Elevate your dessert game with the Southern Lane Cake, a show-stopping and festive creation that your guests will adore. Crafted with love by Mabel Parvi from Ridgefield, Washington, this impressive cake features a luscious fruit filling and topping, reminiscent of a fruitcake but far more delicious. Prepare to be enchanted by the combination of flavors that make this cake a true standout at any special occasion.
INGREDIENTS:
Cake:
- 6 egg whites
- ¾ cup butter, softened
- 1½ cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup 2% milk
FILLING:
- 6 egg yolks
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup butter, cubed
- ¼ cup bourbon
- 1 tablespoon grated orange peel
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup raisins
- ¾ cup flaked coconut
- ¾ cup chopped pecans
- ¾ cup coarsely chopped red candied cherries
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped and sweetened
PREPARATIONS:
- Line the bottoms of three greased 9-in. round baking pans with parchment paper; grease the paper and set it aside. Let the egg whites stand in a large bowl at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- In another large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt, and add it to the creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition. Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, and fold them into the batter. Transfer the batter to the prepared pans.
- Bake the cakes at 325°F (160°C) for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool for 10 minutes before removing them from the pans and transferring them to wire racks. Remove the parchment paper and let the cakes cool completely.
- For the filling, combine the egg yolks and sugar in a large saucepan. Add the cubed butter and cook and stir the mixture over medium-low heat until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture thickens, without boiling. Remove it from the heat and stir in the bourbon, grated orange peel, and salt. Fold in the raisins, coconut, pecans, and cherries, and allow it to cool.
- Assemble the cake by placing one cake layer on a serving plate and spreading a third of the filling over it. Repeat this for the second cake layer, and then top it with the third layer and the remaining filling. Frost the sides of the cake with whipped cream. Store the cake in the refrigerator.
YIELD: 12 servings
PREP TIME: 40 minutes
BAKE TIME: 20-25 minutes + chilling time
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- To whip the cream for the frosting, ensure that the heavy whipping cream is cold.
TIPS:
- For a visually stunning presentation, garnish the Southern Lane Cake with candied cherries and toasted coconut.
In conclusion, the Southern Lane Cake is an exquisite dessert creation that will dazzle your guests with its impressive appearance and delightful flavors. Conceived by Mabel Parvi of Ridgefield, Washington, this cake is a true show-stopper, featuring a luscious fruit filling and topping that elevates it beyond the traditional fruitcake.
The cake layers, made with egg whites, butter, sugar, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and milk, yield a light and tender texture that perfectly complements the decadent filling. The airy egg whites add a touch of elegance to the cake, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
The sumptuous filling, made with egg yolks, sugar, butter, bourbon, grated orange peel, salt, raisins, flaked coconut, chopped pecans, and coarsely chopped red candied cherries, is the heart of this cake. The harmonious blend of fruits and nuts adds depth and richness, while the bourbon and orange peel impart a delightful complexity to the filling.
As the layers of cake are artfully assembled and generously filled, the Southern Lane Cake takes on an alluring charm that is sure to impress all who have the pleasure of savoring it.
A Southern classic, the Southern Lane Cake is steeped in history, with its origins dating back over a century to Emma Rylander Lane of Alabama. Her award-winning creation, entered in a county fair in Columbus, Georgia, has remained a cherished tradition across Southern tables for more than a hundred years.
For your next special occasion, delight your guests with the Southern Lane Cake and allow them to experience the true essence of Southern hospitality and flavors. This magnificent dessert is a testament to the artistry of baking and will leave a lasting impression on all who have the privilege of enjoying it.
