How to make Lithuanian National Tree Cake (Šakotis or Raguolis) Recipe
MUST TRY
The traditional Lithuanian Tree Cake (known as Šakotis or Raguolis) is an iconic, egg-rich butter cake cooked on a rotating spit over an open fire or rotisserie, creating its signature spiky "branches". True Šakotis requires specialized spit-baking equipment, but you can achieve a very similar flavor and visual effect in a standard home oven using a specialized conical baking tin or cake cone.
Ingredients
Butter: 250 g (unsalted, softened)
Sugar: 200 g
Eggs: 5 (large, separated into yolks and whites)
Flour: 250 g (all-purpose)
Sour Cream: 100 g (or full-fat sour milk)
Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp
Rum: 1 tbsp (optional)
Equipment
Rotisserie grill attachment (or a DIY rotating cylindrical spit)
Heat-proof tray or basin (to catch drips)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Batter: Cream the softened butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until fluffy. Gradually beat in the egg yolks one by one, followed by the sour cream, vanilla, and rum.
Whisk and Fold: In a separate, clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whites into your butter-yolk mixture. Slowly sift in the flour and mix until you have a smooth, thick batter.
Set Up the Rotisserie: Heat your grill or firepit to medium-high heat. Position your rotating spit over the heat source and lightly grease the cylinder.
Build the Tree: Start rotating the spit. Ladle or pour a thin layer of batter over the spinning cylinder. As it cooks and drops, pour another layer directly over the previous one. Repeat this process continuously. The dripping batter will harden and form the iconic spiky "branches".
Cool and Serve: Continue adding layers until the cake reaches your desired thickness. Stop the rotisserie, allow it to cool, and gently slide the cake off the spit.
