A cake made in the ghetto from grated potatoes, a small amount of flour (alternatively with grated radish, turnips, etc.), ersatz (substitute) coffee, and sweetened with saccharin (and flavored with various additives), cooked in a double boiler one hour or longer (à la pudding). When potatoes were in abundant supply, it was a favorite substitute for bread.

At the time of famine, babka was made from potato peels or ersatz coffee.