Description
Medena Pita, also known as Croatian Layered Honey Cake, is a traditional dessert featuring thin honey-infused cake layers alternated with a rich, creamy filling. This indulgent and aromatic cake improves in flavor and texture after resting overnight, making it a beloved treat during holidays and special occasions in Croatia.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Layers
- 1/2 cup honey
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Filling
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
Topping
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare Honey Mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt honey, sugar, and butter together until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Add Eggs and Baking Soda: Stir in eggs one at a time into the honey mixture, then add baking soda and mix until combined.
- Form Dough: Gradually add flour to the mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough into 4 equal portions.
- Roll and Bake Cake Layers: Roll each dough portion into a thin rectangle on a floured surface. Bake one at a time on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for 7 to 8 minutes, or until lightly golden. Allow to cool completely.
- Prepare Filling Base: Heat milk in a saucepan over medium heat until warm. In a separate bowl, whisk sugar and flour together, then slowly add the warm milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- Cook Filling: Return the milk mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened like a custard. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: Allow the custard to cool to room temperature, then beat in the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one honey cake layer on a serving tray, spread a layer of filling evenly on top. Repeat layering with remaining cake layers and filling, finishing with a cake layer on top.
- Chill Overnight: Cover the assembled cake and refrigerate overnight to allow the layers to soften and meld together.
- Finish and Serve: Before serving, dust the top layer with powdered sugar for a delicate, sweet finish.
Notes
- This cake tastes best when allowed to rest overnight, which helps the layers soften and the flavors to meld.
- Medena Pita is traditionally served during Croatian holidays and special occasions.
- Ensure cake layers are thin to achieve the signature layered texture.
- Use room temperature butter for the filling to get a smooth, creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, Layering
- Cuisine: Croatian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
