United States / Cakes & baking
Lane Cake
A Lane cake is a layered white cake traditional in the American South. The outside has a white frosting, and each layer has different ingredients. For example, one layer may have pecans and coconut, the next layer almonds. Due to the complicated preparations and multiple ingredients, Lane cakes are considered difficult to make.
Ingredients
- butter, 225 g; at room temperature1/2 lb
- white granulated sugar, 480 g2 cup
- all-purpose flour, 525 g3 1/2 cup
- baking powder3 1/2 tsp
- salt1/2 tsp
- milk, 240 ml1 cup
- egg whites8
- egg yolks8
- white granulated sugar, 240 g1 cup
- butter, 225 g; at room temperature1/2 lb
- raisins, 240 g; seeded and coarsely chopped1 cup
- pecans, 240 g; chopped1 cup
- shredded dried coconut, 120 g; dried1/2 cup
- bourbon or grape juice, or grape juice1/4 cup
- candied cherries1 cup
Quantities are auto-calculated from the original recipe as a guide. Items without numbers (e.g. “to taste”) are not changed.
Method 10 steps
Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Mix the milk and flour mixture into the butter, beginning with the flour and alternating between the two until fully incorporated. Do not overmix, or the cake will be tough.
Whip the egg whites to medium-stiff peaks in a clean, grease-free bowl. Fold the beaten whites into the batter.
Transfer the batter between greased and parchment-lined cake pans. Bake at 350°F until the tops are springy and a toothpick inserted int the middle comes out clean.
Cool and unmold the cakes.
Whip the yolks and sugar together in a saucepan. Stir in the butter.
Cook the yolk mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Do not overcook, or it will curdle. Remove from the heat.
Stir in the raisins, pecans, coconut, bourbon, and candied cherries.
Let cool slightly, then spread the filling over the cake layers.
