Velikonoční beránek (Easter Lamb)

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 200g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened 200g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• 250ml (1 cup) milk 250ml (1 cup) milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Almond slices, for decoration Almond slices, for decoration

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 11g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 54g, 28g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a lamb-shaped cake mold.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and lemon zest.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
6. 6.
   Pour the batter into the prepared cake mold and smooth the top.
7. 7.
   Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. 8.
   Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the mold for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. 9.
   Once the cake is completely cooled, dust it with powdered sugar and decorate with almond slices to resemble the lamb's wool.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Butter — Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature for easier creaming with the sugar.
• Lemon zest — Use a fine grater to zest the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith.

Tips & Tricks

• To ensure a fluffy texture, avoid overmixing the batter once the dry ingredients are added.
• If you don't have a lamb-shaped cake mold, you can use a regular round cake pan and shape the cake into a lamb after baking.
• For a more pronounced lemon flavor, you can add a few drops of lemon extract to the batter.

Serving advice

Serve the Velikonoční beránek as a centerpiece dessert during Easter celebrations. Slice it into individual portions and enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.

Presentation advice

Place the Velikonoční beránek on a decorative platter and sprinkle some additional powdered sugar over the top. You can also add fresh flowers or Easter-themed decorations around the cake for an extra festive touch.