Ukrainian Christmas Poppy Seed Rum Cake (Makovyi Torte)

Introduction:

The Ukrainian Christmas Poppy Seed Rum Cake, known as Makovyi Torte, stands tall as the queen of Christmas desserts, boasting a rich tapestry of flavors and traditions deeply rooted in Ukrainian culinary heritage. This exquisite creation combines the timeless allure of honey, the earthy richness of poppy seeds, and the decadent creaminess of rum butter filling and white icing, resulting in a symphony of flavors that epitomize the holiday spirit. Embark on a culinary journey steeped in tradition and flavor as we delve into the intricacies of crafting this festive masterpiece.

Recipe Overview:

• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Servings: 12 slices
• Calories per Serving: 551.6 kcal
• Cuisine: European
• Category: Dessert
• Keywords: Christmas, European, < 4 Hours

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1/2 cup poppy seeds
• 1/2 cup honey
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 7 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon rum
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 eggs, separated
• 2 tablespoons grated almonds
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Rum Butter Filling:

• 1 – 2 tablespoons rum
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream

For the White Icing:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 – 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

For the Cake:

1. Begin by pouring boiling water over the poppy seeds and letting them stand for 5 minutes. Drain well.
2. Grind the poppy seeds with a steel blade in a food processor until they release milk and turn white.
3. Butter a 9-inch springform pan and dust it with ground almonds.
4. In a large bowl, combine the ground poppy seeds and honey.
5. Separate the eggs. Add the room-temperature egg yolks to the poppy seed mixture, one by one, beating until thick.
6. Stir in the grated almonds and lemon zest.
7. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until satiny but not dry.
8. Fold a little of the beaten egg whites into the poppy seed mixture, then gently fold in the rest until no white shows.
9. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, tapping it gently to release any air pockets, and smooth the top with a spatula.
10. Bake the cake on the middle rack of a preheated 350°F oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Do not open the oven door or disturb the cake while baking.
12. Cool the cake slowly, avoiding drafts. Once cooled, run a sharp knife around the sides of the pan and release the spring. Run a knife under the bottom and transfer the cake to a cooling rack.

To Fill the Cake:

1. Cover your work surface with double sheets of wax paper.
2. Use a sharp knife to make a small incision around the cake to mark where it should be cut in half.
3. Make horizontal cuts at four equidistant points, then gently pull a long thread through the cake to cut it into two layers.
4. Sprinkle the bottom layer with 2 or 3 tablespoons of rum, then evenly spread the rum butter filling about 3/4 inch thick.
5. Cover with the top layer and press gently. Coat the sides with the remaining filling.
6. Refrigerate the cake overnight, wrapped in foil.

To Ice the Cake:

1. Cover your work surface or a lazy susan with wide double-strength foil.
2. Apply a third of the icing to the sides of the cake with a spatula, pulling from the bottom up.
3. Wipe the spatula occasionally to avoid pulling crumbs, and dip it in hot water to smooth out any ridges.
4. Use the remaining icing to smoothly cover the top of the cake.
5. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 days to allow the icing to set.
6. Before serving, run a sharp knife around the bottom to release the icing from the paper. Gently transfer the cake to a serving platter.

Serving:

• The Ukrainian Christmas Poppy Seed Rum Cake can be sliced into approximately 20 servings.
• For the best flavor and texture, allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving.
• This cake keeps well in the refrigerator, allowing you to enjoy its festive flavors for days to come.

Conclusion:

Indulge in the timeless charm of Ukrainian Christmas celebrations with this magnificent Poppy Seed Rum Cake. With its harmonious blend of flavors and intricate preparation process, this dessert is sure to become the centerpiece of your holiday table. Whether you adorn it with elaborate edible decorations or savor its simplicity, each slice of this cake is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Ukraine. Share the joy of the season with friends and family as you gather around to enjoy this delectable masterpiece.