Šakotis – also known as the Lithuanian Tree Cake or Spit Cake – is a traditional, eye-catching dessert baked over an open fire. With roots tracing back to 15th-century monks and a royal fanbase including Queen Barbora Radvilaitė, this festive cake is made with simple ingredients like eggs, flour, sugar, cream, and butter. Famous for its tree-like shape and golden branches, Šakotis is a highlight of Lithuanian celebrations such as Christmas, weddings, and Easter.
Ingredients
- 40 large eggs 🥚
- 1.2 kg sugar 🍬
- 1.3 kg all-purpose flour 🌾
- 1 kg unsalted butter (softened) 🧈
- 0.6 liters heavy cream 🥛
Instructions
- Mixing the Batter:In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together using a wooden spoon or mixer. Add the eggs one at a time, along with a splash of cream after each egg. Mix until smooth. Gradually add the flour and whisk until a thick, pourable batter forms.
- Prepare the Spit:Wrap a tapered wooden or metal spit with baking paper and canvas, securing it tightly. This will form the base for the cake.
- Build the Fire:Light a campfire using birch or ash logs without bark. Keep a steady, even heat source throughout baking.
- Baking Process:Place the spit over the fire and rotate it continuously. Gradually pour layers of batter onto the spit. Allow each layer to bake until golden before adding the next. Continue this for 4–5 hours.
- Cooling:Let the Šakotis cool on the spit for about 1 hour before gently sliding it off.
Notes
When it comes to Lithuanian celebrations, no festive table is complete without the towering, golden masterpiece known as Šakotis – also called the Lithuanian Tree Cake or Spit Cake. This traditional cake isn't just a dessert – it's an experience, a centuries-old ritual, and a beloved symbol of heritage. ✨
🎅 A Cake with History and Mystery
Šakotis has deep roots in Lithuanian culture and folklore. Legend has it that the recipe was once a closely guarded secret of monks, passed down through generations since the 15th century. It is believed that the cake was even a favorite dessert of Queen Barbora Radvilaitė, a prominent 16th-century royal figure in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and Poland. 👑 Its unique tree-like shape, golden branches, and woodfire-baked flavor make Šakotis more than just a cake – it’s a culinary artwork baked with patience, tradition, and love. 💛🔥🇱🇹 More Than a Cake – A National Treasure
In Lithuania, Šakotis is a must-have at weddings, Christmas, and Easter celebrations. 🇱🇹 It often takes center stage on the dessert table, proudly displayed and sometimes decorated with chocolate, sugar flowers, or candy for special occasions. 🍫🌸 There are two main types of Šakotis:- Traditional Šakotis – yellow, soft, rich in eggs, and slightly moist.
- Crumbly Šakotis – lighter in color, crispier, with even more eggs for an airy texture.
🧁 Want to Try Baking It Yourself?
While you can buy Šakotis in most Lithuanian bakeries or grocery stores, the real magic lies in baking it yourself. That’s why some places in Lithuania offer Šakotis-making experiences, where you can try this ancient method hands-on. 🎉 One such place is the Romnesa restaurant, located near Ignalina in Aukštaitija National Park. Here, guests can join educational programs that guide them through every step of baking their very own tree cake – from batter to the final crispy "branches".🎁 A Delicious Gift from Lithuania
Šakotis isn’t just enjoyed locally – it also makes for a charming and edible souvenir. Mini versions of the tree cake are often sold as gifts, perfect for bringing home a taste of Lithuanian tradition. 🛍️🎄 So whether you’re tasting it for the first time or watching it bake over an open fire, Šakotis is a magical blend of tradition, flavor, and celebration.