Lady Baltimore Cake Recipe

History of Lady Baltimore Cake:

Lady Baltimore Cake is a classic American dessert that originated in the southern United States in the early 20th century. The exact origin of the recipe is unclear, but it is believed to have been named after a fictional character in Owen Wister's novel, "Lady Baltimore." This traditional cake has become a favorite for weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions.

Fun Facts:

1. The Lady Baltimore Cake is known for its delicate and light texture, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
2. The original recipe called for a pound of sugar and half a pound of butter, reflecting the indulgence and richness of this dessert.
3. The cake is traditionally baked in three layers, creating a visually stunning presentation.
4. The filling of the Lady Baltimore Cake is what sets it apart. It includes a mixture of raisins, almonds, and a sweet syrup, adding complexity and flavor to each bite.
5. The cake is finished with a layer of white frosting, which not only adds sweetness but also acts as a beautiful decoration for the cake.

Recipe for Lady Baltimore Cake:

Ingredients:
- 1 pound of sugar
- ½ pound of butter
- 8 eggs, separated
- ½ pint of milk
- 1 pound of flour
- 4 teaspoonfuls of baking powder
- Lemon or vanilla extract, for flavoring
- 3 cups of powdered sugar
- ¾ cup of water
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups of chopped raisins
- 2 cups of chopped and blanched almonds
- Vanilla extract, for flavoring
- White frosting

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare three round cake pans by greasing and flouring them.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks until well combined. Gradually add the beaten yolks to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well.
4. Stir in the milk and gradually add the flour, along with the baking powder. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
5. Add the desired flavoring, such as lemon or vanilla extract, and mix thoroughly.
6. In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cake batter.
7. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
8. Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. While the cakes are baking, prepare the filling. In a saucepan, combine the powdered sugar and water. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it cook for five minutes, stirring constantly.
10. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until combined. Gradually pour the boiling syrup into the beaten eggs, stirring constantly.
11. Stir in the chopped raisins and almonds, along with the vanilla extract.
12. Once the cakes have cooled, spread a generous layer of the filling between each layer.
13. Frost the entire cake with white frosting, ensuring a smooth and even coating.
14. Serve and enjoy!

Similar Recipe Dishes:

If you enjoyed the Lady Baltimore Cake, you may also like these similar recipe dishes:

1. Hummingbird Cake: This Southern classic features a moist banana and pineapple cake with a cream cheese frosting, topped with pecans.

2. Smith Island Cake: Hailing from Maryland's Smith Island, this cake consists of multiple thin layers of yellow cake with chocolate frosting between each layer. It is the official dessert of the state of Maryland.

3. Italian Cream Cake: A moist and rich cake made with buttermilk, coconut, and pecans, and covered in cream cheese frosting.

4. White Mountain Cake: This layered cake consists of light and fluffy white cake layers with a sweet and creamy frosting, perfect for any special occasion.

Whether you choose to make the Lady Baltimore Cake or one of these other delicious options, you're sure to impress your friends and family with a homemade, classic dessert. Enjoy!