Lady Baltimore Cake Recipe

History and Fun Facts:
Lady Baltimore Cake is a classic American dessert that has a rich and interesting history. It is believed to have originated in the Southern United States sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. The exact origins and creator of the cake are uncertain, but it is widely believed to have been named after a fictional character in the novel "Lady Baltimore" by Owen Wister.

The cake is known for its delicate and elegant layers, which are typically filled with a mixture of fruit jelly, nuts, and sometimes dried fruits. It is then frosted with a fluffy white frosting, often made with egg whites and sugar.

Lady Baltimore Cake became especially popular in the early 1900s and was often served at fancy tea parties and social gatherings. Its combination of fruity filling and light frosting made it a favorite among many.

One interesting fact about Lady Baltimore Cake is that it was often used as a wedding cake in the early 20th century. Its elegant appearance and delicious flavors made it the perfect choice for brides who wanted a sophisticated and unique cake for their special day.

Now, let's move on to the recipe for Lady Baltimore Cake.

Lady Baltimore Cake Recipe:

Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup fruit jelly (such as raspberry or strawberry)
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup chopped raisins
- 1/4 lb. chopped figs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 cup chopped blanched almonds or walnuts
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 3 cups cake flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting:
- 4 egg whites
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the fruit jelly, water, chopped raisins, chopped figs, and sugar. Cook over medium heat until the mixture starts to boil.

2. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little cold water until smooth. Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the boiling fruit mixture, stirring constantly.

3. Cook the mixture slowly, stirring occasionally, until it thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped almonds or walnuts and lemon juice. Let the filling cool completely.

4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.

5. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

6. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

7. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

8. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread the fruit filling between the layers of cake.

11. To make the frosting, in a heatproof mixing bowl, whisk together the egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar. Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water.

12. Cook the egg white mixture, whisking constantly, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is warm to the touch, about 3-4 minutes.

13. Remove the bowl from the heat and beat the mixture with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form and the frosting is glossy and thick. Stir in the vanilla extract.

14. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the fluffy white frosting. You can use a spatula or a piping bag to create decorative designs if desired.

15. Serve the Lady Baltimore Cake at room temperature and enjoy its delicious flavors and elegant appearance!

Similar Recipe Dishes:
If you enjoy Lady Baltimore Cake, you may also like some other classic cake recipes that have similar flavors and textures. Here are a few options:

1. Hummingbird Cake: This cake is popular in the Southern United States and features a moist banana and pineapple cake with pecans. It is typically frosted with a cream cheese frosting and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

2. Black Forest Cake: Originating from Germany, this cake is made with layers of chocolate sponge cake, cherries, and whipped cream. It is often garnished with chocolate shavings and cherries on top.

3. Italian Cream Cake: This cake is made with a combination of coconut and pecans, folded into a light and fluffy batter. It is often frosted with cream cheese frosting and is a delightful treat for any occasion.

These are just a few examples of similar recipe dishes that you might enjoy if you're a fan of Lady Baltimore Cake. Experiment with different flavors and textures to find your favorite!

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