Ukrainian Old-Fashioned Honey Babka

Step 1

Preheat the oven to a 350°F. Line a large baking sheet (11×17) with a parchment paper and set aside (Make sure the baking sheet has an edge of approximately 1” to prevent the batter from running out). In a large bowl, beat 8 eggs, 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 tsp salt until light and fluffy (8-10 mins on high). In a small bowl, combine and stir 2 tsps baking soda and 2 tbsps white distilled vinegar – it will fizz up. Microwave 1 cup honey for about 30 seconds. Then, add the baking soda/vinegar mixture, honey and 16 oz sour cream to the batter. Beat on low for 30-40 seconds just until combined (do not over-beat it). Sift 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour into the batter and with a mixer on low, beat just until the flour is combined. The batter will be runny and lose the fluffiness a bit, but make sure to not over-beat it otherwise the cake texture will turn out hard and won't be as fluffy.

Step 2

Pour all the batter at once into the prepared baking sheet and level to the edges with a spatula. Bake for 30-32 mins, until the toothpick inserted comes out clean. Place a cooling rack over the baked cake and flip over the baking sheet. Remove the parchment paper from bottom of the cake. Place a large cutting board onto a cake and flip over again; let the babka cool. (Do not leave the cake upside down on a cooling rack for long, or it will leave cooling rack squares on top of the cake and might break/mush the top of it). Once cooled, cut off edges with a sharp knife, and cut whole babka into an even squares, to about 1.5-2”, or your desired size.

Step 3

TO MAKE THE FROSTING: In a medium bowl, combine and beat 8 oz cream cheese and 1/2 cup powdered sugar for about 1 min on low-medium speed. Add 8 oz cool whip and continue beating on high until frosting is thick, for about 5 mins.

Step 4

Transfer the frosting to a piping bag with Wilton tip #199 attached. Pipe the frosting onto each square. Enjoy right away or refrigerate and keep enjoying for next 3-4 days!!