THE GRAND RETURN OF SERBIA’S BELOVED DESSERT: VASINA TORTA

Vasina Torta is not just a dessert — it’s a timeless symbol of Serbian love, tradition, and heritage. For over a century, this rich and nostalgic cake has graced holiday tables, birthday celebrations, and significant family gatherings across Serbia, bringing warmth and sweetness to every occasion.

This classic treat tells a story as heartwarming as its flavor. Originating in the town of Paraćin in 1908, the legend of Vasina Torta begins with Vasa Čokrljan — a man whose deep devotion to his wife Jelena gave birth to one of the most cherished recipes in Serbian culinary history.

When Jelena experienced serious complications during her pregnancy, Vasa went above and beyond to save her and their unborn child, taking her all the way to Vienna in search of the best medical care. Thanks to his determination and the expertise of Viennese doctors, Jelena safely gave birth and made a full recovery.

In gratitude for Vasa’s unwavering love and sacrifice, Jelena’s mother created a cake in his honor — naming it Vasina Torta. More than a dessert, it became a sweet symbol of love, strength, and family unity.

A TASTE OF HISTORY: HOW TO MAKE VASINA TORTA

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to bring a piece of tradition into your home, Vasina Torta is a recipe worth revisiting.

INGREDIENTS

For the cake layer:

5 eggs

5 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon flour

6 tablespoons ground almonds

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the first filling:

125 ml milk

4 tablespoons sugar

200 g ground walnuts

4 egg yolks

125 g sugar

10 tablespoons orange juice

Grated orange zest

100 g cooking chocolate

150 g melted butter

For the meringue topping (second filling):

4 egg whites

200 g sugar

125 ml water

1 teaspoon lemon juice

PREPARATION

Cake Base:

Whip egg whites until stiff. In a separate bowl, mix egg yolks with sugar, then add flour, ground almonds, and vanilla. Gently fold in the egg whites. Bake in a greased round pan at 170°C for about 25 minutes. Let it cool completely.

First Filling:

Boil milk with sugar, then stir in ground walnuts and chocolate. Add orange juice and zest. In a double boiler, whisk egg yolks with sugar until thickened, then combine with the nut-chocolate mixture. Once cooled, mix in the melted butter.

Meringue Topping:

Beat egg whites until stiff. Simultaneously, prepare a hot syrup by boiling sugar and water until it reaches a honey-like consistency. Gradually pour the syrup into the egg whites while beating continuously. Add lemon juice at the end.

Assembly:

Spread the first filling over the cake base. Cover the entire cake with the fluffy meringue. Decorate with fresh orange slices or candied citrus peel. Chill in the fridge before serving.

Vasina Torta continues to be a beloved part of Serbian culture, not only for its decadent flavor but for the story of love that inspired it. With each slice, you're not just tasting dessert — you're experiencing a sweet piece of history.