Patricia | bakecookrepeat.com

by Patricia | August 17, 2026 | Baking, Desserts | 0 Comments

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Medovik Russian Honey Cake

If you’ve never made Russian Honey Cake before, don’t let those beautiful layers intimidate you. This no-bake shortcut version is made with graham crackers! It delivers the classic Medovik flavor with minimum effort and tastes like it took hours to make.

What is Honey Cake?

Traditional Medovik is a multi-layer honey infused cake with a creamy filling made of sour cream, heavy cream and condensed milk. Instead of making traditional honey cake layers, this shortcut version uses graham crackers to create soft, cake-like layers that form after chilling. Combined with a rich cream filling, this no bake dessert is light, sweet and incredibly satisfying.

Why you'll love my easy Honey Cake

Easy to make

Easy to prepare in less than 30 minutes. Only needs a few hours in the fridge but you can make it the night before.

Simple ingredients

Budget friendly with just a few ingredients you probably already have.

No oven required

Easy no bake, make ahead dessert that tastes like you spent all day baking.

Ingredients and substitutions

Graham crackers: Store-bought puff pastry sheets are sold in the refrigerator or freezer section at your local grocery store.

Cream cheese: The base of the creamy filling.

Sour cream: Adds that extra tang to balance the sweetness. A must!

Heavy cream: Use cold heavy whipping cream for best results.

Vanilla extract: For a little extra flavor.

Powdered sugar: Just enough sugar to satisfy your sweet tooth.

For the rest of the ingredients, please see the recipe card below!

How to toast the graham crackers

The section below is a quick overview of how to make this recipe. For full details, see recipe card below!

Step 1

To a large baking pan, arrange enough graham crackers to cover the bottom of the pan. Lightly brush the top with butter.

Step 2

Bake only the top side at 325°F for 8-10 minutes until golden brown. Set aside to cool completely. Repeat until you have enough graham crackers toasted for 10 layers of 4 graham crackers plus an extra 8 for the outside coating.

How to make the cream filling

The section below is a quick overview of how to make this recipe. For full details, see recipe card below!

Step 1

To a kitchen stand mixer bowl or large mixing bowl, add cream cheese.

Step 2

Beat with the whisk attachment for 2-3 minutes on high speed, scrapping the sides of the bowl. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP.

Step 3

Once the cream cheese is mixed and soft, add half the heavy cream and sour cream. Beat on high speed for 2-3 minutes until well combined. This is important to avoid clumps.

Step 4

Add the rest of the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat for 1-2 minutes until fluffy and soft peaks form. Do not add too much powdered sugar. The frosting should not be overly sweet since the graham crackers are very sweet! Small clumps may form from the powdered sugar but they should dissolve.

Expert tips from my test kitchen

Generously spread the filling between each layer

The most common mistake is not adding enough filling between graham cracker layers. The crackers absorb the filling so be generous. It should be at least the thickness of the graham crackers,1.5x more!

Refrigerate overnight

For best results, refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight to the let the layers soften.

How to assemble the honey cake layers

The section below is a quick overview of how to make this recipe. For full details, see recipe index card below!

Step 1

Pick a serving platter that fits the cake length of 4 graham cracker sheets. Place 4 graham cracker sheets side by side on the serving platter to form the first layer. Put some filling on the bottom to help hold the first layer in place.

Step 2

Spread a thick, even layer of the cream filling over the crackers. It should be 1.5x to 2x thickness of the graham crackers. Be generous, graham crackers absorb some of the filling or when you slice, you won’t see any filling.

Step 3

Continue layering four graham cracker sheets followed by the cream filling until you have 10 layers of graham crackers. As you build the cake, scrape the edges of the layers if you notice the cream falling on the sides.

Step 4

After the last layer, finish with the frosting on top. Cover the tops and sides with the remaining frosting. Gently press handfuls of the crumbs onto the sides. Cover loosely and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Can I make this shortcut Honey Cake in advance?

Yes! The only way for this cake to work is to refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. It actually tastes better the next day as the layers soften, the cream solidifies and making it easier to slice.

Why does my cake not show the cream layers?

You need to put enough cream between each layer because some of it gets absorbed from the graham crackers. It’s hard to give an exact measurement but the cream layer should be 1.5x to 2x the thickness of the graham cracker.

How long should I refrigerate Honey Cake before serving?

Chill the cake in the fridge at least 4 hours or overnight for best results. This helps the cream set and the layers soften, making it easier to slice.

How to store leftover Honey Cake

Honey Cake is best served cold and a great make ahead recipe. Store leftover assembled cake in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days to maintain its texture and freshness.

I hope you love this easy shortcut Honey Cake recipe! Your feedback is valuable to us. If you try my recipes and love them, please take a moment to leave a five star review. Thank you for being part of the Bake Cook Repeat community! Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Subscribe on YouTube for more easy no bake desserts and baking recipes!

No Bake Berry Chantilly Flag Cake

by Patricia | June 19, 2026 | Desserts | 6 Comments

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No Bake Berry Chantilly Flag Cake

I give you permission to steal this cake recipe for your Fourth of July dessert. This No Bake Berry Chantilly Flag Cake is light and elegant, layered with fresh berries, fluffy cream and ladyfingers. No oven required. Inspired by the famous cake from Whole Foods.

Why you'll love my Berry Chantilly recipe

Perfect Fourth of July dessert

This patriotic red, white and blue dessert is most popular Fourth of July desserts because it’s refreshing and easy to prepare ahead of time.

No oven required

This no bake cake is perfect for summer days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.

Easy to make

The easiest make ahead cake recipe for spring or summer gatherings. Prep time is under 30 minutes.

Refreshing & light

Serve chilled with lots of fruit.

What is chantilly cream?

Chantilly cream is a lightly sweetened whipped cream with vanilla. Unlike traditional frosting, in this recipe I used cream cheese and heavy whipping cream. This combination creates a stable yet flavorful frosting that pair perfect with the soft ladyfingers and fresh fruit.

Ingredients and substitutions

Fresh berries: A good variety of blue and red fruit to create the iconic American flag.

Jam: Use high-quality jam. I like blueberry, marionberry or mixed berries. Combined with smashed raspberries for the fruity layer between the cake.

Condensed milk and milk: Both used to soak the ladyfingers.

Ladyfingers: I love using lady fingers because it’s basically dried up cake!

Mascarpone and cream cheese: Stabilizes the chantilly cream and adds more depth in flavor.

Heavy cream: Used for the cream cheese frosting.

Powdered sugar: Ladyfingers are naturally not very sweet. Powdered sugar helps balance the cream and cake layers.

Vanilla extract and almond extract: Adds an extract touch of flavor iconic to chantilly cakes.

For the rest of the ingredients, please see the recipe index card below!

How to make Berry Chantilly Flag Cake

The section below is a quick overview of how to make this recipe. For the full recipe details, see recipe index card below!

Prepare the chantilly cream

In a large mixing bowl, add the softened mascarpone and cream cheese. Beat on high speed for 1-2 minutes until smooth. Beat cold cheeses for 2-3 minutes. This extra step helps prevent clumps.

Add 1/2 of the heavy whipping cream and beat until combined. When adding the last half of the heavy cream, also add the powdered sugar, almond extract and vanilla extract. Whip for 2-3 minutes or until soft peaks form. Do not overmix. Taste and adjust sugar as needed.

Make the jam layer and milk mixture

In a medium bowl, add jam and fresh raspberries. Smash and mix until combined. In a separate bowl, add condensed milk and whole milk. Stir to combine until dissolved.

Build the first layer

Lightly dip each lady finger in the milk mixture. Arrange in a single layer in a 9″x13″ pan.

Add the cream

Top with 1/3 of the cream of the chantilly cream over the ladyfingers. Use an offset spatula to spread a smooth even layer.

Add the jam

Spread the entire jam over the cream into an even layer.

Repeat the layers

Continue layering the ladyfingers and 1/3 of the chantilly cream. Make sure to reserve enough for the final layer.

Lady fingers arranged in a single layer.

Cream frosting on top of the lady finger layers.

Pouring fruit and jam mixture over the cream layer.

How to decorate the flag cake

The section below is a quick overview of how to make this recipe. For the full recipe details, see recipe index card below!

Smooth the top layer

Use an offset spatula to make sure the top layer is smooth.

Create the flag outline

Use the tip of a knife or a toothpick to outline the sections of the flag. Create a rectangle in the upper left corner and 3 horizontal even lines.

Layer the blue section

Layer the blackberries and blueberries in the corner.

Pipe the white stripes

Use a piping bag with a star tip to pipe thick straight lines on the horizontal outlines.

Layer the red fruit

Arrange the strawberries, raspberries and cherries in between the white frosting.

Cover and refrigerate

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight for best results. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

No Bake Berry Chantilly Flag Cake dusted with powdered sugar.

How long do I need to chill Berry Chantilly Cake?

For best results, refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. This gives enough time for the ladyfingers to absorb the surrounding moisture from the cream and jam.

What is the best liquid for dipping ladyfingers?

For the most flavorful results, dip in sweetened condensed milk mixture or a simple syrup.

How long should I dip the ladyfingers?

Dip each ladyfinger for only 1-2 seconds. They absorb liquid quickly and over-soaking can make the dessert too soft and ruin the layers.

How to store leftover Berry Chantilly Cake

No Bake Berry Chantilly Cake is a delicious make-ahead recipe. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Do not freeze once soaked.

I hope you find this to be the best Tres Leches Cake recipe! Your feedback is valuable to us. If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments. If you try this recipe and love it, please take a moment to leave a five star review. Thank you for being part of the Bake Cook Repeat community! Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Subscribe on YouTube.

For more cake recipes, be sure to check out my Tres Leches Cake and Strawberry Tiramisu!

Waldorf Salad Recipe

by Patricia | June 10, 2026 | Lunch, Salads | 6 Comments

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Waldorf Salad Recipe

This healthy Waldorf Salad is simple, refreshing and ready in minutes. It combines crisp apples, chewy dates, crunchy pecans and celery in a creamy dressing for the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. You can serve it for lunch, a holiday gathering or a light dinner side dish.

Why you'll love my easy waldorf salad recipe

Crunchy & Refreshing

Every bite is a mix of crunch and creaminess.

Irresistible homemade dressing

The dressing light made with mayo and Greek yogurt. It keeps this salad refreshing without being too heavy.

Easy to prep

There’s no cooking required. It’s simply a matter of washing, chopping and mixing. It can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for meal prep or entertaining.

What is a Waldorf Salad?

Waldorf Salad is a fruit and nut salad. Originally served at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City in the 1800s, this salad combines apples, celery, dates, arugula, pecans and a creamy dressing for the perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.

Ingredients and substitutions

Apples: For crunch and sweetness. Compliments all the ingredients well.

Celery: For freshness and crunch. Most of the salad is made up of celery!

Dates: Dates add a caramel-like sweetness and chewy texture that makes this salad so irresistible and rich.

Mayonnaise and Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt adds extra protein and keeps the dressing light.

Parmesan: Adds a nutty, salty flavor and thickens the dressing.

Arugulal (optional): Adds more fullness to the salad but you may skip it completely.

Lemon juice: Freshy squeezed lemon juice provides acidity, brightness and freshness.

Maple syrup or honey: To balance out the acidity of the lemon and celery.

Olive oil: A good quality olive oil is important as the flavor of the dressing depends on it.

For the rest of the ingredients, please see the recipe index card below!

How to make the dressing

Step one

In a separate bowl, whisk together mayo, Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, dill and parsley. Whisk until smooth.

Step two

Add parmesan and whisk until thick and combined.

How to make Waldorf Salad

Prepare the ingredients

Wash and chop the apples. Chop the apples and dates into bite sized pieces. Slice the celery and cucumbers into thin round slices. Roughly chop the pecans.

Make the creamy dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together mayo, Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, dill, parsley and parmesan until smooth.

Combine everything

To a large mixing bowl, add arugula, celery, dates, apples and pecans. Pour the creamy dressing over the top and toss until evenly coated. Best served chilled.

Tips for the best Waldorf Salad

Chill the ingredients

Place the apples, celery and dates in the fridge before prepping the salad. This salad is best served cold.

Toss apples in lemon juice

Keep the apples fresh by tossing them in water and lemon juice.

Make it a meal

Add grilled or shredded chicken to make it a complete meal.

What are the original ingredients in the Waldorf Salad?

The original salad included apples, celery and mayonnaise. That’s it! I think my version is WAY better!

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad tastes better chilled in the fridge for a few hours. You can prepare it one day in advance but some of the salad elements may lose their fresh crunch. Make the salad and toss everything together except the pecans and arugula. They will get soggy and loose their crunch.

What are the best apples to use for this salad?

Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala or Granny smith apples are great choices because they stay crisp. I prefer Gala apples.

What can I serve this salad with?

This healthy Waldorf Salad pairs well at any occasion with any spreads. Serve at holidays, weeknight dinners or special gatherings with a side of grilled chicken or steak and artisan bread.

If you tried this recipe and loved it, please take a moment to leave a five star review. Thank you for being part of the Bake Cook Repeat community! Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Subscribe on YouTube.

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