Šubarice

Šubarice, also known as Russian hat cakes, are a classic Balkan homemade dessert made with soft cocoa sponge, rich vanilla-lemon cream, and a coating of coconut. They are a nostalgic treat often prepared for holidays, family gatherings, and special occasions.

What makes them special is the combination of light chocolate sponge and smooth buttery cream, finished with a snowy coconut coating that gives them their signature “hat” appearance. They are soft, creamy, and melt in your mouth with every bite.

This is a traditional cake dessert, deeply loved across Balkan households.

Russian Hat Cakes

Soft cocoa sponge cakes filled with vanilla-lemon butter cream and rolled in coconut. A traditional Balkan dessert known as Russian hat cakes. It is our family's favorite Christmas dessert.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs

Servings: 12

Cuisine: Balkan

Calories: 290

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Sponge

• 2 eggs
• 100 g sugar
• 50 ml oil
• 50 ml hot water
• 125 g flour
• 1/2 baking powder
• 1.5 tbsp cocoa powder

Cream

• 500 ml milk
• 5 tbsp flour
• 9 tbsp sugar
• 3 vanilla sugars or vanilla extract
• 1 butter 200–250 g
• Juice of 1 lemon

Coating

• Shredded coconut

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Whisk
• Baking tray
• Oven
• Saucepan
• Spatula
• Plate for coconut coating

Method

 

1. Separate egg whites and yolks.
2. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
3. Whisk egg yolks with sugar, then add hot water and oil.
4. Add flour, cocoa, and baking powder.
5. Gently fold in egg whites.
6. Bake at 180°C for 10 minutes. Repeat for second layer.
7. Cook milk, flour, sugar, and vanilla sugar until thick cream forms.
8. Let cream cool completely.
9. Mix in butter and lemon juice until smooth.
10. Cut sponge into circles or squares.
11. Fill and sandwich with cream.
12. Roll each cake in coconut.

Notes

Cream must be fully cooled before adding butter.
Do not overbake sponge or it will crack.
Chilling improves texture and flavor.
Coconut coating is essential for authentic taste.

FAQ

Are Šubarice a cake or pastry?
They are a traditional cake dessert, not a pastry.

Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, they taste even better after resting overnight.

Can I skip lemon juice?
Yes, but it balances the sweetness.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, both work.