Ingredients

The Leaven

150 grams (5.3 ounces) warm milk
3 grams (0.1 ounces) dry yeast
1 tablespoon (13 grams) sugar
3 tablespoons (24 grams) flour
We recommend:
For milk:
Prime Hoosier Hill Farm Whole Milk Powder, 2LB (Pack of 1)
4.6
(14,536) Hoosier Hill Farm Whole Milk Powder, 2LB (Pack of 1) $21.99 View details Prime best seller Silk Shelf-Stable Almond Milk, Unsweetened Vanilla, Dairy-Free, Vegan, Non-GMO Project Verified, 1 Quart (Pack of 6)
4.7
(19,270) Silk Shelf-Stable Almond Milk, Unsweetened Vanilla, Dairy-Free, Vegan, Non-GMO Project Verified, 1 Quart (Pack of 6) $12.98 View details
For dry yeast:
Prime best seller Bragg Premium Nutritional Yeast Seasoning - Vegan, Gluten Free – Good Source of Protein & Vitamins – Nutritious Savory Parmesan Cheese Substitute (Original, 12 Ounce (Pack of 1))
4.7
(15,671) Bragg Premium Nutritional Yeast Seasoning - Vegan, Gluten Free – Good Source of Protein & Vitamins – Nutritious Savory Parmesan Cheese Substitute (Original, 12 Ounce (Pack of 1)) $14.99 View details Prime Saf Instant Yeast, 1 Pound Pouch
4.7
(31,715) Saf Instant Yeast, 1 Pound Pouch $9.49 View details Prime Fleischmann’s Yeast, Fleischmann’s Instant Dry Yeast, 16 Ounce - 1 Pack, Fast-Acting, Gluten Free, No Preservatives
4.7
(14,634) Fleischmann’s Yeast, Fleischmann’s Instant Dry Yeast, 16 Ounce - 1 Pack, Fast-Acting, Gluten Free, No Preservatives $9.38 View details
For sugar:
Prime Judee's Superfine Caster Sugar - 5 lbs - Delicious and 100% Gluten-Free - Bakers Sugar for Homemade Treats, Baked Goods, and Toppings - Airy and Smoot
4.8
(3,527) Judee's Superfine Caster Sugar - 5 lbs - Delicious and 100% Gluten-Free - Bakers Sugar for Homemade Treats, Baked Goods, and Toppings - Airy and Smoot $24.99 View details
For flour:
Prime Great River Milling Organic All-Purpose Flour | Lily White All-Purpose Flour | Unbromated & Unbleached | Non-GMO & Kosher | Balanced Protein & Gluten | Flour for Bread Maker, Ovens | 25 Lb (Pack Of 1)
4.7
(1,332) Great River Milling Organic All-Purpose Flour | Lily White All-Purpose Flour | Unbromated & Unbleached | Non-GMO & Kosher | Balanced Protein & Gluten | Flour for Bread Maker, Ovens | 25 Lb (Pack Of 1) $62.33 View details

The Main Dough

3 egg yolks
120 grams (4.2 ounces) sugar
1 teaspoon lemon zest
0.5 teaspoon vanilla paste
270 grams (9.5 ounces) flour
50 grams (1.8 ounces) butter at room temperature
We recommend:
For sugar:
Prime Judee's Superfine Caster Sugar - 5 lbs - Delicious and 100% Gluten-Free - Bakers Sugar for Homemade Treats, Baked Goods, and Toppings - Airy and Smoot
4.8
(3,527) Judee's Superfine Caster Sugar - 5 lbs - Delicious and 100% Gluten-Free - Bakers Sugar for Homemade Treats, Baked Goods, and Toppings - Airy and Smoot $24.99 View details
For lemon zest:
Prime Lorann Oils Lemon Bakery Emulsion: Tangy Lemon Essence, Perfect for Amplifying Citrus Tones in Cakes, Cookies & Desserts, Gluten-Free, Keto-Friendly, Lemon Extract Alternative Essential
4.5
(18,701) Lorann Oils Lemon Bakery Emulsion: Tangy Lemon Essence, Perfect for Amplifying Citrus Tones in Cakes, Cookies & Desserts, Gluten-Free, Keto-Friendly, Lemon Extract Alternative Essential $20.00 $23.99 View details Prime Earthborn Elements Lemon Peel Granules, 1 Gallon Bucket, Pure & Natural, Food Grade
4.7
(8) Earthborn Elements Lemon Peel Granules, 1 Gallon Bucket, Pure & Natural, Food Grade $49.99 View details Prime SPICE HUNTER LEMON PEEL GRATED
4.7
(7,110) SPICE HUNTER LEMON PEEL GRATED $7.49 View details
For vanilla paste:
Prime Nielsen-Massey Pure Vanilla Extract for Baking and Cooking, 32 Ounce
4.8
(7,332) Nielsen-Massey Pure Vanilla Extract for Baking and Cooking, 32 Ounce $101.50 View details Prime best seller 25 Organic Madagascar Vanilla Beans. Whole Grade A Vanilla Pods for Vanilla Extract and Baking
4.7
(31,939) 25 Organic Madagascar Vanilla Beans. Whole Grade A Vanilla Pods for Vanilla Extract and Baking $27.99 View details
For flour:
Prime Great River Milling Organic All-Purpose Flour | Lily White All-Purpose Flour | Unbromated & Unbleached | Non-GMO & Kosher | Balanced Protein & Gluten | Flour for Bread Maker, Ovens | 25 Lb (Pack Of 1)
4.7
(1,332) Great River Milling Organic All-Purpose Flour | Lily White All-Purpose Flour | Unbromated & Unbleached | Non-GMO & Kosher | Balanced Protein & Gluten | Flour for Bread Maker, Ovens | 25 Lb (Pack Of 1) $62.33 View details
For butter:
Prime Hoosier Hill Farm Real Butter Powder, 2LB (Pack of 1)
4.5
(8,914) Hoosier Hill Farm Real Butter Powder, 2LB (Pack of 1) $29.99 View details Prime SKIPPY Natural Creamy Peanut Butter Spread Twin Pack 2-Pack, 5 LB
4.7
(27,356) SKIPPY Natural Creamy Peanut Butter Spread Twin Pack 2-Pack, 5 LB $10.99 View details

Icing

1 egg white
30 grams (1.1 ounces) almond flour
30 grams (1.1 ounces) sugar
We recommend:
For almond flour:
Prime Anthony's Blanched Almond Flour, 2 lb, Finely Ground, Gluten Free, Non GMO, Vegan, Keto Friendly
4.8
(10,560) Anthony's Blanched Almond Flour, 2 lb, Finely Ground, Gluten Free, Non GMO, Vegan, Keto Friendly $19.99 View details Prime best seller Blue Diamond Almonds, Almond Flour, Gluten Free, Blanched, Finely Sifted, 1 Lb
4.8
(45,878) Blue Diamond Almonds, Almond Flour, Gluten Free, Blanched, Finely Sifted, 1 Lb $8.95 $9.49 View details Prime PBfit Peanut Flour Baking Blend - Gluten Free & Non GMO - 10g Protein per Serving 8% DV - 80% Less Fat than Almond Flour - 1 to 1 Swap for White Flour - Light Peanut Flavor - 25% DV Fiber - 24 oz
4.7
(32,029) PBfit Peanut Flour Baking Blend - Gluten Free & Non GMO - 10g Protein per Serving 8% DV - 80% Less Fat than Almond Flour - 1 to 1 Swap for White Flour - Light Peanut Flavor - 25% DV Fiber - 24 oz $9.77 View details
For sugar:
Prime Judee's Superfine Caster Sugar - 5 lbs - Delicious and 100% Gluten-Free - Bakers Sugar for Homemade Treats, Baked Goods, and Toppings - Airy and Smoot
4.8
(3,527) Judee's Superfine Caster Sugar - 5 lbs - Delicious and 100% Gluten-Free - Bakers Sugar for Homemade Treats, Baked Goods, and Toppings - Airy and Smoot $24.99 View details

Additionally

80 grams (2.8 ounces) candied fruit
100 milliliters (3.4 ounces) tea / cognac / orange juice
almond petals to taste
We recommend:
For candied fruit:
Paradise Cherry Pineapple Fruit Mix Candied Fruit Glaze bulk 10 pound box
4.8
(6) Paradise Cherry Pineapple Fruit Mix Candied Fruit Glaze bulk 10 pound box $106.27 View details Paradise Diced Fruit Mix Candied Fruit Glaze Special Mello bulk 10 pound box
5
(3) Paradise Diced Fruit Mix Candied Fruit Glaze Special Mello bulk 10 pound box $89.00 View details best seller Old Fashion Claxton Fruit Cake 3-1 Lb. Regular Recipe Loaves - Individually Wrapped For Freshness in our Signature Red-White Carton - 3-pack
4.6
(8,316) Old Fashion Claxton Fruit Cake 3-1 Lb. Regular Recipe Loaves - Individually Wrapped For Freshness in our Signature Red-White Carton - 3-pack $24.95 View details
For cognac:
Prime Beatrice Bakery Co. Original Fruitcake, Grandma's Old Fashioned Fruit and Nut Freshly Made, Brandy, Bourbon and Rum Fruitcake, Est. 1917 (48 oz Box)
4
(1,403) Beatrice Bakery Co. Original Fruitcake, Grandma's Old Fashioned Fruit and Nut Freshly Made, Brandy, Bourbon and Rum Fruitcake, Est. 1917 (48 oz Box) $52.99 View details Vachon Ah Caramel! Cake, 1 Count, 336g {Imported from Canada}
4
(2,317) Vachon Ah Caramel! Cake, 1 Count, 336g {Imported from Canada} $11.95 View details Prime Fragrance Oil Dessert Set, Scented Oil for Soap & Candle Making, Essential Oils for Diffuser-Coffee, Vanilla, Chocolate and More(6 * 10ML)
4.2
(179) Fragrance Oil Dessert Set, Scented Oil for Soap & Candle Making, Essential Oils for Diffuser-Coffee, Vanilla, Chocolate and More(6 * 10ML) $9.99 View details
For almond petals:
Prime KHWAN'S TEA Premium Dried Rose Petals - Plant-based & Edible Flowers for Baking Decoration, Desserts, Syrup, DIY Crafts, Candle, Bath & Fragrant Soap Herbal Tea 50 g
5
(3) KHWAN'S TEA Premium Dried Rose Petals - Plant-based & Edible Flowers for Baking Decoration, Desserts, Syrup, DIY Crafts, Candle, Bath & Fragrant Soap Herbal Tea 50 g $15.98 View details Prime Suncore Foods Dried Rose Petals Bloom, Caffeine-Free Tea, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, 0.3oz (1 Pack)
4.6
(3,948) Suncore Foods Dried Rose Petals Bloom, Caffeine-Free Tea, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, 0.3oz (1 Pack) $9.89 View details India Tree Candied Rose Petals, 6.5 oz
3.7
(18) India Tree Candied Rose Petals, 6.5 oz $71.41 View details

Instructions

Step 1

Preparation: The calculation in the recipe is for three 9cm (3.55 inch) Easter cakes. Soak the candied fruits the day before cooking. For best results, use fresh candied fruits.

Step 2

Step 1: Mix the warm milk, yeast, sugar, and flour. Cover the bowl with cling film, and leave in a warm place for 1 hour. Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.

Step 3

Step 2: Mix the activated leaven with the yolks, sugar, lemon zest, vanilla, and flour (you may need a little more or less flour, so don't add all at once). When the ingredients are combined, add the butter, and knead the dough with a mixer for 25-30 minutes until a gluten window forms. Adding flour gradually will help achieve the perfect dough consistency.

Step 4

Step 3: Grease a large bowl with odorless vegetable oil, and place the dough in it. Cover with a film on top. Put the bowl in a warm place for 2-3 hours. The dough should increase at least three times. Then knead it, and stir in the soaked candied fruits. Spread the dough in paper molds, filling no more than 1/3. Cover with foil, and place in a warm place to proof. The dough should rise almost to the edges of the mold. Proper proofing is key to achieving light and airy cakes.

Step 5

Step 4: Bake the Easter cakes in the oven at 338°F (170°C) for about 20 minutes. Cover them with foil if necessary. Cool the cakes by piercing the bottom with a wooden skewer and flipping them upside down. Cooling the cakes upside down helps retain their shape.

Step 6

Step 5: Mix all the ingredients for the icing, and glaze the cakes carefully. Sprinkle the top with almond flakes. Apply the icing when the cakes are completely cool to prevent it from melting.

Servings

Enjoy your Easter cake the traditional way by serving it with a warm cup of tea or a fresh glass of orange juice. 🫖🍊 If you’re feeling adventurous, pair it with a splash of fine cognac to bring out the rich flavors of the candied fruits and almond glaze. 🍷

Looking to make it a part of a holiday feast? Serve it alongside a platter of fresh berries, a bowl of whipped cream, or even a light, tangy lemon curd. 🍓🍋 For a colorful and fun presentation, arrange slices of the cake around a centerpiece of decorated Easter eggs and nestle in some pastel-colored chocolates. 🐣🍫

For the best tasting experience, make sure to let the cake cool completely before slicing into it. The texture will be soft, airy, and perfectly moist. Enjoy this delightful Easter treat with your loved ones and celebrate in style! ✨

Equipment

Mixing bowls

You'll need several mixing bowls of various sizes for combining ingredients. Always use a non-metallic bowl for your leaven to ensure proper yeast activation.

We recommend:
Prime YIHONG 7 Piece Mixing Bowls with Lids for Kitchen, Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls Set Ideal for Baking, Prepping, Cooking and Serving Food, Nesting Metal Mixing Bowls for Space Saving Storage
4.7
(9,737) YIHONG 7 Piece Mixing Bowls with Lids for Kitchen, Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls Set Ideal for Baking, Prepping, Cooking and Serving Food, Nesting Metal Mixing Bowls for Space Saving Storage $27.99 $35.99 View details Prime REGILLER Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls (Set of 5), Non Slip Colorful Silicone Bottom Nesting Storage Bowls, Polished Mirror Finish For Healthy Meal Mixing and Prepping 1.5-2 - 2.5-3.5 - 7QT (Colorful)
4.8
(8,743) REGILLER Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls (Set of 5), Non Slip Colorful Silicone Bottom Nesting Storage Bowls, Polished Mirror Finish For Healthy Meal Mixing and Prepping 1.5-2 - 2.5-3.5 - 7QT (Colorful) $26.99 View details Prime best seller Pyrex Glass, 3-Piece, 3 PC Mixing Bowl Set
4.8
(29,369) Pyrex Glass, 3-Piece, 3 PC Mixing Bowl Set $17.53 View details
Mixer with dough hook

A stand mixer with a dough hook attachment is a lifesaver when kneading the dough for 25-30 minutes. It takes the hard work out of achieving that perfect gluten window!

We recommend:
Prime Aucma Stand Mixer,6.5-QT 660W 6-Speed Tilt-Head Food Mixer, Kitchen Electric Mixer with Dough Hook, Wire Whip & Beater (6.5QT, Black)
4.6
(15,839) Aucma Stand Mixer,6.5-QT 660W 6-Speed Tilt-Head Food Mixer, Kitchen Electric Mixer with Dough Hook, Wire Whip & Beater (6.5QT, Black) $159.99 View details Prime Commercial Food Mixer 15QT 600W 110V 3 Speeds Adjustable, Stand Mixer Dough Kneading Machine with Stainless Steel Bowl Dough Hooks Whisk Beater, With Safety Guard for Bakeries Restaurants Pizzerias
5
(6) Commercial Food Mixer 15QT 600W 110V 3 Speeds Adjustable, Stand Mixer Dough Kneading Machine with Stainless Steel Bowl Dough Hooks Whisk Beater, With Safety Guard for Bakeries Restaurants Pizzerias $579.99 View details Commercial Stand Mixer, 15Qt Heavy Duty Electric Food Mixer, Commercial Mixer 600W with 3 Speeds Adjustable 130/233/415RPM, Stainless Steel Bowl, Dough Hook Whisk Beater Perfect for Bakery Pizzeria
5
(4) Commercial Stand Mixer, 15Qt Heavy Duty Electric Food Mixer, Commercial Mixer 600W with 3 Speeds Adjustable 130/233/415RPM, Stainless Steel Bowl, Dough Hook Whisk Beater Perfect for Bakery Pizzeria $579.99 View details
Cling film

Used to cover bowls and help maintain a warm environment for the dough to rise. Opt for biodegradable options if you're eco-conscious.

We recommend:
Prime Glad Cling 'N Seal Plastic Food Wrap, 300 Sq Ft (Pack of 4), Model 00020, BPA Free
4.7
(15,778) Glad Cling 'N Seal Plastic Food Wrap, 300 Sq Ft (Pack of 4), Model 00020, BPA Free $14.44 $16.99 View details Prime Glad Press'n Seal Plastic Food Wrap - 70 Square Foot Roll
4.7
(14,905) Glad Press'n Seal Plastic Food Wrap - 70 Square Foot Roll $4.49 $7.84 View details Prime best seller Reynolds Kitchens Quick Cut Plastic Wrap, 225 Square Feet
4.7
(9,963) Reynolds Kitchens Quick Cut Plastic Wrap, 225 Square Feet $3.99 $5.29 View details
Paper molds

Specific to making these traditional Easter cakes, these paper molds give them their unique shape and are easy to use and dispose of. Make sure they're sturdy enough to hold the expanding dough.

We recommend:
Prime Caperci Standard Natural Cupcake Liners 500 Count, No Smell, Parchment Paper Muffin Liners, Food Grade & Grease-Proof Baking Cups
4.6
(8,706) Caperci Standard Natural Cupcake Liners 500 Count, No Smell, Parchment Paper Muffin Liners, Food Grade & Grease-Proof Baking Cups $6.99 $9.99 View details Prime SHOWERORO 100 Pcs Baking Cake Paper Mold Muffin Top Pans Non Stick Paper Tart Cups Deep Cake Pan Large Cupcake Liners Baking Cups Baking Tools Round Mousse Cake Food Grade Parchment Paper
5
(1) SHOWERORO 100 Pcs Baking Cake Paper Mold Muffin Top Pans Non Stick Paper Tart Cups Deep Cake Pan Large Cupcake Liners Baking Cups Baking Tools Round Mousse Cake Food Grade Parchment Paper $23.49 View details Prime Hiware 200 Count Unbleached Parchment Paper Squares 6" x 6", Non-Stick Wax Paper Sheets for Separate Burgers, Cookies & Other Foods When Storing, Freezing
4.8
(3,276) Hiware 200 Count Unbleached Parchment Paper Squares 6" x 6", Non-Stick Wax Paper Sheets for Separate Burgers, Cookies & Other Foods When Storing, Freezing $6.99 View details
Wooden skewers

Useful for testing for doneness and cooling the cakes. Make sure they are long enough to pierce through the center of the cake.

We recommend:
Prime best seller HOPELF 12" Natural Bamboo Skewers for BBQ，Appetiser，Fruit，Cocktail，Kabob，Chocolate Fountain，Grilling，Barbecue，Kitchen，Crafting and Party. Φ=4mm, More Size Choices 6"/8"/10"/14"/16"/30"(100 PCS)
4.7
(19,232) HOPELF 12" Natural Bamboo Skewers for BBQ，Appetiser，Fruit，Cocktail，Kabob，Chocolate Fountain，Grilling，Barbecue，Kitchen，Crafting and Party. Φ=4mm, More Size Choices 6"/8"/10"/14"/16"/30"(100 PCS) $5.98 $9.99 View details Prime 400PCS Natural Bamboo Skewers, Φ=4mm - 12 Inch Wooden Skewers for BBQ, Appetizers, Fruit, Cocktail, Grilling, Kabob, Chocolate Fountain - Thick Skewer Sticks for Party, Kitchen, Craft, Bouquet
4.8
(11) 400PCS Natural Bamboo Skewers, Φ=4mm - 12 Inch Wooden Skewers for BBQ, Appetizers, Fruit, Cocktail, Grilling, Kabob, Chocolate Fountain - Thick Skewer Sticks for Party, Kitchen, Craft, Bouquet $13.99 View details Prime 200 PCS 12inch Bamboo Skewers, Φ=4mm, Fruit Skewers | Wooden Skewers for Grilling Barbecue | Cocktail Picks for Drinks | Food Stick Organic Kitchen Gadget | Bbq Kabob Stick (UrbanAbode)
4.9
(44) 200 PCS 12inch Bamboo Skewers, Φ=4mm, Fruit Skewers | Wooden Skewers for Grilling Barbecue | Cocktail Picks for Drinks | Food Stick Organic Kitchen Gadget | Bbq Kabob Stick (UrbanAbode) $9.99 $14.99 View details

Variations

Gluten-Free Option 🌾

Replace the regular flour with a high-quality gluten-free blend. Brands that include xanthan gum are best, as they help mimic the elasticity of gluten.

Vegan Version 🌿

Swap the egg yolks with a vegan egg replacer (flax or chia seeds work well). Use plant-based butter instead of regular butter, and opt for almond or soy milk rather than dairy milk. For the icing, use aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) instead of egg white.

Faq

  • How can I tell if my dough has risen enough?

    The dough should increase threefold in size and appear light and airy. You can also perform a "poke" test: press your finger lightly into the dough—if the indentation slowly springs back, it’s ready.

  • What do I do if my yeast doesn’t activate?

    Check the water temperature; it should be warm, not hot. Also, make sure your yeast isn’t expired. If all else fails, start with a fresh batch of yeast.

  • Why is my dough not forming a gluten window?

    Make sure you're kneading the dough long enough and at the right speed. Sometimes incorporating the butter too soon might interfere with gluten development, so follow the mixing steps carefully.

  • Can I use other fruits instead of candied fruits?

    Absolutely! Dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or even apricots can be soaked and substituted. This will slightly alter the flavor but will still be delicious.

  • Why is my cake unevenly baked?

    Ensure that your oven temperature is accurate. You may need to rotate the cakes halfway through the baking time to ensure even heat distribution.

  • Can I freeze the Easter cake?

    Yes, the cake can be frozen. To maintain its quality, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Nutrition facts

Fluffy Italian Easter cake
Recipe Yield:3 cakes
Calories:Per cake
Calories (Min - Max):2200 - 2500
Total Fat:100g
Saturated Fat:50g
Protein:50g
Total Carbohydrate:300g
Total Sugars:180g