Lane cake

Lane cake, also known as Prize cake or Alabama Lane cake, is a Southern cake traditionally made with bourbon whiskey, coconut, and pecans. Named after its creator, Emma Rylander Lane, it has been a staple of Southern cuisine since the late 19th century.

History

The Lane cake was first created by Emma Rylander Lane of Clayton, Alabama, who published the recipe in her 1898 cookbook, A Few Good Things to Eat. The cake quickly gained popularity throughout the South and was even mentioned in Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, To Kill a Mockingbird.

Preparation

The Lane cake is a layered cake, typically made with four layers of white sponge cake. Each layer is filled with a mixture of egg yolks, sugar, butter, raisins, and bourbon. The cake is then covered with a white frosting made from egg whites and sugar. Variations of the recipe may include additional ingredients such as maraschino cherries, vanilla extract, and almond extract.

Cultural significance

The Lane cake is considered a symbol of Southern hospitality and is often served at special occasions such as Christmas and weddings. In 2016, it was designated as the official state dessert of Alabama.

See also

• List of American desserts
• List of cakes