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Lamb Cake is another traditional Czech Easter recipe that is easy to make and kids love it!

The Easter Lamb Cake recipe is probably the most traditional Czech Easter recipe. You will see a perfect little lamb cake in every bakery, and most people bake one at home on Easter Sunday too. Even though we did not do a lot of baking growing up, we always made our own Easter lamb cake – it’s always been everyone’s favorite cake for this Christian Holiday. While there are many vintage recipes, the basic recipe is, in my opinion, the best one. It’s incredibly simple, and you probably already have all the necessary ingredients on hand. In fact, the ingredients are very similar to a pound cake recipe. The only tricky part might be the lamb mold. Without it, you will not have a lamb-shaped cake!You can get a non-stick lamb cake pan, or a ceramic lamb cake mold. Since this has been my family’s Easter tradition ever since I was little, we have a few different ones. But my favorite is the most heavy-duty ceramic one. 

I haven’t had the pleasure of spending Easter time in the Czech Republic for many years now. Getting to be here and make a perfect lamb cake for my family to enjoy has been such a sweet walk down memory lane. 

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The lamb cake recipe is extremely easy to make, you probably have all the necessary ingredients at home.
• Kids absolutely love it. The taste is simple, which children often enjoy, and they find the lamb shape so fun
• A cute little lamb cake looks so adorable on your Easter table. It’s the perfect little accessory that also tastes delicious! 

Ingredients 

• 1/2 cup olive oil 
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 eggs 
• 2 tbs rum 
• 1 cup milk
• 3 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup confectioners sugar
• 1/4 tsp lemon zest
• 2.5 cups all purpose flour

Tools

• Kitchen Aid Standing Mixer
• Lamb Cake Mold

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius
2. Mix all dry ingredients together in a large bowl
3. Whisk eggs and milk together using an electric mixer on medium speed or hand whisk
4. Add dry ingredients to the wet, add 2tbs rum and mix on low speed in a standing mixer (or my hand) until smooth.
5. Rub the inside of your lamb pan with cold butter, making sure you apply some to all the crevices in the lamb’s face and lamb’s neck.
6. Cover all the butter surfaces with a thin layer of flour by shaking the pan gently (see video) 
7. Pour cake batter into the prepared pan.
8. Place into preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. Test whether cake is done with a toothpick or wooden skewers.
9. When done, take out of the oven and let the cake cool inside the mold. 
10. Then gently turn out onto a wire rack and allow to cool completely. 
11. When cool, stand your cake up on a serving platter and dust with sugar or decorate with cream cheese frosting using a piping bag. ​

FAQ

1. What is a Czech Easter lamb cake?
   • A Czech Easter lamb cake, known as “beránek,” is a traditional Easter cake baked in the shape of a lamb. It’s often made from a sweet, dense cake batter and decorated with powdered sugar or icing.
2. Can I use any cake batter recipe to make a Czech Easter lamb cake?
   • While you can experiment with different cake recipes, traditional Czech Easter lamb cakes often use a specific type of batter that is dense and slightly sweet. It’s important to use a recipe that will hold its shape well in the mold.
3. How do I decorate the lamb cake?
   • The cake can be decorated with powdered sugar dusted on top to resemble the lamb’s wool. Some people also use icing or frosting to add additional decorations such as eyes, a nose, and a ribbon around the lamb’s neck.
4. Can I make the cake ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can make the cake ahead of time. It’s best to store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If you plan to decorate it with powdered sugar, it’s best to wait until just before serving to dust it, as the sugar may absorb moisture from the cake over time.
5. How long does a Czech Easter lamb cake typically last?
   • The cake can typically last for several days if stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh within a day or two of baking.
6. Can I make a vegan or gluten-free version of the Czech Easter lamb cake recipe?
   • Yes, there are vegan and gluten-free recipes available for Czech Easter lamb cake. You’ll need to substitute ingredients such as plant-based milk, vegan butter, and gluten-free flour for traditional ingredients to accommodate dietary restrictions.
7. Are there any variations of the Czech Easter lamb cake?
   • Yes, there are variations in ingredients and decorations based on personal preferences and regional traditions. Some recipes may include additional flavorings such as rum or almond extract, and decorations can range from simple powdered sugar to elaborate white icing designs.

Tips

• You can serve this lamb cake plain, sprinkled with confectioners sugar, or covered with melted chocolate or lemon glaze
• For a traditional look, tie a ribbon around the lamb’s neck, and place on a large platter in the center of your Easter table
• Use a good quality lamb mold: Invest in a sturdy lamb-shaped mold made of aluminum or silicone. Make sure it’s well greased before pouring the batter to prevent sticking.
• Prepare the batter correctly: Follow the recipe instructions carefully, ensuring that all ingredients are properly measured and mixed. This will help achieve the right texture and flavor for your cake.
• Let the batter rise adequately: If your recipe includes yeast, allow the batter to rise sufficiently before baking. This will help the cake become light and fluffy.
• Don’t overfill the mold: Fill the lamb mold only about two-thirds full to allow room for the cake to rise during baking. Overfilling may cause the cake to overflow or lose its shape.
• Ensure even baking: Place the lamb mold on a baking sheet to ensure even heat distribution. Rotate the mold halfway through baking if your oven tends to have hot spots.
• Test for doneness: Use a toothpick or cake tester to check if the cake is done. Insert it into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready.
• Cool the cake properly: Allow the cake to cool in the mold for a few minutes before carefully removing it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling it too quickly or removing it from the mold while still hot may cause it to break apart.
• Decorate with care: Use powdered sugar, icing, or frosting to decorate the lamb cake as desired. Be gentle when handling the cake to avoid damaging its shape.
• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to customize the flavor of your lamb cake by adding ingredients like lemon zest, almond extract, or spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. Just be mindful not to overpower the traditional taste of the cake.

Storage

1. Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature before storing it. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which could make the cake soggy.
2. Wrap Well: Once the cake has cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to protect it from air and moisture. This helps to keep the cake fresh and prevents it from drying out.
3. Store at Room Temperature: Store the wrapped cake at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing it in the refrigerator, as the cold temperature can dry out the cake and alter its texture.
4. Use an Airtight Container: If you prefer, you can store the wrapped cake in an airtight container instead of using plastic wrap or foil. Make sure the container is clean and dry before placing the cake inside.
5. Avoid Odors: Store the cake away from strong-smelling foods or substances, as cakes can absorb odors easily.
6. Consume Within a Few Days: While Czech Easter lamb cakes can last for several days when stored properly, it’s best to consume them within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
7. Refresh if Necessary: If the cake starts to lose its freshness or becomes slightly dry, you can refresh it by lightly toasting slices in a toaster oven or oven. This can help revive the flavor and texture.

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