Hailing from Podlaskie region, marcinek is a dessert consisting of layers of dough, usually around twenty thin layers, which are coated with cream and stacked to form a cake-like dessert. Similar to a shortcrust pastry, the dough for the cake is made from a combination of butter, flour, sugar, and eggs, while the coating cream typically incorporates sweetened sour cream, whipping cream and flavorings such as lemon zest, almond extract, or vanilla.

The preparation of marcinek is a time-consuming process since each layer is rolled into a circle and baked separately. When the cake is layered and coated, the remaining cream is usually used to cover and decorate the sides and the top of the cake.

Optionally, it can be garnished with cookie crumbs, coconut flakes, or cocoa. Marcinek is prepared and enjoyed throughout Podlaskie region and the area of Białowieża Forest, but it is usually associated with the city of Hajnówka. In 2018, the dessert was included on the list of traditional products from the Podlaskie region (listę produktów tradycyjnych).