A traditional Romanian dessert made with thin pastry layers and a silky lemon custard cream, topped with coconut flakes. This light and tangy layered cake is perfect for festive occasions like Christmas or Easter, and it's easily adaptable for a dairy-free diet. ❄️🍋
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 550 g all-purpose flour
- 10 tbsp milk (or plant-based milk)
- 10 tbsp vegetable oil
- 10 tbsp caster sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 packet baking ammonia (or 1 tsp baking powder)
- Few drops of lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
For the Cream
- 1 liter milk (or plant-based milk)
- 200 g unsalted butter (or plant-based butter)
- 6 tbsp sugar
- 10 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Zest from 1 lemon
- Juice from 1–2 lemons (to taste)
- 1 tbsp vanilla essence
To Decorate
- Coconut flakes
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix milk, eggs, sugar, and oil until combined.
- Add lemon juice over the baking ammonia (or baking powder) and stir into the wet mixture.
- Add salt, then gradually incorporate flour until a soft, elastic dough forms.
- Let dough rest for 30 minutes.
- Divide dough into 3 equal parts. Roll each into thin rectangular sheets.
- Bake each sheet on baking paper on the back of a tray at 150°C (300°F) for 12–15 minutes. Let cool.
- For the cream, whisk together flour, sugar, and lemon zest in a saucepan.
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Cook on low heat for 20 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.
- Stir in lemon juice and vanilla essence. Let cool slightly.
- Add butter in small pieces, whisking gently to incorporate without splitting.
- Line the baking tray with cling film. Layer cake: dough sheet, cream, repeat.
- Finish with cream on top. Sprinkle with coconut flakes.
- Wrap the cake and press with a board and weight (e.g. heavy books).
- Refrigerate for at least 12 hours. Serve at room temperature.
Notes
The Romanian Layered Lemon Cake, known locally as Prajitura Alba ca Zapada (literally “Snow White Cake”), is a beloved traditional dessert, especially popular during festive holidays such as Christmas and Easter. 🇷🇴✨ This delicate, lemony cake is often a star on Romanian dessert platters, served at the end of celebratory meals alongside other homemade sweets.
Despite the growing popularity of store-bought cake assortments, many Romanians continue to prepare this classic treat at home — and for good reason. Homemade cakes not only evoke warm family memories, but also offer full control over the quality of ingredients. There's simply nothing that compares to the nostalgic taste of Snow White cake made from scratch. 💛
🌟 Why It’s Called “Snow White” Cake
The name “Snow White” refers to the cake’s pale, snowy appearance and its light, delicate flavor. With soft, creamy lemon filling layered between tender, slightly crisp pastry sheets, and a snowy topping of coconut flakes, this cake is both elegant and comforting. It looks simple — but its flavor is anything but. 🍰❄️🍋 A Childhood Favorite
For many Romanians, this cake is deeply nostalgic. As a child, the creator of this recipe recalls the excitement of waiting for the dessert tray to arrive at the end of a meal — and especially the joy of sneaking a taste while it was being made in the kitchen. Watching the layers come together and licking the spoon from the lemon cream are memories etched in every bite.🕰️ When and How to Serve
Serve the Romanian Snow White Cake at room temperature. Take it out of the fridge 30–45 minutes before serving to allow the butter in the cream to soften. This cake is perfect at the end of a festive meal or as a show-stopping centerpiece for gatherings. 🎉❗ Tips & Notes
✅ Dairy-Free Option: Easily adaptable for lactose-intolerant guests! Use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter — it still tastes just like the original. ✅ Ammonia Substitute: If you can’t find cake ammonia, baking powder is a safe and effective alternative. ✅ Cream Troubleshooting: If the cream isn’t thickening, dissolve 1 tbsp cornstarch in water and stir it in over low heat. ✅ Perfect Fit: Bake the layers on the back of the same tray you’ll use to assemble the cake — it ensures a perfect fit. ✅ Rest Time Matters: This cake needs to set for at least 12 hours. Plan ahead! ✅ Butter Temperature: Always use room-temperature butter to ensure smooth cream.❓ FAQ
How do you store Snow White Cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep fresh and moist for up to 3 days.Can the cake be frozen?
Yes, the assembled cake can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and let it come to room temperature before serving.Is it suitable for kids?
Absolutely! The light lemon flavor and soft texture make it a kid-friendly treat.🎉 Impress Your Guests
Whether you’re preparing for Christmas, Easter, or a name day celebration like St. Nicholas, Prajitura Alba ca Zapada is a beautiful, nostalgic Romanian dessert that’s sure to impress. Its balance of tangy lemon, soft pastry, and sweet cream makes it unforgettable. Try it once, and it might just become your new holiday tradition. 💫🍋