.
Other recipes to try:
Brazilian Brigadeiro – No Bake Treat!
Rainbow Ukrainian Wafer Cake
Equipment
- Hand or stand Mixer
- Bowl
- Offset Spatula
- Piping Bag or plastic sandwich bag cut off just the tip
- Sheet of Parchment Paper
- Cutting Board and other heavy objects
Ingredients
- 1 package wafers
- 13 oz dulce de leche
- 4 tbsp butter very soft
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 oz chocolate melted
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whip the dulce de leche until lightened in color and very smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the softened butter to the dulce de leche and whip until incorporated and smooth, about 2 more minutes.
- Place a THIN layer of the whipped dulce de leche on the first wafer. Spread the filling VERY THIN with an offset spatula to cover the entire wafer. Remove any excess so that you have the thinest layer possible.
- Place a second wafer on top and press down. If you are using colored wafers, make sure that you alter the colors for a pleasing design.
- Continue this process until you have used all of the wafers and filling.
- Cover the wafer cake with parchment paper and then place a cutting board or large book on top. Place a heavy object on top like a bowl of water or a tub of flour or sugar. Allow to press for one hour.
- Melt the chocolate in 30-second bursts in the microwave until melted and smooth. Place the melted chocolate in a piping bag or a small sandwich bag. Snip off the tip and drizzle generously all over the wafer cake.
- Place in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to set the chocolate and then cut and serve.