How to Bake a Lady Baltimore Cake
Lady Baltimore cake is a classic Southern cake that is traditionally made with layers of light, fluffy white cake filled with a fruit and nut filling, and topped with a fluffy meringue frosting. Here is a step-by-step guide to baking your own Lady Baltimore cake:
Ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1/2 cup milk - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup finely chopped dried figs - 1/2 cup finely chopped raisins - 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup water - 2 egg whites - 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Beat well after each addition, but do not overmix.
6. Stir in the vanilla extract.
7. Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
9. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and cool completely on wire racks.
10. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the filling. In a medium saucepan, combine the figs, raisins, walnuts, sugar, and water.
11. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
12. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until it has thickened and most of the liquid has evaporated. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
13. Once the cakes and filling are completely cooled, spread the filling between the layers of the cake.
14. To make the meringue frosting, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar together in a large mixing bowl until soft peaks form.
15. Gradually add the sugar and continue to beat until stiff peaks form.
16. Beat in the vanilla extract.
17. Spread the meringue frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
18. To create the traditional peaks in the frosting, use a spoon or spatula to create small peaks all over the surface of the frosting.
19. Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour before serving.
Your Lady Baltimore cake is now ready to be enjoyed!