Lady Baltimore Cake

Lady Baltimore Cake is a classic Southern dessert that’s known for its light, fluffy layers of cake filled with a rich, sweet meringue filling and topped with chopped nuts and dried fruits. It’s a showstopper at any gathering, with a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Here’s how you can make this elegant cake:

Lady Baltimore Cake

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup milk
• 4 large eggs, separated
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Filling:

• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 1 cup water
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped dried fruit (such as raisins, currants, or chopped dried apricots)
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• ½ cup shredded coconut

For the Frosting:

• 3 large egg whites
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

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

2. Make the Cake:

   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
   • In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
   • Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
   • Add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
   • In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter until fully incorporated.
   • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
   • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.

3. Prepare the Filling:

   • In a saucepan, combine the sugar, water, cornstarch, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
   • Remove from heat and stir in the butter, vanilla extract, chopped dried fruit, chopped nuts, and shredded coconut. Let the filling cool to room temperature.

4. Make the Frosting:

   • In a heatproof bowl, combine the egg whites, sugar, and water. Place the bowl over simmering water (double boiler method) and whisk constantly until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is warm.
   • Transfer the mixture to a stand mixer and beat on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 7-10 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Assemble the Cake:

   • Place one layer of cake on a serving plate. Spread half of the filling mixture over the top.
   • Place the second layer of cake on top and spread the remaining filling over the top.
   • Frost the top and sides of the cake with the meringue frosting.
   • Garnish with additional chopped nuts and dried fruit, if desired.

6. Serve:

   • Let the cake sit for about an hour to allow the frosting to set before serving. Slice and enjoy the light, sweet, and decadent flavors of this traditional cake.

Tips:

• Chopped Fruit: You can adjust the dried fruit mix to your preference, using raisins, currants, apricots, or even dried cherries.
• Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.

This Lady Baltimore Cake is a beautiful and delicious cake that’s sure to impress at any occasion, combining delicate cake layers, a sweet fruity filling, and light, airy meringue frosting. Enjoy! 🍰✨