If you love rich chocolate desserts with soft layers and creamy filling, you are going to fall in love with Chocolate Spartak Cake. This beautiful layered chocolate honey cake is popular in Eastern Europe and is known for its thin chocolate layers and smooth cream filling.
Spartak cake looks impressive, but don’t let that scare you. It’s actually simple to make at home if you follow the steps. The cake layers are soft, slightly sweet, and full of cocoa flavor. When combined with a light cream filling, the result is a moist, tender cake that melts in your mouth. This Chocolate Spartak Cake recipe is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special celebration. Let’s get started.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake Layers:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 100g (7 tablespoons) butter
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 3 to 3½ cups all-purpose flour
For the Cream Filling:
- 2 cups sour cream (full fat works best)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decoration:
- Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder
- Crushed cake crumbs (optional)
How to Make Chocolate Spartak Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Dough
In a heatproof bowl, combine eggs, sugar, honey, and butter. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method). Stir gently until everything melts together.
Add baking soda and cocoa powder. The mixture will foam slightly and turn darker. Stir for a few minutes until smooth.
Remove from heat and gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should not be too sticky but still soft.
Divide the dough into 6–8 equal pieces.
Step 2: Roll and Bake the Layers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll each piece of dough into a thin circle on parchment paper. Try to keep the layers even in size. You can trim them using a plate as a guide.
Bake each layer for 5–7 minutes. They bake quickly, so watch carefully. The layers should be set but not overbaked.
Let the layers cool completely. Save the trimmed edges to crush later for decoration.
Step 3: Make the Cream Filling
In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
In another bowl, mix sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the sour cream mixture. Mix until smooth and creamy.
This cream filling is light, slightly tangy, and balances the sweetness of the chocolate layers.
Step 4: Assemble the Spartak Cake
Place the first chocolate layer on a cake plate. Spread a generous amount of cream filling evenly on top.
Repeat with remaining layers, spreading cream between each one.
Cover the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream.
Sprinkle crushed cake crumbs or chocolate shavings over the top for decoration.
Step 5: Let the Cake Rest
This step is very important. Refrigerate the cake for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight.
During this time, the cream softens the chocolate layers, creating the classic soft texture of a homemade Spartak cake.
What Is Chocolate Spartak Cake?
Spartak cake is a layered chocolate honey cake made with thin rolled cake layers and a creamy frosting, usually made from sour cream or custard-based cream. Over time, the layers absorb the filling and become soft and moist.
It is similar to Medovik (honey cake), but the chocolate version adds a deep cocoa flavor that chocolate lovers enjoy even more.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Spartak Cake
- Roll the layers thin for the best texture.
- Don’t overbake the layers. They should stay soft.
- Let the cake rest overnight for best flavor.
- Use full-fat sour cream for a richer filling.
- Trim layers evenly for a professional look.
Taking your time with each step will give you a beautiful layered chocolate cake.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Honey Cake
There are many reasons this cake is so popular:
- Rich chocolate flavor
- Soft and moist texture
- Perfect balance of sweet and tangy
- Great for celebrations
- Looks impressive when sliced
Each slice shows beautiful thin layers filled with creamy frosting.
Variations You Can Try
This classic chocolate layer cake can be adjusted to your taste.
Add Chocolate Ganache
Pour a smooth chocolate ganache over the top for extra richness.
Use Custard Cream
Instead of sour cream filling, try a custard-based cream for a more traditional Russian chocolate cake recipe.
Add Nuts
Sprinkle crushed walnuts between layers for extra texture.
Make It Extra Chocolatey
Add chocolate chips to the cream filling for more chocolate flavor.
Storage Tips
Store Chocolate Spartak Cake in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
It stays fresh for up to 4–5 days. In fact, it often tastes better the next day as the layers become softer.
You can also freeze the cake (without decoration) for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
When to Serve Spartak Cake
This Eastern European cake recipe is perfect for:
- Birthdays
- Christmas
- New Year celebrations
- Family gatherings
- Special dinner parties
Because it needs time to rest, it’s a great make-ahead dessert.
FAQs
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Spartak Cake is a beautiful and delicious dessert that combines thin chocolate honey layers with a light, creamy filling. It may look complicated, but with simple steps and a little patience, you can easily make this homemade Spartak cake in your own kitchen.
The rich chocolate flavor, soft texture, and elegant layered look make it perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests.
If you love layered chocolate cake and classic Eastern European desserts, this Chocolate Spartak Cake recipe is one you need to try. Once you taste it, it might become your new favorite celebration cake.
