Makivnyk is a traditional Ukrainian cake featuring a rich, moist texture infused with poppy seeds. Commonly served during holidays and special occasions, its origins date back centuries, rooted in Ukrainian culinary heritage. The recipe typically includes flour, sugar, eggs, butter, milk, and ground poppy seeds, resulting in a delightful dessert celebrated for its unique flavor and cultural significance.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 cup granulated sugar

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

- 1 cup milk

- 3 eggs

- 1 cup ground poppy seeds

- 2 teaspoons baking powder

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking dish.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking powder.

3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Add the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.

4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.

5. Fold in the ground poppy seeds until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Slice and serve the Makivnyk cake, optionally dusting with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Value:

1. All-purpose flour (2 cups):

  - Calories: 912 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 190.8g

  - Protein: 24g

  - Fat: 2g

  - Sodium: 6mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamins B1, B2, B3, and folate

  - Minerals: Contains small amounts of iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides energy from carbohydrates and a moderate amount of protein. Contains some essential vitamins and minerals, particularly B vitamins which are important for energy metabolism.

2. Granulated sugar (1 cup):

  - Calories: 774 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 199.5g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 1.5mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides quick energy from simple carbohydrates but lacks significant nutritional value. Should be consumed in moderation.

3. Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup):

  - Calories: 814 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0.96g

  - Fat: 92g

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Cholesterol: 244mg

  - Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamins A, D, E, and K

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides a significant amount of fat, particularly saturated fat. Contains fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Moderation is key due to its high calorie and saturated fat content.

4. Milk (1 cup):

  - Calories: 122 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 11.7g

  - Protein: 8g

  - Fat: 4.8g

  - Sodium: 98mg

  - Cholesterol: 24mg

  - Vitamins: Excellent source of calcium, riboflavin (B2), and vitamin D

  - Minerals: Contains calcium, phosphorus, potassium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Good source of protein and calcium for bone health. Provides vitamins B2 and D. 

5. Eggs (3):

  - Calories: 214 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 1.5g

  - Protein: 18g

  - Fat: 15g

  - Sodium: 213mg

  - Cholesterol: 636mg

  - Vitamins: Excellent source of vitamin B12 and riboflavin (B2). Good source of vitamins A, D, and E.

  - Minerals: Contains selenium, phosphorus, and small amounts of iron and zinc.

  - Nutritional Benefit: High-quality protein source. Provides essential vitamins and minerals, particularly B vitamins and vitamin D.

6. Ground poppy seeds (1 cup):

  - Calories: 765 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 41g

  - Protein: 26g

  - Fat: 58g

  - Sodium: 26mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, and folate

  - Minerals: Excellent source of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, and manganese

  - Nutritional Benefit: High in healthy fats, protein, and various minerals, especially calcium and iron. Provides dietary fiber and antioxidants.

7. Baking powder (2 teaspoons):

  - Calories: 10 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 4g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 1512mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides leavening agents to help the cake rise during baking. Contains sodium bicarbonate and an acid (often cream of tartar) to produce carbon dioxide gas.

8. Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon):

  - Calories: 12 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0.6g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor without adding significant calories or nutrients. Contains trace amounts of antioxidants.