When we think about iconic desserts from the American South, Alabama's Lane cake immediately comes to mind. It's a rich, four-layered cake with a bourbon-infused raisin filling, and it's also Alabama's official state cake.
If you're looking to embrace the flavors of spring and dive into a dessert with some serious history, the Lane cake is the perfect choice.
<h3>What Is Lane Cake?</h3>
Lane cake, also known as prize cake or Alabama Lane cake, is a Southern dessert that features a moist, white cake with a bourbon-laced raisin filling. The cake itself is made using a variation of the classic 1-2-3-4 cake recipe, which traditionally calls for one cup of butter, two cups of sugar, three cups of flour, and four eggs. However, for Lane cake, we use eight egg whites instead of four whole eggs, which gives the cake its light, spongy texture.
The filling is where the magic happens: it combines egg yolks, sugar, butter, raisins, bourbon, and vanilla. In modern versions, pecans and coconut flakes are often added for extra texture and flavor.
<h3>The Rich History Behind Lane Cake</h3>
The history of Lane cake is as rich as the cake itself. It was invented in the 1890s by Emma Rylander Lane from Clayton, Alabama. She won first prize with it at the Columbus, Georgia county fair and later published the recipe in her cookbook under the name "Prize Cake" in 1898.
But what really made this cake famous was its appearance in American literature. In the book, Miss Maudie, the Finch family's neighbor, is known for making a Lane cake “so loaded with shinny it made me tight,” as Scout Finch describes it. The cake is mentioned several times throughout the novel, making it one of the most famous literary desserts in history.
<h3>Lane Cake in American Culture</h3>
Even outside of literature, Lane cake has had a lasting impact on American culture. Former President Jimmy Carter even mentioned it in his memoir Christmas In the Plains, recalling how his father would make Lane cakes for the Christmas holidays. The cake was a hit with the adult relatives, thanks to the generous dose of bourbon in the filling.
It's clear that this dessert isn't just a treat; it's a piece of history that has been enjoyed across generations and continues to bring people together.
<h3>Lane Cake vs. Lady Baltimore Cake</h3>
Although Lane cake and Lady Baltimore cake are both Southern favorites, they are often confused. Lane cake predates Lady Baltimore cake, which was created in South Carolina in the early 1900s. While both cakes are similar in that they are white cakes with rich fillings, Lady Baltimore cake typically has a more complex filling with ingredients like figs and walnuts, making it a bit different from the simpler, bourbon-infused filling of the Lane cake.
<h3>How to Make Lane Cake</h3>
Making Lane cake might seem like a daunting task, but modern kitchen equipment has made the process much easier. The layers of cake are made by whipping egg whites into a frothy batter, and the filling is carefully prepared by cooking down raisins, sugar, butter, and bourbon into a luscious, golden mixture.
Many home bakers have tackled the challenge of making this dessert, and feedback is overwhelmingly positive.
<h3>Tips for Success</h3>
If you decide to try your hand at making Lane cake, here are a few tips for success:
1. Take your time – While it may take a little effort to prepare, the cake will reward you with layers of soft, spongy cake and rich filling.
2. Use fresh ingredients – Since this cake relies heavily on the quality of its components (particularly the raisins and bourbon), make sure you're using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
3. Don't skip the bourbon – The bourbon is a key part of what gives Lane cake its unique flavor, so don't be tempted to leave it out.
The Alabama Lane cake is more than just a dessert – it's a piece of history, culture, and literature. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or simply to enjoy a taste of the South, this cake will impress anyone who tries it. The next time you're looking for a show-stopping dessert that has both flavor and history, try baking a Lane cake. It's sure to be a hit with your friends and family – just like it's been for over a century! So, Lykkers, are you ready to get baking and share a slice of Alabama with your loved ones?
