Russian Royal Cake

Ingredients

Cake Layers:

• Eggs: 6 (separated into yolks and whites)

• Sugar: 1.5 cups (divided)

• All-purpose flour: 1.5 cups

• Baking powder: 1.5 tsp

• Walnuts: 1/2 cup (finely chopped)

• Poppy seeds: 2 tbsp

• Cherries: 1/2 cup (pitted and halved)

• Cocoa powder: 2 tbsp

Frosting:

• Dulce de leche: 1 can (14 oz)

• Butter: 2 sticks (softened)

Decoration:

• Dark chocolate: 1/2 cup (melted for drizzling)

• Chopped nuts: Optional

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line and grease three 8-inch cake pans or bake one at a time.
2. In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks with 3/4 cup sugar until pale and fluffy.
3. In another bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form, then gradually add the remaining 3/4 cup sugar. Beat until stiff peaks form.
4. Gently fold the egg yolk mixture into the whites.
5. Sift flour and baking powder together and fold into the egg mixture in three parts. Divide the batter into 4 bowls.

Step 2: Flavor the Layers

1. Walnut Layer: Add chopped walnuts to one bowl of batter and mix gently.
2. Poppy Seed Layer: Add poppy seeds to the second bowl and stir.
3. Cherry Layer: Fold halved cherries into the third bowl.
4. Chocolate Layer: Add cocoa powder to the fourth bowl and mix until uniform.

Step 3: Bake the Layers

1. Pour each flavored batter into a prepared cake pan or bake them one at a time. Smooth the tops.
2. Bake each layer for about 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
3. Cool the layers completely before assembling.

Step 4: Prepare the Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat softened butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add dulce de leche and continue beating until smooth and fluffy.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

1. Place the walnut layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top.
2. Add the poppy seed layer, frost, and repeat with the cherry layer.
3. Place the chocolate layer on top and frost the entire cake.

Step 6: Decorate

1. Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top and sides.
2. Optionally, sprinkle chopped nuts for added texture.

Russian Royal Cake

Enjoy your Russian Royal Cake! It’s perfect for celebrations or indulging with a cup of tea. 😊