Back to articles
Ukrainian cake guides3 min read

From Olga's archive

Ukrainian cakes: a guide to Medovik, Napoleon and Kyiv cake

We explain the taste, texture and ingredients of our three classic Ukrainian cakes, with practical advice on portions, gifting and ordering. There is also a separate place for Korovai, the traditional wedding bread.

Slice of Medovik honey cake showing many soft layers and cream
Jump to section

Ukrainian cakes often use several thin layers, with the filling contributing as much to the texture as the cake itself. In our bakery, Medovik combines honey sponge and cream, Napoleon combines puff pastry and diplomat cream, and Kyiv cake combines cashew meringue with rich creams.

For a first order, start with the textures you enjoy. Choose soft layers for a gentle bite, pastry for a flaky contrast, or nut meringue for more crunch. Our cake collection shows the available finishes and serving options.

Compare our three classics

Taste and texture of our Ukrainian cakes
CakeLayers and fillingChoose it for
MedovikFive soft honey sponge layers with creamHoney flavour and a soft, layered bite
NapoleonSeven puff pastry layers with diplomat creamFlaky pastry with custard and whipped cream
Kyiv cakeCashew meringue, custard cream, buttercream and chocolate creamNutty crunch and a richer slice

These descriptions refer to the cakes we make. Family recipes vary, so another bakery's version may have different nuts, cream or layers.

Medovik: honey flavour and soft layers

Our Medovik honey cake is a useful starting point if you enjoy honey and creamy desserts. Its standard rectangular design is approximately 14 by 21 cm and weighs around 0.8 kg. Custom designs and sizes are also available; choose using the product's serving options rather than the photograph alone.

For a small gift sent across the UK mainland, choose a product specifically listed in cakes by post. A packaged slice and a decorated celebration cake have different delivery arrangements. Our Medovik guide explains those choices.

Napoleon: pastry and cream

Napoleon cake has seven thin puff pastry layers filled with diplomat cream, a mixture of custard and whipped cream. It is a good choice for someone who enjoys pastry desserts and wants that contrast between the layers and filling.

Rectangular Napoleon cake decorated with strawberries, blueberries and a birthday topper
Rectangular Napoleon cake decorated with strawberries, blueberries and a birthday topper

The pictured fruit decoration shows one possible finish. Fruit additions and toppers should be included in the order brief so we can confirm the design and price. Read the Napoleon guide for size and serving advice.

Kyiv cake: cashew meringue and richer creams

Choose Kyiv cake if you enjoy nut meringue, buttercream and chocolate notes. Cashew nuts are part of its structure, so this is not a suitable choice for someone avoiding cashews. Our Kyiv cake guide explains the ingredients and texture in more detail.

Medovik and Napoleon list wheat, eggs and milk; Kyiv cake lists eggs, milk and cashews. These are not guarantees about cross-contact. Read our allergen information and tell us about allergies before ordering.

Where Korovai fits

Korovai is traditional Ukrainian wedding bread, with a ceremonial place at the celebration. It is a different choice from a cream-filled dessert cake. Couples can discuss having both bread for the tradition and a cake for dessert.

If you are choosing for a group, use our portions guide, then send us the date, guest count and postcode through our custom cake enquiry. We will help match the flavour, size and delivery method to your plans.

Written by Olga

These are the sorts of things Olga ends up explaining in messages before she confirms an order: what travels well, what complicates delivery, and what is better kept local.

Honey Cake (Medovik)

Better for local delivery or collection

Start with Honey Cake (Medovik)

Honey Cake (Medovik) is the kind of cake Olga suggests when the order needs a proper celebration finish, local delivery, or collection rather than parcel-post packing.

Questions people ask before ordering

The practical details that matter first

These are the bits customers usually want answered before they commit: freshness, delivery timing, and whether a postal cake is the right fit at all.

Which Ukrainian cake is a good first choice?

Medovik suits people who enjoy honey and soft layers. Choose Napoleon for pastry and cream, or Kyiv cake for cashew meringue and a richer bite.

Are all Ukrainian cakes made with nuts?

No, but recipes vary. Our Kyiv cake contains cashews, and our kitchen handles allergens. We will check the exact product and your requirements before you order.

Is Korovai a dessert cake?

Korovai is wedding bread with a ceremonial role. It can be part of the same celebration as a dessert cake, but they serve different purposes.

Keep reading

More notes if you are still weighing it up

These are the pieces people usually read next when they are deciding what can go in the post, what should stay local, and how much fuss the delivery should involve.

Need the practical answer?

Choose the format that suits the journey

If the parcel has to go across the UK mainland, start with the cakes by post range for standard-design honey cake, honey cake slices, or caramel biscuits vacuum-packed for post. If the order depends on height, chilled fillings, or a detailed design brief, browse the custom cakes range for the celebration options that are better suited to local delivery, collection, or UK delivery by agreement.