Easy Homemade Kyiv Cake Recipe
18 April 2026
Easy Homemade Kyiv Cake Recipe
This Homemade Kyiv Cake with rum-infused buttercream is pure dessert heaven. A classic Slavic treat, it brings together rich buttercream, chocolate, and crunchy hazelnuts in a way that will have your taste buds celebrating with every bite.
If you’ve never tried a homemade Kyiv cake before, you’re in for something truly special 💛
This is not your typical soft sponge cake. Kyiv cake is all about contrast – light, crispy nut meringue layers paired with a rich, buttery cream that melts in your mouth. Every bite feels a little indulgent, a little nostalgic, and completely worth it.
And the best part? It might look like a bakery-level dessert, but it’s absolutely doable at home. With a bit of patience and good ingredients, you can recreate this classic Ukrainian cake in your own kitchen – and honestly, it tastes even better homemade.
Once you try it, you’ll understand why this cake has been loved for generations.
So, if all that sounds good to you, read on!
Top 3 recipe tips
1. Be gentle with the meringue
When folding the nut mixture into the whipped egg whites, take your time and use light movements. This keeps the mixture airy and helps you get those perfectly crisp layers.
2. Don’t skip the resting time
Letting the cake layers sit overnight might seem like an extra step, but it makes a big difference. The layers stabilize, dry out slightly, and get that signature crunch Kyiv cake is known for.
3. Use room temperature butter for the cream
Soft butter is key for a smooth, fluffy Charlotte cream. If the butter is too cold, the cream can turn lumpy, and if it’s too warm, it won’t hold its shape properly.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
Perfect mix of textures
Crispy, airy nut meringue layers paired with smooth, buttery cream create a combination that feels both light and indulgent at the same time.
A classic with a homemade touch
This is a traditional Ukrainian dessert, but making it at home gives it a fresh, richer flavor that’s hard to match with store-bought versions.
Impressive but doable
It looks like something from a bakery, yet with a bit of patience and simple steps, you can easily recreate it in your own kitchen.
Full of rich, comforting flavors
Hazelnuts, chocolate, and creamy filling come together in a way that feels warm, nostalgic, and incredibly satisfying.
Perfect for special moments
This cake is ideal for celebrations, holidays, or whenever you want to make something truly memorable.
If you enjoy this Strawberry Cheesecake, you might also love trying my creamy Lemon Cheesecake , which has the same smooth texture but with a fresh citrus twist that makes it incredibly refreshing, or this Strawberry Cheesecake, which is smooth, creamy, and perfectly balanced with a fresh fruity flavor. It’s perfect if you like desserts that feel light yet indulgent at the same time.
For something richer and more decadent, the Peanut Butter Caramel Cheesecake is a must-bake. The combination of silky peanut butter and caramel creates a bold, indulgent flavor that cheesecake lovers can’t resist.
If you’re in the mood for a layered cake instead, the Easy Honey Bun Cake is soft, sweet, and beautifully balanced with its creamy filling – ideal for gatherings or weekend baking. And for true chocolate fans, the Chocolate Spartak Cake delivers deep chocolate flavor with delicate layers that become even better after resting overnight.
There’s always a reason to bake another dessert – and these recipes are just as special as this Strawberry Cheesecake.
Ingredients in Easy Homemade Kyiv Cake Recipe
What you will need
Egg Whites: Use fresh egg whites at room temperature for best volume when whipping. They create the light, airy base of the meringue layers and help achieve that signature crisp texture.
Sugar: You’ll use sugar in two parts: one to stabilize the whipped egg whites and another mixed with the dry ingredients. This gives the layers both structure and sweetness.
Hazelnuts :Roasted hazelnuts add a rich, nutty flavor and a slight crunch. Make sure to grind them finely, but not into a paste, so the layers keep their texture.
All-Purpose Flour: A small amount of flour helps bind the meringue layers and gives them stability without making them heavy.
Vanilla Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of both the cake layers and the cream.
For the Charlotte Cream
Butter (82.5% fat): Use high-quality butter at room temperature. It should be soft but not melted. This is key for a smooth, fluffy, and stable cream.
Egg Yolks: They form the base of the cream and give it a rich, custard-like texture.
Water: Helps create the custard base and ensures the mixture cooks evenly without becoming too thick too quickly.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and a creamy consistency, making the filling rich and indulgent.
Vanilla Sugar: Enhances the flavor of the cream and adds a gentle ароматic note.
How to Make Kyiv Cake at Home
1. Prepare the nut mixture
Grind the roasted hazelnuts into fine crumbs. In a bowl, mix them with flour, vanilla sugar, and 200 g of sugar until well combined.
2. Whip the egg whites
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until light and foamy. Gradually add 55 g of sugar while mixing, and continue beating until you get stiff, glossy peaks.
3. Combine gently
Using a spatula, carefully fold the nut mixture into the whipped egg whites. Work slowly and gently to keep the mixture light and airy.
4. Shape and bake the layers
Divide the batter evenly into three 16 cm pans (about 230 g each), or two 21 cm pans.
Bake at 150°C (300°F) for 80–90 minutes until dry and lightly golden.
5. Let the layers rest
Remove the cake layers from the oven and leave them in the pans overnight at room temperature. This step helps them dry out and develop their signature crisp texture.
Prepare the Charlotte Cream
6. Cook the custard base
In a saucepan, combine the egg yolks, water, vanilla sugar, and condensed milk. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened. Do not overcook to avoid curdling.
7. Cool the mixture
Strain the custard through a sieve, cover it with plastic wrap touching the surface, and refrigerate until completely cool.
8. Make the cream
In a bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the cooled custard mixture, mixing well after each addition until smooth.
Assemble the Cake
10. Layer the cake
Spread the plain cream between the cake layers, stacking them evenly.
11. Decorate
Use the chocolate cream to decorate the outside of the cake as desired.
12. Chill before serving
Refrigerate the cake for a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to come together.
Ready to Serve
Once the cake has chilled and set, it’s ready to enjoy. Slice gently using a sharp knife to keep the layers neat and intact.
Serve slightly chilled for the best texture, where the cream is smooth and the layers stay crisp. This cake pairs beautifully with coffee or tea, making it perfect for special moments or a cozy dessert at home.
This Easy Homemade Kyiv Cake is one of those desserts that feels truly special, yet it’s completely achievable in your own kitchen. With its crispy layers and rich, creamy filling, every bite is worth the effort.
Take your time, enjoy the process, and don’t worry about perfection. That’s part of the charm of homemade baking.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. And once you make it once, don’t be surprised if it becomes a favorite you come back to again and again 💛
Variations & Substitutions
Swap the nuts
Hazelnuts are traditional, but you can easily use walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of nuts for a slightly different flavor and texture.
Make it less sweet
If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugar slightly in the cream or use a lighter layer of filling between the cakes.
Add a flavor twist
You can add a splash of rum or vanilla extract to the cream for extra depth and aroma.
Try a different size
You can bake the layers in larger pans for a thinner cake or smaller pans for a taller, more dramatic presentation.
Decorate your way
Top the cake with crushed nuts, chocolate shavings, or simple piping for a more classic or modern look.
Save it for your next busy weeknight, and enjoy a homemade meal that’s both simple and satisfying. 🍜✨
Loved this recipe? I’d love to hear from you! 💛 Leave a 5-star rating ⭐️ in the recipe card below and share your thoughts in the comments – I read and appreciate every single one!
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Easy Homemade Kyiv Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake Layers
- 220 g egg whites
- 55 g sugar
- 180 g roasted hazelnuts finely ground
- 50 g all-purpose flour
- 200 g sugar
- 5 g vanilla sugar
For the Charlotte Cream
- 480 g butter 82.5% fat, softened
- 3 egg yolks
- 60 ml water
- 300 g sweetened condensed milk
- 5 g vanilla sugar
Optional for Decoration
- Crushed hazelnuts
- Chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Prepare the dry mixture
- Grind the hazelnuts finely, then mix with flour, vanilla sugar, and 200 g sugar.
- Whip the egg whites
- Beat egg whites until foamy, then gradually add 55 g sugar and whip until stiff peaks form.
- Combine
- Gently fold the dry mixture into the egg whites using a spatula.
- Bake the layers
- Divide into 3 pans (16 cm) or 2 pans (21 cm). Bake at 150°C (300°F) for 80–90 minutes.
- Rest the layers
- Leave the baked layers in the pans overnight at room temperature.
Charlotte Cream
- Cook the base
- Mix egg yolks, water, vanilla sugar, and condensed milk. Cook on low heat until slightly thickened. Do not boil.
- Cool
- Strain and let cool completely in the fridge.
- Make the cream
- Beat softened butter until fluffy, then gradually add the cooled mixture.
Assemble
- Layer the cake
- Spread plain cream between layers.
- Decorate
- Use chocolate cream to decorate as desired.
- Chill
- Refrigerate before serving for best texture.
Notes
Nutrition
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Fat: 46 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Potassium: 280 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 35 g
- Vitamin A: 900 IU
- Vitamin C: 1 mg
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