Ukrainian Wedding Cake: Traditional Recipe For A Sweet Celebration

In Ukraine, a traditional bread called Korovai is often served at weddings instead of a cake. Korovai is a round loaf of bread made from wheat flour, yeast, eggs, salt, and milk, and can be decorated with intricate patterns. The bread is seen as a symbol of unity and the promise of a long and prosperous marriage. While it is not a cake, some couples also choose to have a wedding cake in addition to the Korovai. This multi-layered cake is filled with sweet preserves, topped with a thin layer of meringue, and decorated with a delicate piped pattern.

Characteristics of a Ukrainian Wedding Cake

How to make Ukrainian wedding bread, Korovai

Korovai, or Ukrainian wedding bread, is a traditional pastry that symbolises the unity of two loving hearts. It is typically a round loaf of bread, made from wheat flour, yeast, eggs, salt, and milk, and decorated with intricate patterns. Here is a guide on how to make this delicious treat.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup warm water (around 43 Celsius)
• 2 packages (4 1/2 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups milk, lukewarm
• 1/3 cup butter, melted and cooled slightly
• 6 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 3/4 cup + 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons shortening
• 1 egg

Method

• In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the water and yeast, and allow to proof for a minute or two.
• Add the milk, sugar, butter, eggs, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Beat with the paddle attachment until mostly smooth, about 2 minutes.
• Switch to the dough hook and gradually add the remaining 4 1/2 cups of flour. Knead with the dough hook on medium-low speed until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. If the dough is sticky, add up to 1/4 cup additional flour.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead a couple of times to form a smooth ball.
• Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover lightly with plastic wrap. Put it in a warm place to rise until the dough has doubled in size; this should take about 1 hour.
• Meanwhile, make the dough for the decorations. In a medium bowl, stir together the flour and cornstarch. Cut the shortening into the flour completely so no lumps remain. Add the water and stir until a dough forms. You may need to add a little extra water. Turn out the dough and knead until smooth. Cover and set aside to rest for 20 minutes.
• Once the dough has doubled in size, turn it out and punch it down.
• Spray a 9-inch springform pan with non-stick cooking spray. Prepare the egg wash by beating together the remaining egg and 1 teaspoon of water.
• Divide the dough into 4 equal parts. Shape one piece into a ball and place it in the centre of the pan.
• Shape the remaining 3 pieces into long ropes and braid them together. Drape the braid around the centre ball, towards the edges of the pan. Brush all over with egg wash.
• Roll out the decoration dough as thinly as possible on a lightly floured surface. Use cookie cutters to cut flower shapes. Attach the flowers with egg wash.
• Cover the bread and set aside for 20-30 minutes, or until risen.
• Preheat the oven to 200 Celsius. Place the bread in the oven and bake for 15 minutes, then turn the oven down to 160 Celsius and bake for a further 35 minutes. If the bread starts browning too early, tent with foil.

Decorations

The decorations are an important part of the Korovai, with each one holding a symbolic meaning. The basic decorations consist of love birds, cones, rosettes, and branches. The love birds are particularly significant, with pairs of birds representing the bride and groom. There are two types of birds: those with closed wings, which represent females, and those with wings spread out, which represent males. The braids in the bread celebrate the intertwining of the couple's families, while flowers, pine cones, grapes, and periwinkle vines are said to be harbingers of beauty, fertility, wealth, and eternal love.

How to decorate Korovai

Korovai, or Ukrainian wedding bread, is a type of pastry that symbolises the unity of two loving hearts. It is a round loaf of bread, usually made from wheat flour, yeast, eggs, salt, and milk, and decorated with intricate patterns. Here are some tips on how to decorate your Korovai:

Choosing a Theme:

Korovai decorations often carry symbolic meanings. The most common theme is the Tree of Life, which features branches, rosettes, cones, and swirls. Other popular decorations include love birds, wheat stalks, herbs, nuts, flowers, and fruit. The number of tiers on your Korovai can also vary, with single, double, or triple-layered options available.

Preparing the Dough:

The dough used for Korovai decorations is different from the dough used for the bread itself. It is not meant to be eaten as it hardens in the oven and remains light in colour. You will need all-purpose flour, corn starch, shortening, and water. Mix the dry ingredients, then blend in the shortening using a fork. Gradually add the water and knead the dough until it is soft and homogeneous. Let the dough rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes before starting your decorations.

Creating the Decorations:

Roll out the decoration dough as thinly as possible on a lightly floured surface. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes, such as flowers or birds. If creating love birds, shape the dough into small logs and form the body, wings, and head. Use cloves, cinnamon sticks, or small seeds for the eyes. For other decorations, you can create swirls, rosettes, or pine cones by shaping and wrapping the dough accordingly.

Attaching the Decorations:

Prepare an egg wash by beating an egg white with a few drops of water. Use this egg wash to attach your decorations to the Korovai bread. Brush the egg wash onto the bread and the decorations, then carefully place the decorations onto the bread. You can also create "baked-on" decorations by attaching them to the bread before baking, but this requires precise timing to avoid drying out the bread.

Baking and Drying:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place your decorated Korovai in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the tips of the decorations turn golden. Remove from the oven and re-glaze the decorations with the egg wash. Allow the Korovai to cool completely, then place it in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area to dry. You can also insert toothpicks at the bottom of the decorations to aid in the drying process.

Final Touches:

Once your Korovai is completely dry, you can add fresh flowers or ribbons for extra colour and beauty. You can also preserve your Korovai by wrapping it in wax paper or plastic wrap and storing it in an airtight container. It can even be frozen for up to six months.

How to preserve Korovai

Korovai is a type of traditional Ukrainian wedding bread, often served instead of a wedding cake. It is typically a round loaf of bread, made from wheat flour, yeast, eggs, salt, and milk, and can be decorated with intricate patterns. The bread is seen as a symbol of unity and the promise of a long and prosperous marriage.

Wrapping and Storing

• Wrap the korovai in wax paper or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
• Store the korovai in an airtight container if you plan to keep it for an extended period.

Freezing

Korovai can be frozen for up to six months. Wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap and place it in a sealed container or plastic bag.

Location

Store the korovai in a cool, dry place.

By following these simple steps, you can preserve your korovai and enjoy it for many years to come.

How to make Kyivskyi tort

Kyivskyi tort is a legendary nut-and-meringue dessert from the capital of Ukraine, Kyiv. It is a challenging recipe that requires lots of patience and skill, but the end result is worth it. You can use any type of nut you like, but cashews and hazelnuts are the most traditional options. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious Ukrainian wedding cake:

Ingredients:

• Lots of nuts (cashews or hazelnuts are recommended)
• Meringue
• Chocolate buttercream
• Sponge cake

Method:

• Prepare the meringue according to your preferred recipe. You want it to be crisp and airy.
• Make a silky-smooth chocolate buttercream.
• Bake a tender sponge cake.
• Chop your chosen nuts and incorporate them into the cake.
• Assemble the cake by layering the sponge cake, meringue, and buttercream.
• Decorate the cake with piped patterns or other embellishments of your choice.
• Enjoy your delicious Kyivskyi tort!

Feel free to get creative and add your own twist to the recipe. You can experiment with different types of nuts or try adding additional ingredients to make your cake even more special.

How to make Ukrainian cheesecake

Ukrainian cheesecakes, known as syrnyk, differ from American cheesecakes in that they use cottage cheese instead of cream cheese. This adds a fluffy, homemade texture to the taste.

To make a Ukrainian cheesecake, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1/2 cup warm water (around 110 degrees F)
• 2 packages (4 1/2 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups milk, lukewarm
• 1/3 cup butter, melted and cooled slightly
• 6 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 3/4 cup + 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons shortening
• 1/4 cup yellow water (made by adding 1 drop of yellow food colouring to 2 cups of water)
• Clove stems, cinnamon sticks, or small seeds
• 1 egg, beaten with 1 teaspoon of water for an egg wash

First, combine the water and yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer and let it proof for a minute or two. Next, add the milk, sugar, butter, eggs, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Beat with the paddle attachment until mostly smooth, which should take about 2 minutes.

Switch to the dough hook and gradually add the remaining 4 1/2 cups of flour. Knead the dough with the dough hook on medium-low speed until it pulls away from the sides of the bowl. If the dough is sticky, add up to 1/4 cup of additional flour. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead a couple of times to form a smooth ball. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover lightly with plastic wrap. Put it in a warm place to rise until the dough has doubled in size, which should take about 1 hour.

While the dough is rising, make the birds that will decorate your cheesecake. Combine half of the flour, cornstarch, and shortening in a medium bowl. Add the yellow water to the flour mixture and mix in the remaining flour. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes, until it is pliable.

Now, it's time to assemble your cheesecake! Divide the dough into four equal parts. Shape one piece into a ball and place it in the centre of a 9-inch springform pan. Shape the remaining three pieces into long ropes and braid them together. Drape the braid around the centre ball. Brush the entire structure with the egg wash.

Roll out the remaining dough as thinly as possible on a lightly floured surface. Use a cookie cutter to cut out flower shapes, which you will attach to the cheesecake with the egg wash. Cover the cheesecake and let it rise for 20-30 minutes.

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Place the cheesecake in the oven and bake for 15 minutes, then turn the oven down to 325 and bake for an additional 35 minutes. If the cheesecake starts browning too early, tent it with foil.

Your Ukrainian cheesecake is now ready to be enjoyed!

Frequently asked questions