Lady Baltimore cake

Lady Baltimore Cake

The Lady Baltimore Cake is a classic American dessert that originated in the southern United States. It is a layered cake filled with a delicious mixture of fruits, nuts, and a fluffy frosting. This article will provide a detailed recipe for making a traditional Lady Baltimore Cake, along with some interesting historical facts about its origins.

Ingredients

To make a Lady Baltimore Cake, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups of granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup of whole milk
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup of chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup of chopped dried figs
• 1/2 cup of chopped candied cherries
• 1/2 cup of raisins
• 1/2 cup of sweetened shredded coconut

For the frosting:

• 2 cups of granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup of water
• 4 large egg whites
• 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Instructions

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

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

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

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Divide the batter equally among the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

7. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped pecans, dried figs, candied cherries, raisins, and shredded coconut.

9. To make the frosting, combine the granulated sugar and water in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil. Continue to cook until the syrup reaches the soft ball stage, about 240°F (115°C) on a candy thermometer.

10. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Slowly pour the hot syrup into the egg whites, beating constantly. Continue to beat until the frosting is thick and glossy. Stir in the vanilla extract.

11. To assemble the cake, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of the fruit and nut filling over the top. Repeat with the second layer. Place the third layer on top.

12. Frost the sides and top of the cake with the fluffy frosting, using a spatula or a piping bag for decorative designs.

13. Serve the Lady Baltimore Cake immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Historical Significance

The Lady Baltimore Cake is believed to have been named after a novel written by Owen Wister in 1906. The novel tells the story of a young woman named Anna who bakes a cake for a social event. The cake becomes a symbol of elegance and sophistication, and thus the Lady Baltimore Cake was born.

References

1. Lady Baltimore cake - Wikipedia 2. Lady Baltimore Cake Recipe - Food Network