Kyivski tort

Kyivski tort is a traditional Soviet cake originating from Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. Instead of common sponge cake, kyivski tort contains a nutty meringue with a crunchy and airy texture, a technique which was created in 1956 at the Karl Marx Confectionery Factory. Although walnuts were initially used for the meringue, they were later replaced with cashews, and then hazelnuts. The layers of nutty meringue are combined with a sweet vanilla and chocolate buttercream. The cake is usually sprinkled with chopped hazelnuts and left to cool before serving, so that the cream develops a silky, mousse-like texture. Due to the long process of preparation, this cake is usually served on special occasions.