Classic Chocolate Spartak Cake Recipe is the most stunning cake. Though the cake is a little more complex than most cakes, it’s worth all the trouble. With soft layers of chocolate with rich cream, the cake has a WOW factor!

We have shared our no-bake spartak, and I’m so excited to finally share the original cake.

A rich chocolate cake smothered with cream cheese frosting topped with raspberries.

Spartak cake-

There are many classic Ukrainian and Russian recipes that everyone makes and has their spin on. This spartak happens to be one of them. The thin layers (eight)  are covered with cream and set aside to soak. Thanks to the rich cream, the chocolate layers become melt-in-your-mouth soft, and every bite is heavenly.

Like with most recipes, read the whole way through so you know what you are doing before you get started, especially if this is your first time making the cake.

Slices of chocolate spartak cake in a plate with a fork on a white platter.

prepare the chocolate layers-

  • Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa, and powder. Set aside.
  • Bring a pot of water to a boil.
  • In a glass bowl (that will fit over the pot), whisk together the sugar, eggs,  butter, baking soda, and milk. Cook over med/high heat until sugar and butter completely dissolve, stirring for about 6-8 minutes. TIP: Stir frequently, and don’t let the bottom of the bowl touch the hot water.
  • Remove from heat and quickly stir in the flour mixture while it’s hot. TIP: Add the flour mixture at once and not in batches. Set aside for the dough to cool, about 15 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven.
  • Shape layers: Once the dough is cooled but still warm, divide it into eight equal parts. Dust the working surface with flour. Once you roll out a layer, place a plate or something with a 9″ diameter and cut out the layer. Keep the scraps. TIP: As you are working on rolling out the layers, keep the rest covered with a towel to keep warm.
  • After you roll out the two layers, bake them. In the meantime, work on the next set of layers. Continue with the process until all eight layers are baked.
  • Now, take all the leftover pieces and bake them together. This will be used as decor.

NOTE: I find it easier to roll the dough out if I stencil the shape I’m supposed to be making on the parchment paper. It helps to ensure you don’t make too large or too small of a layer and have extra waste.

How to make chocolate cake layers for this classic Ukrainian Spartak cake.

prepare the cream-

  • In a large bowl, mix the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
  • In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and cream cheese. Add in the powdered sugar and condensed milk and mix until combined. Fold in the heavy whipping cream.
How to make cream cheese frosting for this easy chocolate layer cake.

assemble the Spartak cake-

  • Add a dab of the cream of the platter you’ll be assembling the cake in, keeping the cake from sliding off the cake stand.
  • Place the first layer down and generously cover with cream. Repeat with the remaining layers. Cover the sides and the top of the cake with the remaining cream.
  • Crush the scraps of the cake layers and cover the sides and top of the cake.
  • Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Step by step collage on how to assemble chocolate layer cake with a cream cheese frosting.

how to prepare the cake in advance?

This is a beautiful cake to prepare in advance for the holidays or a party.

The cake layers may be prepared up to 3 days in advance and tightly wrapped. Prepare the cream and assemble the day the day before the event.

Chocolate Spartak cake on a platter with a slice missing topped with fresh raspberries.

Oh, friends. I cannot wait for you to give this cake recipe a try. It’s a personal favorite and so delicious.

The cake itself isn’t complicated or too tricky; it’s just a little time-consuming.

Chocolate Spartak Recipe

Author: Valentina
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5 from 4 votes
This chocolate spartak recipe is a classic Russian cake. Soft chocolate layers between a rich cream the whole family will love.
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 10 servings

Ingredients

spartak cake-

  • 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour, measured then sifted
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, room temp (cubed)
  • ½ tsp baking soda

cake frosting-

Instructions

spartak cake layers-

  • Preheat oven to 375°F at step 5.
  • In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder and cocoa powder. Set aside.
  • Bring a pot of water to a boil. In a glass bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs,  butter, baking soda and milk. Steam over med/high heat until sugar and butter completely dissolves, stirring as needed, about 6-8 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and quickly stir in the flour mixture while it's still hot. TIP: Add the flour mixture at once and not in batches. Set aside for the dough to cool, about 15 minutes. 
  • Dust surface area with flour and pour the batter on the workspace. Divide batter into eight even pieces.
  • Sprinkle flour over the dough and roll it out to about a 9". Place a round dish over the dough and cut out an even circle. Keep the scraps.
  • Place cake layer onto parchment paper carefully and bake for 6-8 minutes.
  • Repeat with all eight layers. Then, bake the leftover scraps.

prepare the frosting-

  • In a large bowl, mix heavy whipping cream until thick and whipped.
  • In a separate bowl, mix together cream cheese and butter. Add condensed milk and powdered sugar and combine.
  • Fold in the heavy whipping cream.

assemble chocolate spartak cake-

  • Add some cream on the bottom of the cake platter and add the first cake layer. Cover with cream and top with another cake layer.
  • Repeat with all the cake layers using the nicest layer for the top. Cover the top and sides of the cake with the rest of the cream.
  • Blend or crush the baked cake scraps.
  • Generously coat the top and sides of cake with the crumbs.
  • Refrigerate overnight or until the cake layers soften.
  • Enjoy, friends

Nutrition

737kcal Calories74g Carbs11g Protein46g Fat28g Saturated Fat171mg Cholesterol243mg Sodium372mg Potassium2g Fiber49g Sugar1600IU Vitamin A1mg Vitamin C213mg Calcium2mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Chocolate Spartak Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 737 Calories from Fat 414
% Daily Value*
Fat 46g71%
Saturated Fat 28g175%
Cholesterol 171mg57%
Sodium 243mg11%
Potassium 372mg11%
Carbohydrates 74g25%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 49g54%
Protein 11g22%
Vitamin A 1600IU32%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 213mg21%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
(The nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.)