German Easter Lamb Cake Recipe and Lamb Molds (2024)

FAQs

What is the significance of a lamb cake at Easter? ›

These cake molds were also popular in Alsace Northeastern France. There it is called 'Lamala. ') Today these cakes represent Christ as the sacrificial Lamb of God, but their origin can probably be traced to pagan times, when baked dough effigies of animals were substituted for live animals in sacrificial rites.

They were sometimes shaped like animals - in Germany the cakes were shaped like hares, a symbol of Ēostre, and a precursor of the modern Easter bunny. In Italy the preferred shape was the dove, symbolic of Christ's innocence and ascension.

It is said that Easter lamb cakes started in Germany and then passed to Poland and other European countries before being brought to America by immigrants. Including the cake on the Easter feasting table is popular in Poland, as is butter, chocolate, and candies, all carved, formed, and shaped like the young sheep.

The butter lamb holds a significant meaning during Easter as the lamb represents Jesus as the Lamb of God. The butter lamb even has ties to Passover and the exodus of the Jews from slavery. During this time, the blood of a sacrificial lamb was placed at their door so the angel of death would pass over their firstborn.

Lamb Cakes: An Easter Classic

No dessert clearly defines Midwestern holiday traditions quite like the Easter Lamb Cake.

When re-seasoning a rusty or old cast-iron mold, start by heating the oven to 275 F. Then, clean the pan very well, making sure to scrub off any dried or baked-on food. Dry it thoroughly and coat liberally with solid vegetable shortening.

Remove from the oven and let your lamb cake cool in the pan on a cooling grid for 5 minutes. Remove the top half of the pan and cool for 5 minutes more. Replace the top pan, turn the cake over and remove the bottom pan. It may be necessary to tap the pan with the handle of a spatula to free the cake from the pan.

Simnel cake is a light fruitcake that is an Easter classic and is often associated with Mother's Day. Cakes and baking.

Simnel cake was traditionally given by servant girls to their mothers when they returned home on Mothering Sunday and it's now become a classic Easter cake.

What is the traditional Easter cake in France? ›

There are also several traditional Easter desserts in France. One of the most popular is the “gâteau de Pâques,” a chocolate sponge cake that is often decorated with Easter-themed decorations like chocolate eggs and bunnies. Another popular Easter dessert is a sweet brioche bread known as “pain de Pâques“.

Because so few states in America initially raised sheep, the cost for lamb meat would be higher than other meats. This cost barrier prevented many Americans from even trying lamb meat. This initial barrier has made it difficult for lamb meat to gain popularity in the US.

The most popular cake worldwide is Chocolate cake. Chocolate, made from the cacao bean, is delicious and was first invented by the Olmecs, one of the original tribes of Mexico.

Although the origin of the dessert is unknown, it's clear that it is related to the ancient custom of baking bread and other goods with religious symbolism. In Christianity, the Agnus Dei or “Lamb of God” is one of the ways to call Jesus, and its representation in the form of a cake is also connected with Lent.

A Simnel cake is a type of fruit cake with lots of marzipan and is eaten at Easter, although it used to be specifically associated with Mothering Sunday.

In Christianity, the sacrifice of the Passover lamb is considered to be fulfilled by the crucifixion and death of Jesus, who is consequently also given the title Lamb of God.

A central lesson of the Passover lamb is that its shed blood caused the wrath of God to “pass over” those who applied it to their homes. Only the blood of the Passover Lamb can save us! We have all been offered the free gift of being “passed over”—salvation.