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 layers softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, large eggs into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 10, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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 bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Orange Pound Cake Lamb Mold for Holiday Dessert?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
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
- ★★★★★
The orange flavor was bright and perfect for Easter! My kids loved the lamb mold shape in their dessert bowls.
- ★★★★★
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!