Orange Pound Cake Lamb Mold for Holiday Dessert
A dense and flavorful orange pound cake baked in a lamb-shaped pan, perfect for a nostalgic Easter treat. This american-inspired easter ready in about 80 minutes pairs softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, large eggs for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 10, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 1 cup softened unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp orange zest
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup for dusting powdered sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously butter and flour a lamb-shaped cake mold to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes.
- Step 3: Add 4 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate fully.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, sift together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with 1/4 cup fresh orange juice and 1/4 cup whole milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Stir in 2 tbsp orange zest and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared lamb pan, smoothing the surface evenly, and bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 7: Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 15 minutes before carefully unmolding onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 8: Before serving, dust the cake lightly with 1 cup powdered sugar for a delicate, sweet finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Orange Pound Cake Lamb Mold for Holiday Dessert take to make?
Total time is about 80 minutes (20 min prep + 60 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Orange Pound Cake Lamb Mold for Holiday Dessert?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep softened unsalted butter from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Orange Pound Cake Lamb Mold for Holiday Dessert?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Orange Pound Cake Lamb Mold for Holiday Dessert for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 10 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 10). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Orange Pound Cake Lamb Mold for Holiday Dessert?
American easter like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
A beautiful centerpiece for my holiday table! The orange zest added just the right touch.
- ★★★★★
Made this for my mother-in-law's Easter brunch—everyone raved about the festive presentation!
- ★★★★★
The orange flavor was bright and perfect for Easter! My kids loved the lamb mold shape in their dessert bowls.