Šakotis

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Šakotis is a popular Lithuanian traditional cake, a version of the German Baumkuchen. It has been known in Lithuania since the era of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth

Its name means "branched", and that describes its distinctive shape. It is baked by painting layers of batter onto a rotating spit in a special oven. The Lithuanian version of Šakotis resembles a tree (Baumkuchen means tree cake) more than the original German version does. It is also drier than a Baumkuchen.

It can be decorated with chocolate and flower ornaments, but it is often served plain. Šakotis is one of the most important desserts in Lithuanian celebrations, especially at wedding or birthday parties.

It was the sweet chosen to represent Lithuania in the Café Europe initiative of the Austrian presidency of the European Union, on Europe Day 2006.