Traditional Russian Smetannik Cake Recipe

Ingredients

  • 3 cups of All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 cup of Sugar
  • 1/2 cup of Butter, unsalted
  • 1 cup of Sour Cream
  • 3 large Eggs
  • 1 teaspoon of Baking Soda
  • 1 tablespoon of Vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon of Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of Vanilla Extract
  • 2 cups of Heavy Cream
  • 1/2 cup of Powdered Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of Vanilla Extract

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, melt the butter and let it cool slightly.
  4. Beat the eggs into the melted butter and add the vanilla extract.
  5. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until combined. The dough should be soft and pliable.
  6. Dissolve the baking soda in the vinegar and quickly fold it into the dough.
  7. Divide the dough into even pieces, roll each piece out to a thickness of about 1/4 inch, and bake on a greased baking sheet for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
  8. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream: whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and the remaining vanilla extract until thick and creamy.
  9. Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread the cream between each layer, stacking them on top of each other.
  10. Spread the remaining cream over the top and sides of the cake.
  11. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the dry and wet ingredients.
  • Whisk - Used to beat the eggs and combine the wet ingredients.
  • Baking Sheet - A flat metal sheet used to bake the cake layers.
  • Grease or Cooking Spray - To grease the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
  • Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the dough to an even thickness.
  • Spatula - To carefully remove the baked cake layers from the baking sheet.
  • Electric Mixer - Optional, but helpful for whipping the heavy cream for the cream filling.
  • Cake Spatula or Knife - Used to spread the cream between cake layers and frost the cake.
  • Refrigerator - To chill the cake before serving.

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier version.
  • Replace the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
  • Add a layer of fruit preserves or fresh berries between the cake layers for a fruity twist.
  • Sprinkle crushed nuts or chocolate shavings on top of the cream for added texture and flavor.
  • Spread a thin layer of chocolate ganache between the cake layers for a decadent chocolate variation.
  • Infuse the cream with flavors like lemon zest, coffee, or almond extract for a unique taste.
  • Replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor.
  • Make individual-sized Smetannik by baking the dough in muffin tins and layering them with cream.
  • Add a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce over the top of the cake for an extra indulgence.
  • Experiment with different spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to add a twist to the flavor profile.

Recipe overview

Smetannik is a classic Russian sour cream cake that is beloved for its rich, creamy flavor and delicate texture. This recipe guides you through the process of making your own Smetannik at home, from preparing the simple dough to assembling the layered cake with a luscious, homemade sour cream frosting. Baking the individual layers might seem like a bit of an effort, but the result is a cake with a unique texture, where each layer absorbs some of the cream, making it moist and incredibly tasty. The cake is then chilled to allow the flavors to develop fully. This Smetannik is a perfect dessert for any celebration or simply as a treat for a weekend bake. Enjoy the process and the delicious result!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of flour?
    Yes, you can use a different type of flour such as cake flour or whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that it may slightly alter the texture and taste of the smetannik.
  2. Can I use regular cream instead of sour cream?
    No, sour cream is an essential ingredient in smetannik as it provides a tangy flavor and helps in achieving the desired texture. Using regular cream will result in a different taste and texture.
  3. Can I replace the butter with margarine or oil?
    While you can substitute the butter with margarine, it is not recommended to use oil as it may affect the texture and flavor of the cake.
  4. Can I add other flavors or ingredients to the cream?
    Absolutely! You can experiment with different flavors by adding extracts like almond or lemon, or even incorporate fruits or nuts into the cream for added texture and taste.
  5. Can I freeze the smetannik?
    Yes, you can freeze the smetannik. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the ingredients together.
  • Whisk - Used to beat the eggs and combine the wet ingredients.
  • Baking Sheet - A flat sheet for baking the cake layers.
  • Spatula - To help spread the cream between cake layers and for frosting the cake.
  • Cake Stand - A stand to present and serve the cake.
  • Refrigerator - To chill the cake before serving.

Origin stories

Smetannik, named after the Russian word for sour cream 'smetana', is a beloved classic in Russian cuisine. The cake's origins trace back to the late 19th century, where it was enjoyed by the Russian aristocracy as a luxurious treat. It was during this time that French cooking techniques significantly influenced Russian cuisine, leading to the creation of many layered cakes, including Smetannik. The cake was traditionally made with homemade sour cream, a staple ingredient in Russian households, and its rich, tangy flavor quickly gained popularity. Today, Smetannik continues to be a favorite among Russian families, often baked for special occasions and family gatherings. Despite its simple ingredients, this cake stands as a testament to the richness and depth of traditional Russian cuisine.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.