Raguolis (Lithuanian Tree Cake)
Raguolis, also known as Šakotis, is a traditional Lithuanian spit cake made by repeatedly pouring batter onto a rotating spit over an open flame. Its distinctive tree-like shape and delicate, buttery flavor make it a festive centerpiece for celebrations.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Butter(softened)
- 500 g Sugar
- 10 large Eggs(separated)
- 500 g Potato starch
- 2 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 pinch Salt
- Optional: Powdered sugar and lemon juice for glaze
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare your Raguolis setup: This involves a rotating spit over a heat source (traditionally an open fire, but a gas grill or specialized oven can be used). Ensure the spit is level.
💡 Tip: Practice with a small batch or a simpler cake before attempting Raguolis to get a feel for the rotation and heat. - 2
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- 3
Beat in the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- 4
In a separate, clean bowl, whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form.
- 5
Gradually sift and fold the potato starch into the butter-egg yolk mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- 6
Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter in two or three additions, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
- 7
Begin pouring small amounts of batter onto the rotating spit. As the batter cooks and forms a thin layer, continue pouring successive small amounts, allowing each layer to set slightly before adding the next. This builds up the characteristic 'branches' of the cake.
💡 Tip: The key is to pour thin layers and let them cook to a light golden color before adding more. This process takes patience and constant attention. - 8
Continue this process for 3-4 hours, or until the cake has reached your desired size and is cooked through. The exterior should be golden brown and firm.
💡 Tip: Adjust the heat source as needed to prevent burning. Rotate the spit consistently. - 9
Once cooked, carefully remove the Raguolis from the spit and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
- 10
Optional: Prepare a simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a little lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
💡 Tip: The glaze is purely decorative and adds a touch of sweetness.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓This cake requires specialized equipment and a lot of patience. It's a labor of love!
- ✓The quality of the butter and eggs significantly impacts the flavor.
- ✓Ensure consistent rotation and heat for even cooking and the characteristic shape.
🔄 Variations
- Some recipes include a small amount of flour along with potato starch for a slightly different texture.
- A hint of cardamom or nutmeg can be added to the batter for extra spice.
- For a richer cake, some variations use sour cream in the batter.