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Chocolate Spartak Cake Recipe

Chocolate Spartak Cake Recipe

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You have to make this chocolate Spartak layer cake for the holidays! This cake is a close relative of the wildly popular original Spartak cake I posted last year. I made the chocolate Spartak cake on Sunday and took it over to my parent’s house for dinner. It was my first time baking the chocolate Spartak which is now a family favorite and extended family favorite. No crumb was left behind (I was half hoping to take a slice of heaven home with me).

The room was buzzing with happy cake eaters – and my family is open and honest; they level with me if something needs to be scrapped.

This cake takes some effort, but it’s oh-so worth it! Big Thank you to Laura, one of my readers who shared her suggestions on rolling out the dough and using parchment paper. I love learning from you all!

What you will need for Chocolate Spartak Cake:

2 large sheets of parchment paper
round plate or the base of a 9″ springform pan

Ingredients for Chocolate Spartak Cake:

1 egg
1 cup sugar
4 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1/3 cup warm milk
1 tsp baking soda
2 cups minus 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour *measured correctly
1 1/2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa

Ingredients for Chocolate Spartak Cream:

2 sticks (16 Tbsp) butter, softened at room temp
14 oz can sweetened condensed milk (raw/un-cooked)
8 oz package cream cheese, soft at room temp
3/4 cup of very cold heavy whipping cream
1 1/2 Tbsp powdered sugar

Watch How To Make Chocolate Spartak Cake:

How to Make Chocolate Spartak Cake Layers:

Preheat the Oven to 350 ° F at step 5 while your dough is standing 20 min. 
1. Sift together 2 cups minus 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 tbsp cocoa.

Chocolate Spartak

2. Beat together 1 egg and 1 cup sugar with a whisk attachment of your stand mixer (medium speed, 6 min).

Chocolate Spartak-1

3. Add 4 Tbsp softened butter, warm milk, and baking soda. Mix on medium/high speed 3 min, until smooth (or mostly smooth).

Chocolate Spartak-2

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4. Bring a medium/large pot of water to a boil. Place mixture in a glass bowl or medium sauce pan over the steam (not immersed in the water) for 10 min, stirring frequently.

Chocolate Spartak-4 

5. Remove from heat and immediately stir in sifted flour & cocoa and mix well. (Add flour right away or you will ruin the dough and it may crack when you roll it out).Let stand 20 minutes; until dough is just warm; it thickens as it cools:

Note: It’s easier to roll out the dough while it’s still warm.

Chocolate Spartak-5

Preheat the Oven to 350 °F.
6. Place a heaping Tbsp over a large sheet of parchment paper. Sprinkle flour over the dough (so it doesn’t stick to your rolling pin) and roll it out to a very thin 9″ circle. Place your round dish over the dough and use a pizza slicer to cut out the circle. Pull the scraps away from the circle or they will bake into it. I was able to get two circles on one large sheet of parchment paper and baked them together. Bake the parchment paper with dough directly on the middle oven rack at 350˚F for 4-5 minutes until the edges barely start to brown (no need for a baking sheet). Don’t touch the top of the cake layer while it’s hot, or you’ll leave finger indents.

Chocolate Spartak-7

7. Place the baked scraps to a separate bowl; you’ll need them for the top. Transfer cake layers to a clean, dry surface. They can be stacked once they are cooled to room temp. You can also make the layers several days in advance and store them in plastic wrap until ready to frost. I’m frugal so I re-used each sheet of parchment paper a couple times and then kept it for a temporary cake decorating surface.

Chocolate Spartak-8

How to Make the cream/frosting:

1. Using the whisk attachment on your stand mixer, beat together 2 packages softened butter and 1 can sweetened condensed milk on medium speed 7 min, scraping down the bowl as needed. Goodness this by itself might make a luscious cupcake frosting!!

Chocolate Spartak-9

2. Mix in the softened cream cheese a little bit at a time until smooth (2-3 min). It’s important that the cream cheese is really soft or you might get small chunks of cream cheese in the frosting. Scrape down the bowl as needed.

Chocolate Spartak-10

3. In a separate bowl, beat very cold heavy whipping cream and 1 1/2 Tbsp powdered sugar on high speed (about 2 min) or until stiff peaks form. Fold whipped cream into the rest of the frosting until well blended.

Chocolate Spartak-11

Chocolate Spartak-12

Assembling Chocolate Spartak Cake:

1. Place your first layer over one of the sheets of parchment paper and spread enough frosting to cover the entire surface. Place the next layer on top and press it down with your hand so you don’t end up with air gaps. Repeat step one with all the layers. Finish by frosting the sides.

Chocolate Spartak-13

3. Use a rolling pin to crush the baked cake scraps you set aside (again, another good way to re-use that parchment paper!).

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4. Generously sprinkle the crumbs over the top and sides. The sides are tough to put crumbs on. At one point I got frustrated and started throwing crumbs at the cake. Then I learned you can kind of toss the crumbs at the base up onto the cake by flicking the sides of the parchment paper; just do the best you can. Refrigerate overnight (it takes about 10 hours for the layers to soften).

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It cleans up nice! 🙂

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P.S. Do you know this cake as Spartak or Napoleon? It seems there are some differing opinions out there.

Chocolate Spartak Cake Recipe

4.93 from 113 votes
Author: Natasha of NatashasKitchen.com
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 10 -12

Ingredients for Cake Layers:

  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/3 cup warm milk
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 2 cups minus 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa

Ingredients for Spartak Cream

  • 2 sticks, 16 Tbsp butter, softened at room temp
  • 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk, (397 grams) raw/un-cooked
  • 8 oz package cream cheese, soft at room temp
  • 3/4 cup of very cold heavy whipping cream
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp powdered sugar

Instructions

How to Make Spartak Cake Layers: Preheat the Oven to 350˚ F at step 5 while dough is cooling.

  • Sift together 2 cups minus 1 tbsp flour with 1 1/2 Tbsp cocoa. Set aside.
  • Beat together 1 egg and 1 cup sugar with whisk attachment on medium speed for 6 min.
  • Add 4 Tbsp softened butter, warm milk, and baking soda. Mix on medium/high speed 3 min, until smooth.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Place mixture in a glass bowl or medium sauce pan over the steam for 10 min, stirring frequently.
  • Remove from heat and immediately add sifted flour and cocoa mixture.Stir until even consistency. (Add flour right away or you will ruin the dough). Let stand at room temp 20 min; until just warm. It thickens as it cools. It's easier to roll out dough if it's still warm. Preheat the Oven to 350˚ F.
  • Place a heaping tbsp of dough over a large sheet of parchment paper. Sprinkle flour over the dough (so it doesn't stick to your rolling pin) and roll it out to a very thin 9" circle. Place your round dish over the dough and use a pizza slicer to cut out the circle. Push the scraps away from the circle or they will bake into it. I was able to get two circles on one large sheet of parchment paper and baked them together. Bake the parchment paper with dough directly on the middle oven rack at 350 for 4-5 min until edges just start to brown. Don't touch the tops of the layers while hot; it will indent. Reserve the baked scraps.
  • Transfer layers to a clean, dry surface. They can be stacked once cooled to room temp. You can also make the layers several days in advance and store them in plastic wrap until ready to frost. You can re-use the parchment papers to roll out and bake all the layers.

How to Make the cream/frosting:

  • With the whisk attachment, beat together 2 packages softened butter and 1 can sweetened condensed milk on medium speed for 7 min, scraping down the bowl as needed.
  • Mix in the softened cream cheese a little bit at a time until smooth (2-3 min). It's important that the cream cheese is really soft or you might get small chunks of cream cheese in the frosting. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
  • In a separate bowl, beat very cold heavy whipping cream and 1 1/2 tbsp powdered sugar on high speed (about 2 min) or until stiff peaks form. Fold whipped cream into the rest of the frosting until well blended.

Assembling the Cake:

  • Place your first layer over one of the re-used sheets of parchment paper and spread enough frosting to cover the entire surface. Place the next layer on top and press it down with your hand so you don't have air gaps. Repeat step one with all the layers. Finish by frosting the sides.
  • Over the second re-used sheet of parchment paper, use a rolling pin to crush the baked cake scraps.
  • Generously sprinkle the crumbs over the top and sides. Refrigerate overnight (it takes about 10 hours for the layers to soften).
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Russian, Ukrainian
Keyword: Chocolate Spartak Cake
Skill Level: Advanced
Cost to Make: $8-$10

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Chocolate Spartak

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Natasha Kravchuk

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the blogger behind Natasha's Kitchen (since 2009). My husband and I run this blog together and share only our best, family approved and tested recipes with YOU. Thanks for stopping by! We are so happy you're here.

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Read comments/reviewsAdd comment/review

  • Tanya
    August 8, 2023

    Hi Natasha, How many layers from this recipe? I counted 8 in your cake.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 8, 2023

      Hi Tanya, I’m usually able to get 7-8 layers from this recipe.

      Reply

  • Ang
    May 10, 2023

    Hi. Can this be make into mini spartak cakes? How often would you enlarge for 150 people? I want to make mini spartaks with only 4 layers.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      May 11, 2023

      I haven’t really tested that to advise. I bet that will work but you will have to experiment on it.

      Reply

  • Diana
    April 7, 2023

    Hi Natasha! Can I premake the sheets ahead of time? And how long can the sheets last?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      April 7, 2023

      Hi Diana! You can make the layers several days in advance and store them in plastic wrap until ready to frost. Make sure they are completely cooled before wrapping them in plastic.

      Reply

  • Inna Moser
    March 14, 2023

    To me it’s always been white is medovik, chocolate Spartak, the pastry layer type is napaleon.

    Reply

  • Janet
    March 9, 2023

    Hi Natasha, I love your recipes and have rarely had any issues with them, but today I made this cake and ended up putting in too much sweetened condensed milk into the icing because I went with the 14 oz weight measure. Our labeling in Canada says 300 ml and that converts to 10 ozs. You should probably specify that it’s 14 fluid ounces and equivalent to 10 ozs. I’m extra disappointed because I believe the extra condensed milk made my icing watery.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      March 10, 2023

      Hi Janet, I added the clarification that it is (397 grams). Another thing is to make sure to use HEAVY whipping cream which has a higher fat content than regular whipping cream and will create a firmer frosting. I hope that helps.

      Reply

  • Anna
    January 31, 2023

    This is one of the best chocolate Spartak cakes ever!!!
    Can I double the recipe and make two cakes ?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      January 31, 2023

      Hi Anna! I’m so glad you loved it! I have doubled the recipe exactly, but when I double the recipe I keep it over the hot water bath pretty much double the amount of time for the dough to form properly since it takes so much longer for a double batch to heat up. One reader mentioned warming the dough slightly in the microwave to make it easier to roll out.

      Reply

  • Yelena
    January 4, 2023

    Hey! Have a question about the cream, the first time I made the cream it turned out perfect. But today I made it again and it looked different when I mixed butter and condensed milk together after 7 minutes, it looked like I over beat it. But I still continued to add cream cheese and whipped heavy whip. So I wonder can I use that cream on the layers or should I redo the cream? Will it taste the same?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      January 4, 2023

      Hi Yelena! It should be fine to use still. The cake will be covered in crumbs so it won’t be as noticeable if it’s not completely smooth. One of my readers provided a great tip for this if it happens, “you beat softened butter for few minutes and then slowly add condensed milk and it turns out a nice texture.” I hope that helps!

      Reply

  • Dee Decheubel
    December 9, 2022

    I have made this cake for my Son’s birthday and it was such a hit that now my daughter wants this for her birthday. It was so fun to be in the kitchen with my daughter working together on this lovely. It helps to have one person rolling out and one person looking over the oven. The frosting is so good, I have used the recipe for other cakes! Thank you for such an amazing recipe!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 9, 2022

      That is the best when kids love what we moms make. That’s so great! happy birthday to both of your kiddos!!

      Reply

  • Lana
    November 25, 2022

    Hi Natasha! Can I use the cream from your Honey Cake recipe for this cake? I don’t like butter cream and I am wondering if sour cream/ whipped cream would work with chocolate layers. Please let me know what do you think? Thank you!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 25, 2022

      Hi Lana! I think the combination would work fine.

      Reply

  • Nat
    October 29, 2022

    Which cocoa powder do you use? My layers are never this dark.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      October 29, 2022

      I’ve used different brands, Hershey’s brand is a good one.

      Reply

      • Nat
        November 3, 2022

        I only use Hersheys… maybe I need to add more than the recipe calls for.. thanks for the reply.

        Reply

  • Angelina
    January 20, 2022

    Yes a very delicious cake. I made it for my family and everyone gave me compliments.
    With this recipe, I got 6 round pieces without the crumbs (I used all the dough for the rounds).
    The cream is decadent and rich and if you like a lot of cream this is great.
    The chocolate wasn’t very pronounced in this cake; 1.5 tablespoons is not enough I think to make it truly chocolate. I will make this cake again, but will still look for a different more chocolatey recipe with more light cream.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 22, 2022

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Dina Wood
    January 16, 2022

    Finally made this cake yesterday. It was much more work than expected. I remember this cake when I was a kid in Ukrainian but couldn’t remember the name. Cut into it today. Got to say, it was as I remember. It turned out perfectly. My fiancé, an American and sweets lover, enjoyed it very much. If I make it again, will add some slivered fresh strawberries on top. Now, on to пероги. Still have not mastered the dough or meat filling. Wonderful directions and instructional video for the cake. Thanks for sharing, Natasha!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 16, 2022

      Hi Dina, great to hear that it was a success! Thanks for sharing that with us and that sounds like a good plan for next time.

      Reply

  • Aileen Haig
    January 3, 2022

    Hi Natasha,
    I made your chocolate version of your mom’s Spartak cake for Christmas. It turned out very well and everyone loved it!! I used a chocolate ganache instead of crumbs… the finished product was as good as or better than what you would get in a high end European bakery. I also used your dulce de leche recipe in place of the sweet and condensed milk. Excellent!!
    I’ve tried many of your recipes and I really love the fact that you teach culinary skills as you go… it’s not just the recipe!
    God bless you and your family and all the very best in 2022!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 3, 2022

      Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Aileen! I’m so happy you enjoyed that! Happy New Year!

      Reply

  • Natasha
    December 23, 2021

    Hi Natasha, how long can the layers last without being frosted? I made them yesterday for Christmas, but by evening, I got sick. Looks like I won’t be able to make it to the Christmas party, but I hate for all my effort to be for nothing. Can I still frost them in a few days?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 23, 2021

      Hi Natasha, You can make the layers ahead of time. If you can keep them dry (no humidity), they will last for several days. I’ve never maxed it out, but maybe 3 to 5 days would probably be safe. They become like dry cookies that soften with the cream and are lovely. You wouldn’t want to package them up while they are still warm or the enclosed moisture could cause issues.

      Reply

  • Arla
    October 21, 2021

    Hi. I’m wondering if I could use almond flour in making this. What’s the measurements? I want to use low GI substitute for my pre-diabetic husband. Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 21, 2021

      I haven’t tested this with GF/ Almond flour so you’ll have to experiment. I also searched the comments and no one has tried making it gluten free yet.

      Reply

  • Amy
    August 7, 2021

    Hi Natasha,
    I had already decided to make a chocolate cake (with a different recipe) but then decided to add your frosting recipe to make it into a Spartak cake for my kids and Russian husband. It was easy and delicious! It seems like this recipe is hard to find because it wasn’t in any of my Russian cookbooks. I think your recipe is so much better than other recipes on the internet that use cool whip (gross) or require cooking the sour cream into a custard (too much work). Thank you as always! I love your recipes.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 8, 2021

      Thank you Amy, I apprecaite what you said, glad you liked my recipe.

      Reply

  • Nadia
    July 6, 2021

    Just finished making the cream but as soon as I add the heavy whipping cream to the rest of the mixture it becomes runny and looks like there is clumps but to the taste is fine. Why could it be turning runny after I combine the stiff heavy whipping cream?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 7, 2021

      Hi Nadia, are you using heavy whipping cream? Also, please make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature and not warmer to help it keep its shape. You can place it in the fridge for a little while and try again. I hope that works!

      Reply

  • Tanya Agapov
    June 9, 2021

    I love your recipes! They are so easy to follow. I learned how to bake from you! Thank you for your thorough instructions! I have baked Spartak cake following your recipe, at least 15 times in the past year for every party and everyone loved it!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 10, 2021

      Aww, that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me. I’m all smiles

      Reply

  • Mia
    December 7, 2020

    Every time I have made the frosting for this cake it ends up with little chunks of butter or cream cheese I am not sure which, this usually happens after even I have creamed the butter prior to adding the sweetened condensed milk. I have made sure that both the butter and the cream cheese are at room temperature, leaving them out for practically the whole day. What is the problem? I have tried making this frosting 2x

    Reply

    • Natasha
      December 8, 2020

      Hi Mia, that can happen sometimes with over-mixing, but also can happen if the sweetened condensed milk was cold. I have had that happen before and it won’t be noticeable in the finished cake (since it’s covered with crumbs), or affect the flavor.

      Reply

  • Anna
    November 4, 2020

    Hi Natasha,
    I was wondering why is my frosting so runny Everytime I make this cake? Even after I add the whipped heavy cream.
    I noticed when I beat the cream cheese in, that’s when it becomes runnier. What can I do differently?

    Thanks for all your hard work!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 4, 2020

      Hi Anna, are you using heavy whipping cream? Also, make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature and not any warmer to help it keep its shape. You can place it in the fridge for a little while and try again. I hope that works!

      Reply

  • Liya Maydanyuk
    October 23, 2020

    I love this recipe!! My go to for family events!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 24, 2020

      That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite!

      Reply

  • Angelina
    June 1, 2020

    Can I make this cake two days before my birthday And keep it in the fridge ?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 2, 2020

      Hi Angelina, I have made them up to a week head and stored in a cool dry place. You want to keep them covered after they are fully cooled and away from humidity.

      Reply

  • Oksana
    May 4, 2020

    Hey Natasha :)I have a big party I am prepping for and it’s this coming Sunday for Mother’s Day. I want to be on top of it and start baking already. Can I bake all the Spartak layers already and let them cool and cover them and store them for 5 days and then frost on Friday and eat on Sunday? Will they still taste fresh and good by Sunday?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 4, 2020

      Hi Oksana, yes! You can make the layers ahead of time. If you can keep them dry (no humidity), they will last for several days. I’ve never maxed it out, but maybe 3 to 5 days would probably be safe. They become like dry cookies that soften with the cream and are lovely. You wouldn’t want to package them up while they are still warm or the enclosed moisture could cause issues.

      Reply

    • Inna Moser
      March 14, 2023

      Hi! I have made Spartak and Medovik layers and stored for months! You can also freeze these cakes already frosted!

      Reply

  • Rubin
    April 29, 2020

    I made holes with a fork so it wouldn’t blow up

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 29, 2020

      Great idea! Thank you for sharing that with me.

      Reply

  • Yuliya
    April 3, 2020

    Hello Natash!

    I am planning to make this cake tomorrow for my birthday and i was wondering for the step 2 “Beat together 1 egg and 1 cup sugar with whisk attachment on medium speed for 6 min.”, do i need to beat it for 12 minutes since i will be doubling the recipe. Thank you soo much!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 3, 2020

      Hi Yuliya, you may not need the full twelve minutes but I imagine it will be longer than the 6 minutes. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe.

      Reply

  • Tina
    March 29, 2020

    Made this cake last night, the only thing I can say is the cream is on the really sweet side for my preference so for ppl like me I suggest using a bit less cream on the cake instead of a lot like I did. My mistake though, I should’ve known better after trying it before putting it on but it was my first time so will do that next time. Also, I like mine a little more crispy so definitely will use less cream for that reason too. Other than that, great cake, Thank u! 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 29, 2020

      Thanks for sharing that with us, that’s very useful info. I’m sure the next one you’ll be making will turn out perfect!

      Reply

  • Nataliya Parizer
    March 21, 2020

    hi natasha! do you think Pizzelle Vanilla Italian Waffle Cookies might work in place of palmiers? we’re under quarantine and unfortunately can’t go to costco. It’s for my mom’s 70th in 2 weeks and I’d love to surprise her with it (she’ll be surprised because I don’t bake ). thank you in advance for any ideas! I just love your recipes…I don’t think a week goes by that I don’t use at least one of them.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 21, 2020

      Hi Nataliya, without testing that it is hard to advise. If you experiment, let me know how you liked that.

      Reply

  • Natashka
    February 24, 2020

    I made this cake for my dad’s birthday and everyone enjoyed it! I have two little ones, both under age 2, and when I was making this time consuming cake I decided it would be my first and last time making it. But this cake is just so delicious that I’ll be sure to make it again.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 24, 2020

      Awww that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me & Happy Birthday to your Dad!

      Reply

  • Sveta
    January 30, 2020

    Hi, I just love all youre Recipe all are yammy.. I have a question after how many days is ok to eat the cake? To be soft? And how many days is ok to store the cake layers without frosting.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 30, 2020

      Hi Sveta, it’s best the next day but is still awesome even 4 days later.

      Reply

  • natasha
    January 18, 2020

    i am so bummed.. i was looking forward to this cake.. i am such a fan of this site and i follow instructions to a T, and everything turns out beautifully, but this just did NOT work at all.. i could NOT roll the dough.. it kept sticking to my rolling pin. i am so sad. what did i do wrong??

    Reply

    • Natasha
      January 18, 2020

      Hi, I’m sorry to hear that. I am always happy to help troubleshoot. If it was sticking to the rolling pin – it may have needed a little more flour. Also, it really helps to roll it out when the dough is still warm because it is more pliable.

      Reply

      • Marianne Ivankin
        April 1, 2020

        Can I freeze this cake?

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          April 1, 2020

          Hi Marianne, I have not tried freezing it but I do think it could work well to freeze it after it has had a chance to soften overnight.

          Reply

    • Olga
      March 25, 2021

      Same thing happened to me. I ended up adding a good amount of additional flour when starting to roll a circle. It’s been raining really hard all day, so the humidity is 100%. I wonder if that has anything to do with it.

      Reply

  • Karina
    December 23, 2019

    My favorite cake. I made this cake so many times and it’s gone every time.
    Thank you so much for this scrumptious recipe!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 23, 2019

      You’re welcome, Karina! Sounds like you found a new favorite!

      Reply

  • Julia
    November 27, 2019

    I just finished making the korzhi for this cake and I ended up using silpat liners because I had ran out of parchment. I was amazed at how much easier it was to roll out the dough. I was able to make 15 layers with minimal effort and rolling.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 27, 2019

      That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing that with us!

      Reply

  • Christina Velichko
    September 5, 2019

    Would the cake still be good if I assemble it all 2 days in advance? I’m thinking to bake the layers and frost it all on Friday and leave it in the refrigerator until Sunday. What do you think?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 5, 2019

      Hi Christina, it will last several days in the fridge.

      Reply

  • Lina
    August 2, 2019

    Can you freeze the cake layers?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 2, 2019

      Hi Lina, I have not tried freezing it but I do think it could work well to freeze it after it has had a chance to soften overnight.

      Reply

    • Viktoria Federau
      August 2, 2019

      I put whole cake into freezer. And after a while had some friend coming. Put that frozen cake into refrigerator overnight and next day there is no different between cake you baked last night and the cake that was frozen. Delicious!!!

      Reply

  • Luda
    May 17, 2019

    Do you think this cake will be good as a wedding cake?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 17, 2019

      Hi Luda, I haven’t tested this as a wedding cake so I cannot advise but we have seen it served at weddings as a dessert.

      Reply

      • Luda
        January 24, 2020

        It’s worked, I did Spartak as a wedding cake, it turned out beautifully. I wish I can upload picture to show you. Spartak is our favorite family cake.

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          January 24, 2020

          That’s so awesome Luda! You are welcome to upload it to a Social Media site and tag natashaskitchen.com or #natashaskitchen

          Reply

  • Viktoria
    May 8, 2019

    Hi. How long i can store prepared layers in airtight container?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 8, 2019

      Hi Viktoria, I have made them up to a week head and stored in a cool dry place. You want to keep them covered after they are fully cooled and away from humidity.

      Reply

  • Anna
    January 10, 2019

    Hi Natasha, thank you for the great recipes!
    I wonder if you tried to make Spartak layers with the cream from Smetannik? Do you think it will work?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 11, 2019

      Hi Anna, I honestly haven’t tried that. If you experiment please let me know how you like that!

      Reply

      • Ali snegur
        July 3, 2019

        I have made this cake using the cream from sour cream, sugar, heavy whipping cream. The best tasting ever.
        For one cake you need 400grams sour cream, 200 grams sugar, and 8fl oz heavy whipping cream.

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          July 3, 2019

          Thank you so much for sharing that with me.

          Reply

  • Ali
    December 2, 2018

    Hi Natasha, I’m looking to bake this kind of cake for a big party, but I’m planning to bake about 4 cakes. Can you send me measurements for a bigger quantity of dough? Also, is there a way to speed up the process for preparing this recipe, especially when rolling out the dough? I tried every way, even when the dough is warm, and it still doesn’t shorten the work time for me. If you know of any other way to to speed things up ( maybe adding more or less of something in the dough) please let me know. Thanks!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      December 3, 2018

      Hi Ali, I have doubled the recipe exactly, but when I double the recipe I keep it over the hot water bath pretty much double the amount of time for the dough to form properly since it takes so much longer for a double batch to heat up. One reader mentioned warming the dough slightly in the microwave to make it easier to roll out. I haven’t made 4 cakes out of this before but I imagine you would have to make 2 separate double batches.

      Reply

    • Dee
      November 22, 2019

      I didn’t read the instructions ahead and sifted the baking soda with the flour instead of putting it in the wet ingredients, do you think it will turn out the same?

      Reply

      • Natasha
        November 22, 2019

        Hi Dee, I haven’t tried it that way so I can’t say for sure. I’ve messed up cakes before changing the order but I’m not sure about this one.

        Reply

  • Grace
    November 20, 2018

    Hello Natasha. I live in South Carolia, United States and there is a lot of humidity. Could I make the cake one day before and store it in the refrigerator?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 20, 2018

      Hi Grace, I think they’d be fine wrapped in plastic and refrigerated after they are fully cooled.

      Reply

  • Grace
    November 15, 2018

    Hello Natasha! Could I make this recipe ahead of time and if yes, how long ahead? Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 15, 2018

      I have made them up to a week head and stored in a cool dry place. You want to keep them covered after they are fully cooled and away from humidity.

      Reply

  • Linda Nasman
    November 5, 2018

    I made this to celebrate the adoption of our son from Ukraine five years ago. It was delicious…. Though I did stray from putting crumbs on the top and put chocolate chips instead. Because…. chocolate. This was my second Spartak cake and I found this easier to make than the regular one… But I think it’s just practice maybe. Thank you for the recipe.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 5, 2018

      That’s so great Linda! I’m so happy you enjoyed this cake! Thank you so much for that wonderful review!

      Reply

  • Olga B
    November 3, 2018

    Can I freeze the entire cake? Not sure how the cream will be after thawing…

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 5, 2018

      Hi Olga, I have not tried freezing it but I do think it could work well to freeze it after it has had a chance to soften overnight.

      Reply

    • Erica
      August 9, 2019

      Can I substitute unsweetened almond milk for the regular milk, or do I need to run to the store?! Thank you!!

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        August 9, 2019

        Hi Erica, I haven’t tested that with Almond milk so I cannot advise. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe.

        Reply

  • Angela
    October 24, 2018

    What would the measurements be for a rectangular shape?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 25, 2018

      Hi Angela. If you haven’t watched the video, I think you’ll find it REALLY helpful :). https://natashaskitchen.com/2014/10/14/chocolate-spartak-cake-video-tutorial/ In step 6, I wrote “Bake the parchment paper with dough directly on the middle oven rack at 350˚F.” Yes, you do bake on the parchment paper and you don’t need a round pan, just transfer the parchment paper to the oven and bake. You can use the same recipe simply shape it into a rectangle. I hope this helps.

      Reply

  • Natalya
    September 6, 2018

    Hello Natasha ! My daughter just made this cake and crust just came out very good. Didn’t you add to the flour extra dark cocoa powder? Because yours crust is very dark, it looks like you added different cocoa then in the recipe. And please make corrections to the cream , please. My daughter just ruined cream just because in the recipe you wrote 2 sticks 16 Tbsp butter. You had to mention that 2 sticks or 16 Tbsp. My daughter added all 2 sticks and 16 Tbsp butter exactly how you wrote.. Thank you.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 7, 2018

      Hi Natalya. I’m so sorry for the confusion. We do have the tbsp listed in parentheses to show what it translates into tablespoons.”2 sticks (16 Tbsp) butter, softened at room temp.” I love that your daughter was baking cake for you all! That is so sweet!

      Reply

      • Valya
        October 4, 2018

        Natasha, I think she was talking about the ‘print version’ of the recipe. In the post it has parentheses, but in the print version is says 2 sticks 16 tbsps (no parentheses)., and I know most people print the recipe and do it, I might have done the same! 🙂

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          October 4, 2018

          Thank you Valya!

          Reply

  • Julia
    September 1, 2018

    Hey do you know how far in advance can u bake the korzhi before assembling the cake?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      September 1, 2018

      Hi Julia, I have made them up to a week head and stored in a cool dry place. You want to keep them covered after they are fully cooled and away from humidity.

      Reply

      • Julia
        September 1, 2018

        Alright. Thank you lots. Btw very great recipe. Everyone loves it. Keep up the great work u do :))

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          September 2, 2018

          You’re so welcome, Julia!

          Reply

  • Igor
    August 27, 2018

    Oh my goodness this cake was the bomb . I don’t usually make cakes but this was so easy especially using the parchment paper was so smart, but anyways I mad this for my birthday party and it was gone in a matter of minutes no joke. I look forward to make this cake again. Amazing recipe. By they way keep doing whatever your doing God bless.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 27, 2018

      Thank you so much for your thoughtful review and encouragement, Igor! I’m so happy you were able to share this with close friends and family at your party! God bless you & Happy Birthday!

      Reply

  • Jenny
    August 24, 2018

    Make this for my birthday every year, it’s my favorite cake. I just had my first slice and I’m in food heaven. So good!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 24, 2018

      Hi Jenny! I love that you have a favorite for your birthday! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! & Happy Birthday! – when ever it is 😉

      Reply

  • Paul
    August 16, 2018

    I was just wondering if I can prepare the cake layers ahead of time and store them in the freezer? And then when I need so I can thaw it and prepare the cake.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 16, 2018

      Hi Paul, I have not tried freezing it but I do think it could work well to freeze it after it has had a chance to soften overnight.

      Reply

  • kobani
    March 22, 2018

    Hmm is anyone else encountering problems with the images
    on this blog loading? I’m trying to determine if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog.
    Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 22, 2018

      Hi Kobani, I’m sorry you’re having trouble with that. I am seeing the images loading normally on my end. It is most likely due to internet connection speed. Are you seeing the same issue when you are on different internet connections? Or possibly close other tabs at the top of your browser to make the tab you are working on load faster. I hope that helps!

      Reply

  • Natasha
    February 16, 2018

    Natasha, what would be the best way to make this cake a bit less sweet? I made this cake several times and everyone (including me) loves it! But I wish it would be just a little less sweet.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      February 16, 2018

      Hi Natasha, that’s a tough call since you can’t really cut it in the frosting and I’m not sure how it would affect the consistency of the batter to cut it down without testing it first. Did you use the cream cheese? That is usually pretty good in cutting the sweetness of the cream.

      Reply

      • Natasha
        February 16, 2018

        I did use cream cheese. Maybe I will at least omit the powdered sugar:-) Thanks, Natasha!

        Reply

        • Natasha
          natashaskitchen
          February 16, 2018

          Hi Natasha, I think that would help a little bit 🙂

          Reply

  • Anna
    February 15, 2018

    Hi, Was wondering if i could pre-make the layers and then put the cake together the next day? If so, how can i store the layers? Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      February 16, 2018

      Hi Anna, yes! You can make the layers ahead of time. Let them cool completely then just store them in a plastic grocery bag at room temp. Keep them dry (away from humidity) and they’ll be just fine.

      Reply

  • Emilia
    February 15, 2018

    How many days can the layers be stored for without frosting them?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      February 16, 2018

      Hi Emilia, if you can keep them dry (no humidity), they will last for several days. I’ve never maxed it out, but maybe 3 to 5 days would probably be safe. They become like dry cookies that soften with the cream and are lovely. You wouldn’t want to package them up while they are still warm or the enclosed moisture could cause issues.

      Reply

  • Kristina
    February 9, 2018

    Hi Natasha, great recipe. Was wondering when I spoon in my flour and than I weigh it and it has only about 4oz in one cup? Shouldnt I have 8 ounces? I think it’s because of flour differe the dough comes out different and sticky. Any help?

    Reply

  • Marianna
    February 3, 2018

    It’s delicious!!! I prepared it yesterday and today we enjoyed the most incredible cake.
    Thanks!! For this wonderful recipe.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 3, 2018

      You’re welcome Marianna! I’m glad you love the recipe. Thanks for sharing your excellent review!

      Reply

  • Natasha
    December 28, 2017

    Hi Natasha! I made this cake for Christmas and it was absolutely delicious! My whole family loved it!:-) Today, I made the cake layers for our new year’s Eve gathering, and for some reason the first few layers came out wavy because of the oven rack. After realizing that the problem is not going to right itself, I baked the rest of the layers on a cookie sheet. Is this going to mess up the cake once I frost it tomorrow? Is it going to look weird? The layers taste just as good as the last time, just don’t look as nice. It was also easier to roll out this time around. Any ideas what caused the layers not to puff up as well?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      December 29, 2017

      Hi Natasha – no worries! It will work. I have had some layers bubble and become slightly wavy. Just push them down slightly to straighten them as you assemble. It’s ok if they crack here and there. The frosting will soften the layers and flatten them out as they rest.

      Reply

  • Irina
    December 20, 2017

    Hi Natasha! I absolutely love this cake! Total hit each time I make it and I’ve made it dozens of times! Today I started making the layers for Christmas, I made a double batch of dough and it is not setting like it typically does. It has cooled off nearly completely but it is still runny like it is when you first add the flour. Any trouble shooting suggestions?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      December 20, 2017

      Hi Irina, when I double the recipe I keep it over the hot water bath pretty much double the amount of time for the dough to form properly since it takes so much longer for a double batch to heat up.

      Reply

  • Lena
    December 18, 2017

    Ochen vkusno!

    I was looking through cakes today and I found this one I thought of making it!
    I am a double one!
    Thank you my mom loved it!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 19, 2017

      You’re welcome Lena! I’m happy to hear that. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply

  • Olga T
    November 20, 2017

    My job for this thanksgiving is to bake so I’ll be trying this cake. Just watched your video and I’m already drooling lol. But for our huge family (30 people) I might need to double it. Can’t wait to try it 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      November 21, 2017

      Please let me know what everyone thinks Olga! Happy Thanksgiving! 🙂

      Reply

      • Olga T
        December 18, 2017

        So I doubled the recipe and it disappeared within minutes. Everyone loved it so much that now I’m making it for Christmas too. I’m tripling the recipe this time though. And then another triple recipe for husbands side of the family. I’m starting baking today 🙂

        Reply

        • Natasha's Kitchen
          December 18, 2017

          Awesome! I’m happy to hear how much everyone enjoys the recipe! Thanks for sharing your wonderful review Olga!

          Reply

        • Lena
          December 18, 2017

          Ah me too!

          But this time I will invite the whole family + friends!

          My friends love baking and they would love to try my first time making this cake for Christmas!

          Every day I feel like visiting this website everyday and make something new!!!!

          Reply

  • Lou
    October 8, 2017

    Hi Natasha. I baked this last night and doubled the recipe. i made mine 10″ so I only got 8 layers that are not as thin as yours!! but some are soft and some crunchy. Should I put the soft ones back in the oven or will they be ok? Thanks for your time, Lou.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 8, 2017

      Hi Lou, Once the layers come fully to room temperature, they should firm up. You should still be ok even if they don’t fully dry out since it sounds like your layers may have been rolled slightly thicker? It should still work fine as long as the layers are not sticky or wet.

      Reply

  • Dasha
    October 6, 2017

    I would like to add that this cake recipe absolutely needs to be doubled. First time we made it seemed taller, but now that we’ve just made it second time, it’s about half as tall as one would expect a cake to be. The frosting recipe could be kept the same, I think. The cake is delicious! Will definitely make again! There is something irresistible about multiple layer cakes. Thanks, Natasha

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 7, 2017

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Anna
    September 30, 2017

    I have tried to make this cake twice and both times the dough mixture is too sticky for me to roll. I end up having to put tons of flour on to roll a few times and then it sticks again. Any idea what I’m doing wrong?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      September 30, 2017

      Hi Anna, assuming all of the ingredients are per the recipe, are you possibly using a different type of flour? For example, a Canadian flour will require varying amounts than US flour. Also, the dough needs ample time to rest so it is just warm when you use it since it firms up as it stands and becomes a little easier to roll. I hope that helps!

      Reply

  • Alla
    August 21, 2017

    How far in advance do you think I can bake the layers? I’m wanting a head start for a party on SAT. Thank you

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      August 21, 2017

      Hi Alla, you can even make them a week in advance and once they are at room temperature, stack and cover them loosely with a plastic bag then keep at room temp until ready to frost

      Reply

  • Irina
    August 9, 2017

    This cake is really awesome! Love both versions – this chocolate and the original one. It’s very delicious and not too complicated to make. I found the easier way to make the dough circles – instead of using the bottom of a spring form and a pizza cutter, you can take a pan or pot lid and cut the circle but pressing it down on the dough and twisting a little but. Then just carefully lift it up and voila! And all of us have different sized lids in our kitchens 🙂 Thank you for the recipe, Natasha!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      August 10, 2017

      Hi Irina, thank you so much for sharing! I’m so glad you enjoyed the cake. It’s my #1 favorite of all time (this one ties with my Mom’s vanilla version) 🙂

      Reply

  • Nadya
    July 13, 2017

    Do you think I could double the proportion and make a large cake for a party?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      July 13, 2017

      Hi Nadya, yes that would work. My Mom always doubles her original spartak cake when making it. You will need to keep the mixture over the steam/double boiler for double the amount of time called for since it will take substantially longer to heat with a double portion. I have that note in the original spartak recipe. I hope you love the cake! 🙂

      Reply

  • Tonya
    April 14, 2017

    Natasha,

    How many layers do you get from this cake? I got 6 and I feel like I should have double the recipe because the cake looks a little flat…. or the frosting will add a good amount of height to it?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      April 14, 2017

      Hi Tonya, I was able to get 7 layers from this recipe, but even with 6 it should still work fine. The frosting does add height to the cake although it isn’t inteded to be a super tall cake as you can see in the photos. You can absolutely double it if you prefer but you will need to keep it on the stove over the hot water longer (20 minutes) for the mixture to form properly.

      Reply

  • Olesya Kayton
    April 2, 2017

    Hi Natashachka!

    Thank you very much for blessing so many of us with your lovely recipies, my Aunt Mariya has always made the birthday cakes for my sweet children all their lives and now we are too far away for having that comfort. Thank you for your recipie because now I can make my favorite cake for my 3 year old daughter’s birthday. Continue to your hard work and may the Lord continue to bless you and your family.
    C Bogam!

    Olesya

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 3, 2017

      You’re welcome! Thank you for following and God Bless! 🙂

      Reply

  • irina
    March 5, 2017

    Is it okay to add craisins into the layers and bake it?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 6, 2017

      Hi Irina, I’ve never tried that but the layers are so thin that I don’t think I would try that. I think it would be better to sprinkle the craisins over each frosted layer and let them soften as the cake layers soften from the frosting. 🙂

      Reply

  • Adina
    January 12, 2017

    Hi Natasha, I have never thought myself to be much of a baker, but after discovering your blog, there’s hope for me too! 🙂 Your recipes and videos are so easy to follow, and the results are out of this world! Thank you so much, not only for the recipes, but also for the passion and love that you put into them…it definitely shows, and thus, you are truly a great inspiration!
    may God continue to bless you!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 12, 2017

      Thank you so much Adina!! What a wonderful compliment! 🙂

      Reply

  • Mike
    January 11, 2017

    Hi Natasha. What would cause large bubbles to form in the layers after baking? Mine didn’t turn out as flat as the pictures.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      January 11, 2017

      Hi Mike, I wouldn’t be concerned about the bubbles – after they are cooled to room temp and stacked, they will flatten out 🙂

      Reply

  • Angela
    January 3, 2017

    Hi Natasha, I just wanted to let you know I love your recipes and your detailed instructions. This cake has always been a hit every time I make it. I even made it for my husbands work Christmas party and the Americans working at his job all said it was the best cake they have ever tried. Thanks so much for the awesome recipes!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 3, 2017

      So great to hear this Angela! Thank you for sharing 🙂

      Reply

  • Julie
    December 16, 2016

    Do you think this cake can be frozen?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      December 16, 2016

      Hi Julie, I have not tried freezing it but I do think it could work well to freeze it after it has had a chance to soften overnight.

      Reply

  • Inna
    December 8, 2016

    So I finished baking my layers I was so excited they turned out so perfect and fluffy but then I tried the scraps and they tasted like baking soda.I’m pretty sure I added only 1 teaspoon as the recipe calls for.don’t know why they tasted like baking soda may next time I’ll pull half a teaspoons of baking soda

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      December 9, 2016

      Hi Inna, I’m not sure why that would be – in all the years we’ve made this, I’ve never tasted baking soda in this cake… unless 1 Tablespoon was added by mistake, I’m not sure why else it would taste like baking soda. You might try half but without testing it myself, I’m not sure how it would affect the recipe overall. If you try that, let me know how it goes! 🙂

      Reply

    • Olga B
      November 3, 2018

      I ALWAYS dissolve baking soda with apple cider vinegar. Even if the receipe doesn’t say to do it, my mom taught me ever since I started baking. It takes away the baking soda taste. I triple or quadruple the amount of vinegar to each amount of soda. So for 1 tsp b.soda, 3 or 4 tsp of apple cider vinegar. Use a tall glass for the fuzz that will occur! Also, I add it to the wet ingredients not dry like the receipe states.

      Reply

  • viktoriya
    November 21, 2016

    Could I halve this recipe?
    Thanks in advance.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 21, 2016

      Viktoria, I haven’t tried it but instructions probably have to change.

      Reply

      • Viktoriya
        November 21, 2016

        Meaning how?

        Reply

        • Natasha
          natashaskitchen
          November 22, 2016

          The biggest things would be how long you cook it over the stove – it will probably be less than 10 minutes and you probably don’t have to wait as long for the dough to cool down afterwords. It’s a pretty detailed recipe and I wish I had time today to go through line by line what would be different but without remaking it and cutting it in half, I can’t give you precise instructions on that.

          Reply

          • Elona
            April 8, 2017

            Bomb cake! 💣💥I make this cake very often from your blog and everyone loves it. It gets eaten in a jiffy!

  • Inna
    November 3, 2016

    Hi Natasha- The dough seemed to turn out a little too moist and runny this time around although I followed the recipe exactly? Any fixes or will it stiffen as it stands for a white?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 4, 2016

      Hi Inna, did you possibly use a different kind of flour or measure it differently? It does firm up but still should not be runny. Have you watched the video to see the right consistency? I would suggest adding a little more flour, but just enough so the dough isn’t sticking to the rolling pin.

      Reply

  • Suzanne Babushkin
    October 15, 2016

    I’ve just assembled the cake and I know it is going to turn out amazing. Such delicate layers! I don’t want to wait 10 hours!! I hope it is easy to cut without splitting everywhere because I’ve made it to be a slice to take into work tomorrow!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 15, 2016

      Hi Suzanne, it slices really easily once the layers have had a chance to absorb the cream but that waiting time is crucial for this cake, otherwise the layers won’t be as moist and will slide apart when slicing. By tomorrow is will be just right! 🙂

      Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 15, 2016

      Hi Suzanne, it slices really easily once the layers have had a chance to absorb the cream but that waiting time is crucial for this cake, otherwise the layers won’t be as moist and will slide apart when slicing. By tomorrow is will be just right! 🙂

      Reply

  • Luba Lytvynenko
    September 24, 2016

    I made this cake for family for the 1st time and everyone loved it. The best comment I got was from my mom who said, this is not a cake but a fairytale 😀 thank you Natashas Kitchen for sharing this delicious fairytale 💖

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      September 24, 2016

      Luba, I’m all smiles 😁. Thank you for such a nice review and you are welcome.

      Reply

  • Nina Gaik
    September 9, 2016

    Hi Natasha! I am out of baking soda at this point. Do you think this recipe would work I used baking powder instead?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      September 9, 2016

      Nina, I have not tested it with baking powder, but my concern is that baking soda is three times stronger than baking powder which is alot of baking powder!! Since baking powder is so much a science, without testing it myself, I really can’t recommend that substitution.

      Reply

  • Natasha
    July 14, 2016

    Hey Natasha 🙂
    Can I refrigerate the korji or just keep them at room temperature? The party was rescheduled for next week,so I don’t know what to do now 😀 thank you!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      July 14, 2016

      Hi, you can stack the room temperature layers and place them in a plastic bag then store them in a cool dry place (the pantry) and they will be fine. They turn into crunchy cookies at room temperature and then when you assemble, the cream will soften them up and they will be perfect :). That’s one of the great things about this cake – the hard part (the layers) can be done in advance 🙂

      Reply

      • Natasha
        July 15, 2016

        Awesome! Thank you! Appreciate your help and of course LOVE your recipes! 🙂

        Reply

  • Michelle B
    June 29, 2016

    I have to make this!
    I know this cake as Napoleon. I lived in Ukraine for a few years and this is at least what it was called where I was.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      June 29, 2016

      We have always called it Spartak and called the one with puff pastry layers Napoleon but I have heard it both ways. 🙂 I hope you love it!

      Reply

  • Nina
    June 29, 2016

    Natasha, do you think this dough recipe would work out for a single thicker buttom layer for a farmers cheese cake??? I have tried this dough recipe before and I absolutely love it but not sure if it’s going to hold up itself under cheese.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      June 29, 2016

      Hi Nina, yes I do think it would work. Also, have you tried my farmers cheese cake? I’d love to know how you make yours! I love the stuff 🙂

      Reply

  • Alyssa Mckay
    June 27, 2016

    Hi Natasha! I have two questions-

    1. What type of milk should I use? Whole, skim, 1%?

    2. How sweet does the cake/icing come out? I much prefer subtle sweetness than the extremely sugary cakes made typically from grocery stores.

    Thanks so much!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      June 27, 2016

      Either whole milk or 2% would work fine. Also, this cake is not overly sugary. I don’t think any of my cakes are nearly as sweet as grocery store ones. I completely agree with you about them being way too sweet 😉 We prefer cakes that are not too sweet.

      Reply

      • Alyssa Mckay
        June 29, 2016

        Oh my Goodness Natasha! This cake is AMAZING! Definitely recommend this cake to bakers who want to challenge themselves. It was so fun to make and it is just perfect. Has the subtle sweetness I crave without being overpowering. Can’t wait to try even more of your recipes!

        Reply

        • Natasha
          natashaskitchen
          June 29, 2016

          Alyssa, I’m so glad you like the cake! Thank you for such a nice review 😁.

          Reply

  • Katrina
    June 2, 2016

    Hello Natasha! I made this cake and added an extra cup of milk so instead of 1/3c of milk I did 1&1/3. I then added 3/4 cup of milk after steaming the batter, and whisk it. This is the only way it works out for me, when I followed the recipe the dough turned very hard and my layers became very thick and not so pretty. This way the batter is very liquidy and I spread it over a parchment paper (cut out to the size that I need) I make it rectangle so that it is easier. This is a very tasty recipe and my husband and family loved it!!!! I don’t think that the milk changes the flavor, only the consistency. I am also curious how long you think that the cake will last in the refrigerator. If I made it Wednesday night and it soften by Thursday morning, is it safe to eat it on Sunday or is that too long?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      June 2, 2016

      Katrina, yes it will be safe to eat. Just keep it refrigerated 😀.

      Reply

  • Anjila Chand
    May 22, 2016

    Hi Natasha.. Thanks for sharing all this yummy recipes.. I made this Spartak cake and comes out really good .. I wanted to ask you if we can’t find cream cheese can we use the yoghurt to make the cream ?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      May 22, 2016

      You could try the cream from this honey cake. It is also very good! 🙂

      Reply

  • Anna nunes
    May 14, 2016

    This recipe does not work. I’m pretty mad about it. I tried to make it two times and each time the dough was impossible to roll and make like it’s shown in the video. Pretty mad about all the ingredients I wasted and timean

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      May 14, 2016

      Hi Anna, it’s really difficult to say what went wrong without being there with you but I am always happy to help troubleshoot. At what point in your process did your dough look different from mine (in the photos or video)? Also, did you try rolling your dough while it is still warm? If you let it cool down, it becomes more difficult to roll out.

      Reply

      • Anna nunes
        May 15, 2016

        Thank u. I would like to give an update and let u know that I tried this recipe with my sister-in-law and it worked perfectly I still don’t know what I did wrong and I am going to try to make it again on my own. There is a reason why I keep wanting to make this recipe perfect because this cake is so delicious. Had my mom over for some Worth ittea with my aunt and they absolutely love this cake. It’s hard to make but it’s amazing definitely Worth it

        Reply

        • Natasha
          natashaskitchen
          May 15, 2016

          Is it possible that your sister in law used a different flour, for example, Canadian flour needs a different measurement than US All-purpose flour. I’m so happy you liked the cake! 🙂

          Reply

    • yelena
      March 21, 2017

      i have to agree with you, ive tried other recipes and this is thee worst. impossible to roll out. and air bubbles when you bake them.

      Reply

      • Natasha
        natashaskitchen
        March 21, 2017

        Hi Yelena, some bubbling is normal – you can see in the photo where I have them stacked that they aren’t perfectly stacked since there are bubbles in some layers. I wonder if your trouble with rolling out the dough might be due to adding too much or too little flour? Or are you using a different kind of flour? Did you have a chance to watch the video recipe to see if your batter looks the same as mine?

        Reply

  • Nina
    April 15, 2016

    Hello Natasha. Thanks for all wonderful recipes me and my family enjoy them. I love this cake and turns out that this is my husbands favorite now. I have made this before for his birthday and about to make it again for his birthday tomorrow. I have a question do you think if I’ll reduce the sugar in recipe will it affect the cake dough? Also if I want to double the recipe should I do two separate or all together will work fine?!
    Thank you again and my God bless you and your family!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      April 15, 2016

      Hi Nina, thank you so much for your kind words :). I’m so happy to hear your family enjoys my recipes! It’s really hard to say since baking is so much of a baking experiment. It would work to make a double batch for the cake – my Mom always doubles it, but keep in mind it will take longer on the steam bath – almost double the amount of time.

      Reply

      • Nina
        April 15, 2016

        Thank you!

        Reply

  • Araceli
    April 2, 2016

    I made this for my Serbian bf & he LOVED it! I also made it for my sister’s baby’s baptism & my Mexican family LOVED it! Without a doubt this cake is the all time favorite. This cake is boundaries or borders ❤️ Thank you!!
    A++++++++++++

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      April 2, 2016

      Araceli, I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review!

      Reply

  • Lana
    March 31, 2016

    My Spartak is basically done. It is in a cold garage resting for overnight. I read comments and didn’t find the thing that bothers me – like nobody has it – the frosting has such a distinctive evidence of cream cheese. It is just like the main ingredient.
    I don’t know. Hopefully tomorrow, when it is served this taste and smell will disappear.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 31, 2016

      The cream cheese is actually 1/4 of the frosting so maybe you’re just sensitive to it? Not everyone likes cream cheese in frosting. I’ve never thought of it as too cream cheesy even before it has had time to set. Let me know what you think tomorrow.

      Reply

      • Lana
        April 4, 2016

        Hi Natasha, I was wrong – cream cheese wasn’t recognizable after all. I love your recipes and usually am able to make whatever I put my eye on.
        Your recipes are wonderful! Thank you!
        Now I need to change my previously given 4 stars to 5.

        Reply

        • Natasha
          natashaskitchen
          April 5, 2016

          I’m so glad you liked it! Thanks Lana 🙂

          Reply

      • Pavel
        April 28, 2019

        Have mine currently in the refrigerator from yesterday. Should this cake be brought to room temp before serving or served straight from refrigerator? Христос Воскресе!

        Reply

        • Natasha
          April 28, 2019

          Hi Pavel, you could serve it either way – straight out of the refrigerator or at room temperature (He is Risen indeed!!) Hope you had a wonderful Easter!

          Reply

  • Vika
    March 27, 2016

    Just made this cake yesterday for Easter! Thank you so much for this recipe, everyone loved it! 😊

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 28, 2016

      Vika, I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us 😀.

      Reply

  • Lana
    March 26, 2016

    I am making this for Easter and am wondering if I doubled the recipe that it Won’t be too tall? Thank you so much

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 26, 2016

      I think it would be ok twice as tall. It would be stunning!! Just make sure you give it the proper amount of time to soften or it may slide apart when you cut into it.

      Reply

  • Larisa Shramovich
    March 22, 2016

    Thank you! This cake is awesome. Always comes out right.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 23, 2016

      Thank you so much for that seriously fantastic review. 🙂

      Reply

  • Tina
    February 16, 2016

    Natasha,

    I finally made this cake over the weekend and WOW! It was beyond delicious. My husband loved it and said every time we have guests over I MUST make this cake! Thank you once again for the recipe it was so good, I cant wait to make it again.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      February 16, 2016

      That’s so great Tina! It sounds like you have a new favorite!

      Reply

  • Jennifer
    February 14, 2016

    When I watched your video tutorial, I hadn’t read the ingredients on your website, and was watching as I went. In the video, you have two sugars (1 cup and then 1/3 cup) and no milk listed other than the condensed milk. So, when you said to “add the warm milk,” I thought you were referring to the condensed milk at room temperature, and kept wondering when the 1/3 cup of extra sugar was going to come into play. Obvious to me now, that 1/3 cup of sugar you mention in the video is supposed to be milk. Since I used my only can of condensed milk in the cake batter, I couldn’t use it for the frosting, so I added the 1/3 cup of sugar and a bit more half and half. The cake is in the fridge, also knowing only after I made it that it would need to refrigerate overnight (poor hubby won’t get dessert for Valentine’s this year)..I am wondering just how it will taste after my lack of baking skills were put to the test tonight. It sure looks pretty enough! I hope with the extra work it took to get it done, as I usually bake from a box, it tastes half as good as it looks!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      February 14, 2016

      Hi Jennifer! I realized soon after I posted that video that I had said 1/3 cup sugar so I added an annotation on the screen when I said to to 1/3 cup milk. Once the video gets published there’s no fixing it except for that note. Sorry!! I can totally see how it could be missed if you look away or are just listening. I’m so glad it still worked out. I hope you both enjoy it! 🙂

      Reply

  • Yana
    February 13, 2016

    I love allll your recipes. Anytime I make one of your cakes they turn out perfectly 🙂 your step by step directions and videos are so good, I don’t ever look for recipes else where. So I just wanted to say thank you for the hard work you put into your website, and for this yummy cake I made tonight for valentine’s day 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      February 14, 2016

      Thank you so much Yana. Your thoughtful review really means alot to my husband and I. 🙂 Happy Valentine’s Day!

      Reply

  • Tina
    February 9, 2016

    Hi Natasha,

    When you put the dough in the oven can you please specify if you put it on the Parchment paper or do you put it on the round pan? Do I have to put cooking spray (Pam) so that it does not stick?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      February 9, 2016

      Hi Tina, If you haven’t watched the video, I think you’ll find it REALLY helpful :). https://natashaskitchen.com/2014/10/14/chocolate-spartak-cake-video-tutorial/ In step 6, I wrote “Bake the parchment paper with dough directly on the middle oven rack at 350˚F.” Yes, you do bake on the parchment paper and you don’t need a round pan, just transfer the parchment paper to the oven and bake.

      Reply

      • Tina
        February 9, 2016

        Thank You!! I think I skipped over that step. I cant wait to make this on Friday! Thanks again 🙂

        Reply

        • Natasha
          natashaskitchen
          February 9, 2016

          No problem :). Enjoy! 🙂

          Reply

  • Liliya
    January 30, 2016

    Hey Natasha I don’t know if my comment got posted cause I don’t see it so I’ll post again. I made this cake today and I want to put chocolate ganache and strawberries on top. I want the ganache to be pretty soft when we eat it. So how many hours before eating can I add ganache and strawberries on top

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      January 30, 2016

      Hi, Sorry I couldn’t reply sooner. You can put it on a day before. The ganache I have posted never gets too hard to slice through so I wouldn’t worry too much about that. You can leave it at room temperature for 1 hour before serving if you want it to be slightly softer. Decorating with strawberries will be fine a day ahead also. Just keep in mind if you slice strawberries, it’s a good idea to brush them with some kind of glaze so they don’t look limp by day 2.

      Reply

      • Liliya
        January 31, 2016

        Thank you for answering. I took the cake to my moms house today and everyone loved it so much. It was gone fast. My mom now wants the recipe. I didn’t bake a cake in like 3 years so i thought it will be difficult and won’t come out good. But it came out so delicious 🙂 I usually cook but don’t bake cause my hubby doesn’t care much about sweets but he sure loves this cake. Thank you for the recipe. I love your recipes.

        Reply

        • Natasha
          natashaskitchen
          February 1, 2016

          Hi Liliya, thank you so much for sharing that with me. Your comment gives me all kinds of fuzzy feelings. 🙂 You’re awesome!

          Reply

  • Allie
    January 16, 2016

    I was wondering if I would ruin the layers if i use half and half instead of milk. Just realized I don’t have milk and I’m in the middle of the recipe.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      January 16, 2016

      Allie, I haven’t tried using half and half but it should still work. Let me know what you end up doing.

      Reply

      • Allie
        January 16, 2016

        I mixed half and half with water down the middle. And when i added the flour to the liquid mixer, it wasn’t sticky! I was surprised. Not sure if half and half had to do with that or not. (I had trouble with the frosting though, it was like it was melty towards the end, not sure if I’m describing it right, not stiff basically, like I thought it should be. Don’t know what happened there.)

        Reply

        • Natasha
          natashaskitchen
          January 16, 2016

          That’s interesting – I wonder if half and half had anything to do with that. Did the layers turn out fine? As far as the frosting goes, were all of the ingredients the same temperature as listed in the recipe (i.e. butter softened, not melted). In the end, as long as you can spread it between the layers of the cake and over the top and sides, it’s fine. The frosting is very forgiving as the cake layers absorb some of the frosting and soften and once it’s covered with the crumbs, you won’t be able to tell.

          Reply

  • Julie
    January 7, 2016

    I have some leftover cream from this cake, how long do you think it will last?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      January 7, 2016

      Julie, it will last several days in the fridge.

      Reply

  • Zach
    January 5, 2016

    I made this cake twice now – the result has been amazing, everyone loved it! So Natasha many thanks for putting this online. I’m a huge fan of your blog!

    One question: I followed all details of the recipe, but the dough remained extremely sticky even after cooling and when putting enormous amounts of flour on top (which doesn’t seem to have impacted the flavor). I have a non-stick rolling pin and it was all covered with the dough.

    Now I live in Europe and have to convert your cup measurements into grams. So I was thinking that my butter/flour ratio is completely off because of this. If it isn’t a lot of work to find out, could you tell me the weight of a cup of flour? And the same for the butter? Your help would be greatly appreciated!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      January 5, 2016

      Hi Zach! Without weighing it out, I can’t really tell you. I’ll try to remember to get that done next time I’m baking :). I wonder also if your flour is any different than ours. For example, Canadian flour has more gluten than US flour and therefore the measurements can vary in baking.

      Reply

      • Galina
        March 16, 2016

        The first time I made this cake I accidentally simmered the dough over water instead of the steam and it also turned out sticky and I had to put a bunch of flour on top to stop it sticking. Perhaps this is the reason but I would have to try that again to make sure! ( I live in California)

        Reply

        • Natasha
          natashaskitchen
          March 16, 2016

          Hi Galina, what kind of flour did you use? I’d just like to also rule out that it wasn’t something different like Canadian flour? Was it sticky before or after it cooled 20 min? Did you have an opportunity to watch the video recipe for this cake? If not, that would probably be a big help: https://natashaskitchen.com/2014/10/14/chocolate-spartak-cake-video-tutorial/

          Reply

  • Julie
    December 28, 2015

    I made this cake earlier this week, it was AMAZING!!! everyone loved it! thank you for the recipe

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      December 28, 2015

      Thank you so much for the awesome review! 🙂

      Reply

  • Alla
    December 23, 2015

    Hi Natasha,
    I just tried making this cake and when I was making the dough when I added the baking soda butter and milk mine turned out way to watery then yours on your video! What did I do wrong? I thought maybe to much milk but I did 1/3

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      December 24, 2015

      As long as you followed the measurements exactly, it should be fine. It is supposed to be watery before adding the flour. My guess is that your milk was warmer and melted the butter so maybe yours just looks smoother while mine looks more grainy from the butter. I hope that helps! 🙂

      Reply

  • Debra Rice
    December 23, 2015

    Hi Natasha,
    I have been drooling over this cake for a long time and finally decided to try it today. I am on my second attempt at the dough and it’s still yo sticky to roll even with a generous amount of flour top. I didn’t remove the tablespoon of flour from the second attempt thinking that little extra might help stiffen it a bit. Still too sticky. Any ideas? I read the comments and no one else is having this issue so I know I am doing something wrong. Debra

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      December 23, 2015

      Hi Debra, does your dough look the same as what I have photographed? Did you make sure to use all-purpose flour and not cake flour? Did you have a chance to watch the video tutorial that I have posted for this cake? https://natashaskitchen.com/2014/10/14/chocolate-spartak-cake-video-tutorial/ It should give you a good idea of the process to see where things may have gone wrong. Also, did you make sure to let the dough rest for 20 minutes? If you don’t, it will be way too sticky to work with since it firms up as it rests. I hope that helps!

      Reply

  • Carina Z.
    December 23, 2015

    Hi Natasha, When you say “soft cream cheese” how do you judge if it’s soft enough?
    Do you leave it in room temperature for a certain amount of time? Sometimes my cream turns out light and fluffy, and sometimes a little on the runny side so i’m assuming that it’s the cream cheese’s fault.

    Thanks in advance!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      December 23, 2015

      Once my cream cheese feels soft to the poke and feels room temperature to the poke (no chill left in it), it’s ready. I don’t think it’s related to the temperature of the cream cheese. It’s more likely that maybe the butter and condensed milk need a little more beating or the whipped cream needs to be whipped just a little longer. I hope that helps! 🙂

      Reply

  • Viktoriya
    December 21, 2015

    Hi. Can I make the cake layers a day before putting the cake together?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      December 21, 2015

      Yes, the cake layers before they are frosted are essentially just cookies and can be left loosely wrapped in a plastic bag at room temperature for several days before assembling 🙂

      Reply

      • Viktoriya
        December 21, 2015

        Thank you

        Reply

  • Valentina
    December 3, 2015

    Hi Natasha on ur receipt said minus ? What’s that ? I don’t get the word ?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      December 4, 2015

      Minus means to take away. So take away 1 Tbsp of flour.

      Reply

      • Valentina
        December 15, 2015

        Hi natasha have one more question, for how along can a cake stand in the haladilink?

        Reply

        • Natasha
          natashaskitchen
          December 15, 2015

          You can keep it in there for 3-5 days and probably even longer, we’ve just always eaten it before that. 🙂

          Reply

  • Inna
    November 23, 2015

    Hi! If I was to double the recipe, do I double the time on mixing and boiling?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 23, 2015

      My Mom usually doubles the recipe and yes it is about double the time to get it warmed up.

      Reply

  • Jennifer
    August 24, 2015

    I wasn’t going to comment because this post already received so many responses but I just had to thank you for this recipe. I got a recipe for this cake from one of my coworkers and although delicious, I would spend all day making this cake and never get those nice thin layers. Your recipe was so much easier to roll out. I made an 8 inch cake with 10 layers and used your ganache to cover the outside. It was so pretty and really tasty. Thanks so much, your recipes never fail me.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      August 24, 2015

      I’m so happy you did comment – it’s so encouraging! I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe 🙂

      Reply

  • Elizabeth
    August 2, 2015

    I was considering making this cake today, and I wondered if you see any reason it wouldn’t work to use the frosting you have for medovik (with sour cream in it). I loved that frosting so much! It might not taste the same as spartan exactly, I know. It seems like it should work, but I don’t know if there is a difference in the way the cake layers are that would make a difference.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      August 3, 2015

      The sour cream frosting should work fine. 🙂 Sour cream and chocolate sounds good to me too!

      Reply

  • Albina
    June 12, 2015

    Have you ever covered the outside of this cake with chocolate ganache? If yes what recipe do you recommend?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      June 12, 2015

      HI Albina, I haven’t tried it, but I think it would work well. Here is the recipe I always use when I need ganache: https://natashaskitchen.com/2014/03/26/perfect-chocolate-ganache-how-to-glaze-a-cake/

      Reply

    • Carina Z.
      December 23, 2015

      I covered the cake with chocolate ganache last time i made it and not only did it look amazing but it was delicious!

      Reply

      • Natasha
        natashaskitchen
        December 23, 2015

        I bet it was beautiful!! If you posted a picture of it online somewhere, I’d love to see it. 🙂

        Reply

  • Luda
    May 22, 2015

    How far in advance can I make the cake layers?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      May 22, 2015

      You can make them about 5-7 days in advance and leave them in a plastic bag at room temp. They are basically like cookies and stay good as room temp.

      Reply

  • Peter
    May 15, 2015

    The recipe says I should add 1 can of milk. I live in Europe, so we use other sizes. How much is 1 can 😉

    Thanks, Peter

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      May 15, 2015

      Sorry about that. It is a 14 ounce can of sweetened condensed milk.

      Reply

      • olga
        January 14, 2016

        Does the cake have to be more cracker like or kind of cakeish… mine turned out to be more cake like.. and not sure why.. or if that’s normal

        Reply

        • Natasha
          natashaskitchen
          January 14, 2016

          You may have just made them thinner than mine but that’s ok. Once mine cooled completely to room temperature, they were more cookie like.

          Reply

  • Lilly
    April 12, 2015

    Made this cake today- can’t wait till tomorrow to try it.I will have to be honest this cake was a bit fussy to make but the end of the results are amazing ❤️

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      April 13, 2015

      It does get easier with each time you make it. 🙂 I hope you absolutely love it! 🙂

      Reply

  • Angie G
    April 1, 2015

    Hi, thanks for the recipe! i am trying it right now but do not understand how you roll the dough on parchment paper. The paper slips and its not working out…some tips would be appreciated 🙂

    God Bless!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      April 1, 2015

      You might try placing the parchment paper over a wooden cutting board or thin towel or over a surface that isn’t slick like many kitchen counters.

      Reply

  • Lidiya
    March 15, 2015

    Can I ask did you use a company to create this website or someone you know personally? It’s very professionally done? I am thinking of starting my own for Middle Eastern and Indian Recipes so wanted to know how you went about creating such a professional website?

    Lidiya

    Reply

  • oksana
    March 5, 2015

    Natasha,
    if this cake is made 3 nights in advance would that make the cake too soggy for the event? how much in advance would you recommend making this cake ?
    thanks !

    Reply

  • oksana
    March 5, 2015

    Natasha,
    if this cake is made 3 nights in advance would that make the cake too soggy for the event? how much in advance would you recommend making this cake ?
    thanks !

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      March 5, 2015

      You can make the thin layers even a week in advance (keep at room temp in a plastic bag) and then frost and get the cake ready up to three days in advance and keep it chilled in the fridge. It will not be soggy. It will be very soft and yummy 🙂

      Reply

  • Liya Maydanyuk
    February 26, 2015

    have made this cake twice and everyone loved it both times…no leftover 🙁

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      February 26, 2015

      Liya, thank you for the great review, I’m so happy to hear that everyone loved it :D.

      Reply

  • Alina
    February 12, 2015

    Can I add honey to the cake batter to make it medovik?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      February 12, 2015

      Hi Alina, to be honest, we haven’t tried it with this cake so I’m not sure how it will affect the recipe. Have you seen my other medovik recipe that I have posted? https://natashaskitchen.com/2014/03/09/8-layer-honey-cake-recipe-medovik/

      Reply

      • Alina
        February 12, 2015

        I did see the recipe but i wanted to make it chocolate also. The ingredients we’re really similar so i was just wondering. Or if i add cocoa to the medovik maybe?

        Reply

        • Natasha
          natashaskitchen
          February 12, 2015

          You’re asking all the hard questions. ;). I haven’t tried that combination either. With baking being such a science, I’d have to experiment to see what other modifications would have to be made. If adding chocolate to the medovik recipe, you’ll have to remove some of the flour or the layers will get too tough and difficult to roll out. Without testing it myself, it’s hard to guess how much to take out, but at least 1:1 (if adding 1 Tbsp cocoa, remove 1 Tbsp flour). I hope that helps 🙂

          Reply

          • alina
            February 13, 2015

            I will stick to making the chocolate spartak then

          • Natasha
            natashaskitchen
            February 13, 2015

            Great choice. This is my favorite 🙂

  • Jessica
    January 26, 2015

    Made this cake yesterday, came out perfect & delicious!!!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      January 26, 2015

      I’m so happy you loved it! thank you for the great review 🙂

      Reply

      • Jessica
        January 26, 2015

        Can I substitute butter with anything else?
        Or make different frosting?
        My Huby didn’t like butter in frosting..

        Reply

        • Natasha
          natashaskitchen
          January 26, 2015

          To be honest I haven’t tested this recipe without the butter since it makes up a large portion of the frosting ingredients. It would have to be an experiment. Sorry I can’t be more helpful.

          Reply

  • Annie
    January 15, 2015

    Dear Natasha,

    I recently found you blog and I am sooooo thrill I did. Thank heavens!! and thank YOU for sharing such wonderful recipes, priceless!

    Any way, I was wondering if this cake gets better (and softer) as it seats in the fridge for a day or so? On way or another I am making it next week 🙂 so I will be in touch!
    Best on your pregnancy!

    Annie

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      January 15, 2015

      Thank you Annie, this type of cake does gets better and softer after being in the fridge for at least a day :). Let me know how it turns out.

      Reply

  • Tanush
    January 5, 2015

    That was a workout lol !!.. I had such a hard time rolling out the layers, they weren’t sticky but just hard to roll when the parchment paper is moving around . I ended up with 7 layers, no scrapes, and I was actually microwaving the dough to soften it..
    What can I use to decorate it? Maybe some crushed graham crackers? Or… ? :))

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      January 5, 2015

      Yes, crushed graham crackers would work perfectly! You can also add shaved chocolate if you wish, but graham crackers are the easiest and will taste great! 🙂 I wish there was an easier way without the parchment paper sliding around. My mom has amazing non-stick counters and it works for her to just roll it right onto the countertop, but mine are granite tile so I found parchment paper to be the easiest without tearing during transfer.

      Reply

  • Diana
    December 31, 2014

    Hello Natasha:) Alot of the cakes on your website need cream cheese, (i love cream cheese) but i live in Ukraine and its SO expensive here 🙁 is there another ingridient that i can use instead of cream cheese?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      December 31, 2014

      The only thing I can think of that comes close is mascarpone cheese, but that is more expensive here in the states.

      Reply

  • Lesya
    December 29, 2014

    Thanx Natasha for your awesome recipes 😉
    I use ur website a lot and I love it 😉
    Will make spartak for New Years Eve 😉
    Thank you so much.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      December 30, 2014

      That is a great choice for New Years! 🙂 Thank you so much for your sweet comment 🙂

      Reply

  • Salma
    December 27, 2014

    Perfect recipe :)… And ur instructions are just too perfect.. Nothing can go wrong wid dis

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      December 27, 2014

      Thank you so much Salma 🙂

      Reply

  • Vika
    November 27, 2014

    So, I made this wonderful cake and took it to my event today, and it was very delicious! It disappeared very fast! Will def be making this cake again 🙂
    Thank you Natasha!!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 27, 2014

      I’m so happy you loved it! Thank you so much for reporting back and for the great review! 🙂

      Reply

  • ninaly
    November 26, 2014

    Hi!
    do you know if I can do the stiming part #4 in the microwave and for how long?, would it be the same like on the stove?
    and if I will be using 10″ pan how many layers should I expect??
    if microwave is not an option then another question,should the stiming bowl touch the water?
    sorry for all this questions I just never did stiming dough before, want to try this cake, but kind of scared of step4
    thankyou so much!!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 26, 2014

      I definitely wouldn’t risk microwaving it. You will curdle it and it will heat unevenly. The bowl should be above the water and not touching it. Did you get a chance to watch the video for this cake? You will probably find it helpful if you’re nervous about that part :).

      Reply

  • Lily
    November 22, 2014

    This recipe did not work out for me at all! I’ll stick to my moms recipe of spartak.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 22, 2014

      What step didn’t work out? Did you have a chance to watch the video to see if anything was done differently?

      Reply

  • olga
    October 26, 2014

    HI Natasha, i really enjoy making this cake it’s easy to make & i really liked your recipe better than the one i have. i tried both recipes & my husband said that your recipe is the best. so keep it up girl. love making things from your web sit. God bless you & give u strength through your pregnancy. Do u know who ur having?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 26, 2014

      Thank you so much Olga. What a sweet comment :). God bless you too! The pregnancy is going well. The second trimester is definitely a relief ;). I will find out this week; so excited!!!

      Reply

  • Natasha
    October 20, 2014

    Thank you for this recipe! Just finished baking and absolutely loved the dough, it was so much easier to roll out compared to other recipes that I have tried.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 20, 2014

      Thank you for the great review Natasha and you are very welcome :).

      Reply

  • Julia
    October 18, 2014

    Made this cake today gota be honest kinda wish it was more chocloty and I only got 6 layers

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 18, 2014

      Any more chocolate and I think the layers would be too tough to roll out. You might try using a chocolate cream to make it more chocolatey. To get 7 layers, you really have to roll it out super thin, but even with 6 layers, it should work just fine 🙂

      Reply

  • olga an
    October 15, 2014

    Hi Natasha,

    I want to make this cake ahead of time and freeze it for a week in the freezer. Is that possible?
    Do you know if it will be the same after I defrost it.

    Thank you

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 15, 2014

      To be honest, I haven’t tried to freeze the entire made cake. The only thing we’ve done to prep in advance is to make the cake layers up to a week in advance and leave them at room temperature (they basically turn into cookies as they sit), then frost the night before your event and it’s ready to go the next day. The cake layers are the most time consuming so that definitely helps to do it in advance. Without trying to freeze it, I can’t really recommend it. Maybe someone else has tried?

      Reply

  • Nataliya Lee
    October 4, 2014

    Could you please review the Chocolate Spartak recipe? Not sure in which step to incorporate the powdered sugar.. Thanks!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 4, 2014

      It’s in step 3 of the section: How to make cream/frosting. 🙂

      Reply

      • Nataliya Lee
        October 6, 2014

        Got it! I went off the printable instructions and they don’t list that in step 3… I appreciate you replying 🙂 Cake turned out yummy!

        Reply

        • Natasha
          natashaskitchen
          October 6, 2014

          Oh how weird. Thanks so much for letting me know! 🙂

          Reply

  • Snow
    September 17, 2014

    Hey Natasha,
    Im planning on making this cake for this weekend:) I did want to ask though, what if I just use cool whip instead of heavy whipping cream? Is there a reason you usually use heavy whipping cream? Im always afraid of over beating it so dont like to use it!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      September 17, 2014

      Hi Snow,
      Great news! The answer is yes! My mom makes her cream that way and the original spartak recipe has cool whip listed so just follow that one :). I use heavy whipping cream only because it’s a more natural/healthy option (no chemicals), but I’m not against cool whip. Its necessary for some of my recipes so I do have an appreciation for it 🙂

      Reply

      • Snow
        September 17, 2014

        Awesome! Thanks so much! I just finished rolling out and baking 13 layers of this cake but it will be so worth it this weekend!

        Reply

    • Seli
      January 8, 2020

      This looks delicious, your recipes are the best, and thank you for sharing them with us, I do have one question what kind of cream cheese did you use? Was it Philadelphia

      Thank you

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        January 9, 2020

        Hi Seli! I hope you love this recipe. We normally use either Philadelphia or the Costco brand cream cheese.

        Reply

  • shahina
    September 6, 2014

    hi natasha.. this recipe is so interesting and i wana try it.. but i feel its good if u give us a video tutorial on this!! :p

    thanks,
    shahina

    Reply

  • Mariam
    September 2, 2014

    Hi Natasha, I just finished making the cake…layers are good but the cream was watery:(( how thick is the cream? Hope it will taste good tomorrow.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      September 2, 2014

      The cream should be thick enough to stay on the cake. It’s not a very thick cream because the layers will absorb the moisture. A thicker frosting doesn’t work as well. Did you use all of the same ingredients, like HEAVY whipping cream rather than regular whipping cream. I hope that helps! 🙂

      Reply

      • Tanya
        June 9, 2017

        Hi Natasha. Is it fine to use 30% whipping creme for the frosting?

        Reply

        • Natasha
          natashaskitchen
          June 9, 2017

          Tanya, that should work fine, just make sure that your bowl, whisk and creme are chilled before using them.

          Reply

  • Mariam
    August 30, 2014

    Hi Natasha:) I am a visual learner and I wish you could do a video of this cake. I really love this cake and I want to make it for my daughter…When you have time please make a video :)) really appreciate it.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      August 30, 2014

      This is one of those cakes that I agree; it would be nice to have a video. Hopefully when my pregnancy symptoms ease up a little, I’ll have a little more time 🙂

      Reply

      • Mariam
        August 30, 2014

        Oh congratulations:))) you have a beautiful sun and a beautiful family:) wishing you a safe and easy delivery and a healthy baby.

        Reply

  • veronika
    August 28, 2014

    I made this cake for my son’s birthday,except on top i put chocolate paste and it was so delicious, and the whole family loved it. Totally a keeper, thank you for sharing, I always wanted to make, and I asked people around, and for some reason it was hard for them to explain, they said they have to show it to me in order to understand, now I am so thankful for your blog, I don’t even need to ask. Keep up the gorgeous work you do for all of us. Happy Pregnancy:-))

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      August 29, 2014

      Thank you so much for your sweet and thoughtful comment! I’m so happy to hear that the cake was a success for you and you finally found the recipe you were looking for 🙂 That’s awesome!

      Reply

  • Oksana
    April 16, 2014

    Hi Natasha,
    I was wandering if i can use sour cream instead of butter for the Spartak cream?
    Thank you

    Reply

  • Alla
    April 15, 2014

    Natasha,
    I made this cake once based on your recepie and it turned out soooooo good (of course dear husband helped) in fact, it was so good I am thinking of makijg it for Easter and my hubbys birthday. Do you think I can make korji ahead of time like 4 dayd ahead? I tried to look at comments but couldnt see if someone posted similar question. Sorry if this is a repeater.
    Thank you

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      April 15, 2014

      No problem 🙂 You can make the layers ahead of time. Let them cool completely then just store them in a plastic grocery bag at room temp. Keep them dry and they’ll be just fine.

      Reply

  • Oksana
    April 15, 2014

    Hi Natasha
    I just wanted to know if I can use sour cream instead of butter for the cream?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      April 15, 2014

      I don’t know how the frosting would blend with sour cream. I don’t think it would be firm enough, but I haven’t tested it to be sure. Sorry, I wish I had a great answer for that.

      Reply

  • Anna
    February 3, 2014

    Wonderful cake!!! I am making like the 6th cake by now…although every single time I run into the same issues. Natasha, maybe you could show me where my problem lies? I usually make the recipe in double portions (freeze one) but, other than that I follow the recipe exactly. Anyway, once I add the hot liquid into the flour mixture it stays very sticky and never turns into the “ball of flour” like yours does. I actually end up adding up to twice the flour after that point and even then it’s very hard to work with so I am literally throwing on the flour to make it rollable and pliable. I use King Arthur’s unbleached all purpose flour. Could it be that the milk mixture isn’t hot enough (since I make double portions should I be cooking it longer?) But then again, I have made single portions with very similar results…hmm…any insight would help!! By the way, the last time I made this I ended up making 26 layers since I ended up adding all that extra flour!! Lol

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      February 4, 2014

      With a double portion, it takes nearly twice as long; at least that was the experience I had when I did it. It takes much longer to heat a double portion over steam. 26 layers? Wow! That was from a double portion, right? 😉

      Reply

      • Snej
        December 5, 2015

        How was the taste of the defrosted cake? I am thinking og freezing one but so douthing it.

        Reply

        • Natasha
          natashaskitchen
          December 5, 2015

          I haven’t tried freezing it so can’t really recommend it.

          Reply

  • Julia
    January 1, 2014

    Hi Natasha!
    I made this cake earlier this afternoon and it’s currently chilling in the fridge. I have a couple questions: In step #3, after I added the butter, warm milk, and baking soda, it says that after beating it on medium/high for 3 minutes, it will be smooth. However, my mixture wasn’t smooth at all, it became sort of “cottage cheese” consistency, kinda curdled up pieces. I got frustrated & figured I did something wrong (aka heated the milk too much?), so I threw it all out and re-mixed with barely-warm milk, but it became that same consistency again.
    Well, this time I figured to go ahead and hold it over the boiling water… well, during those 10 minutes, the mixture smoothed out and became completely smooth and all those “curdled up pieces” were gone.
    Is that supposed to be like that? I don’t know. But after that, everything was going really well. I got 6 layers. And I put the “scraps” into my mini-food processor and pulsed and the crumbs were perfect. My husband can’t wait to eat the cake. Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      January 1, 2014

      I’m so glad you re-tried it. I hope you and your hubby both loved it! Mine kinda looked like a very liquidy cottage cheese too. Did your’s look like what is in the picture just before step #4?

      Reply

      • Julia
        January 2, 2014

        Yes, that picture is the one that motivated me to not quit LOL. Because while the mixture looks smooth, I can see the sides of the bowl are kinda curdled up, so I figured yours must have been that way too (maybe?) haha. I can’t wait to try it tonight!

        Reply

        • Natasha
          natashaskitchen
          January 2, 2014

          Let me know how it turns out :).

          Reply

          • Julia
            January 2, 2014

            Natasha, it’s fantastic! I actually accidentally forgot the 1.5 tbsp of powdered sugar, but it’s okay without it. Love love it! Great cake! Thank you 🙂

          • Natasha
            natashaskitchen
            January 2, 2014

            You know it’s good when you leave out an ingredient and it still turns out good 🙂 I’m so glad you loved it!

  • Kristina
    December 28, 2013

    Hello hatasha I made this chocolate spartak three times and everything turns out except when I mix the flour into the liquid i mix and then u say it has to stand for 20 min for it to cool and the dough gets harden well after 20 min its still running so i have to add more flour and then it’s not running any more any advice what I am doing wrong

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      December 28, 2013

      Kristina, what kind of flour are you using? You might just need a little more flour.

      Reply

  • Alex Greene
    November 21, 2013

    Made the cake last weekend and it turned out great, everyone loved it! I used silicon baking mats (DeMarle Silpat) instead of parchment paper to reduce waste. Thanks very much for the recipe!

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      November 21, 2013

      I think I need I invest in a good set if silicone mats. Thanks for the tip!

      Reply

  • Natasha
    October 31, 2013

    Made this cake last night and it was delicious! Thank you so much for the recipie:)

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 31, 2013

      Fantastic! I’m so happy you enjoyed it.

      Reply

  • lilly
    October 28, 2013

    I tried to make it but my dough turned out really sticky. I added flower still too sticky

    Reply

    • Natasha
      natashaskitchen
      October 28, 2013

      What kind of flour did you use? Was it Canadian or all purpose flour?

      Reply

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