🍯🍰 Hungarian Layered Honey Cake – Medena Pita 🇭🇺

Medena Pita is a rich, layered honey cake with soft, honey-infused cake layers and a creamy, lightly tangy filling. This traditional Hungarian and Central European dessert is perfect for holidays, celebrations, or tea time! ☕✨

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Honey Cake Layers:

🍯 ½ cup (120g) honey
🧈 ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter
🍚 ½ cup (100g) sugar
🥚 2 large eggs
🌾 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
🥄 1 tsp baking soda
🥛 ¼ cup (60ml) milk

For the Cream Filling:

🥛 2 cups (500ml) whole milk
🌾 ¼ cup (30g) cornstarch
🍚 ½ cup (100g) sugar
🧈 ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
🥛 ½ cup (120g) sour cream (or Hungarian tejföl)
🍋 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Assembly & Topping:

🍯 2 tbsp honey, warmed (for brushing)
🧁 Powdered sugar or ground walnuts (for garnish)

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🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Honey Cake Layers 🍯

• In a saucepan, heat honey, butter, and sugar over low heat until smooth.
• Remove from heat, whisk in eggs, milk, and baking soda.
• Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
• Divide dough into 4 equal parts, roll into thin sheets (9×12 inches).
• Bake each layer at 350°F (175°C) for 7-8 minutes until golden. Let cool.

2️⃣ Prepare the Cream Filling 🥛

• Heat milk and sugar in a saucepan.
• In a bowl, whisk cornstarch with ¼ cup cold milk.
• Pour into the hot milk mixture, stirring until thickened.
• Remove from heat, add butter, vanilla, and sour cream.

3️⃣ Assemble the Cake 🎂

• Place the first cake layer on a tray.
• Spread a thin layer of cream filling evenly.
• Repeat with remaining layers, finishing with cream on top.
• Brush warm honey over the top for a glossy finish.

4️⃣ Let it Rest & Serve ❄️

• Refrigerate for overnight (or at least 6 hours)—it gets softer with time!
• Dust with powdered sugar or ground walnuts before serving.