Discover how to make Šakotis, a traditional Lithuanian tree cake known for its distinctive spiked appearance. This recipe involves pouring a rich, buttery batter over a rotating spit, creating a visually stunning and delicious dessert. Perfect for special occasions and festive celebrations, Šakotis offers a taste of Lithuanian culinary heritage.

Ingredients:

- 6 large eggs

- 1 cup sugar

- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- 1/2 cup cornstarch

- 1/4 cup vanilla extract

- 1/4 cup milk

- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

Prepare the Batter:

  - In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy.

  - Gradually add the melted butter while continuing to whisk.

  - In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.

  - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Prepare the Spit:

  - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you have a Šakotis spit or similar setup, make sure it’s ready and well-greased. If not, a rotating spit can be used, or you can improvise with a vertical rotisserie or BBQ grill.

Bake the Cake:

  - Pour the batter onto the rotating spit, allowing it to spread out and form the characteristic spikes.

  - Bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the cake is golden brown and cooked through. The spikes should be crisp and well-defined.

Cool and Serve:

  - Once baked, carefully remove the Šakotis from the spit and let it cool on a wire rack.

  - Serve sliced, and enjoy this traditional Lithuanian treat with coffee or tea.

Tips:

- If you don’t have a rotating spit, you can bake the cake in a tube pan with a removable bottom, but it won’t have the same spiked appearance.

- For extra flavor, you can add lemon zest or a splash of rum to the batter.

Enjoy this unique Lithuanian dessert that’s perfect for making a memorable impression at your next gathering!

Nutritional Value

Eggs

 - Calories: 70-80 kcal

 - Protein: 6-7 grams

 - Fat: 5 grams

 - Cholesterol: 186 mg

Benefits:

 - High-Quality Protein: Eggs are a complete protein source, providing all essential amino acids.

 - Rich in Vitamins: Eggs contain important vitamins like B12, D, A, and E, essential for immune function, skin health, and bone strength.

 - Brain Health: Eggs are a good source of choline, vital for brain health and development.

Sugar

 - Calories: 49 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 13 grams

Benefits:

 - Quick Energy: Sugar provides a rapid source of energy, which can be helpful during intense activities.

 - Moderation is Key: While sugar can enhance the taste, it’s important to consume it in moderation to avoid negative health impacts such as blood sugar spikes.

Unsalted Butter

 - Calories: 102 kcal

 - Fat: 12 grams (7 grams saturated fat)

 - Vitamins: A, D, E, and K

Benefits:

 - Rich in Fat-Soluble Vitamins: Butter contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are important for vision, skin, and bone health.

 - Healthy Fats: While high in saturated fats, butter can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and can support hormone production and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

All-Purpose Flour

 - Calories: 455 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 95 grams

 - Protein: 13 grams

Benefits:

 - Source of Energy: Flour is rich in carbohydrates, which provide energy to the body.

 - B Vitamins: Enriched flour can provide B vitamins such as folate, which is important for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation.

Cornstarch

 - Calories: 30 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 7 grams

- Benefits:

 - Thickening Agent: Cornstarch adds a smooth texture to recipes without altering the flavor.

 - Low in Fat and Protein: It provides carbohydrates without significant fat or protein, making it a simple source of energy.

Vanilla Extract

 - Calories: 12 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

Benefits:

 - Antioxidants: Vanilla contains vanillin, which has antioxidant properties that help protect the body from oxidative stress.

 - Flavor Enhancer: Adds a rich, sweet flavor to desserts without adding significant calories or sugar.

Milk

 - Calories: 150 kcal

 - Protein: 8 grams

 - Fat: 8 grams

 - Calcium: 276 mg

Benefits:

 - Rich in Calcium: Milk is an excellent source of calcium, essential for bone health and preventing osteoporosis.

 - Good Protein Source: Provides high-quality protein for muscle growth and repair.

 - Vitamin D: Fortified milk contains vitamin D, which helps in calcium absorption and supports immune health.

Baking Powder

 - Calories: 2 kcal

 - Sodium: 488 mg

Benefits:

 - Leavening Agent: Baking powder helps baked goods rise, giving them a light and fluffy texture.

 - Sodium Source: Contains sodium, which helps maintain fluid balance and nerve function, but should be consumed in moderation.

Salt

 - Calories: 0 kcal

 - Sodium: 2,300 mg

Benefits:

 - Essential Electrolyte: Salt provides sodium, an essential electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance, nerve transmission, and muscle function.

 - Flavor Enhancer: Enhances the flavor of food, but should be consumed in moderation to avoid high blood pressure.

Eggs and butter provide high-quality fats and proteins that are essential for overall body function. Milk adds important vitamins and minerals, particularly calcium and vitamin D for bone health. Flour and cornstarch supply carbohydrates for energy, while vanilla extract and sugar enhance the flavor. Baking powder and salt play important roles in the texture and taste of the cake.

When combined in the Šakotis recipe, these ingredients offer a balanced mix of nutrients that contribute to both the flavor and the nutritional value of the dessert.