Lady Baltimore Cake is a confection that exudes elegance and sophistication, fittingly named after the genteel charm of the southern United States. This exquisite cake boasts layers of moist white cake generously filled with a luxurious mixture of candied fruits and a delicate frosting that speaks to a bygone era of refined baking. Unveiling the history and story behind Lady Baltimore Cake invites us into a world where dessert becomes an art form and tradition is passed down with love.

The origins of Lady Baltimore Cake are rooted in Southern hospitality and tradition. It is said to have first gained popularity in the early 20th century, capturing the essence of genteel society gatherings and elegant tea parties. The cake’s name carries a sense of nostalgia, evoking images of graceful Southern belles and lavish afternoon soirees.

The Lady Baltimore Cake embodies a legacy of culinary craftsmanship, where bakers took pride in creating intricate desserts that delighted the senses. Its layers of tender white cake symbolize purity and elegance, while the filling of candied cherries and pineapple nestled within a fluffy frosting speaks to a time when ingredients were carefully chosen to create a harmonious blend of flavors.

The cake’s intricate frosting and filling require meticulous attention to detail, a testament to the dedication and skill of the bakers who perfected this masterpiece. Sharing a slice of Lady Baltimore Cake is not merely indulging in a dessert; it’s a journey back in time to an era when baking was an art form and every bite was savored.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cupful sugar
• 3/4 cupful Crisco
• 1/2 cupful cold water
• 1 teaspoonful vanilla extract
• 2-1/2 cupfuls flour
• 2-1/2 teaspoonfuls baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoonful salt
• 6 whites of eggs

For the Filling:

• 1 cupful sugar
• 1/2 cupful boiling water
• 2 whites of eggs
• 1 teaspoonful vanilla extract
• Pinch of cream of tartar
• 1/2 cupful chopped candied cherries
• 1/2 cupful chopped candied pineapple

INSTRUCTIONS

Preparing the Cake:

1. Creaming Crisco and Sugar: Cream the Crisco and sugar together until light and fluffy.
2. Sifting Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together three times.
3. Alternating Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients alternately with cold water to the creamed mixture. Mix well after each addition.
4. Adding Vanilla: Incorporate the vanilla extract into the cake batter and mix thoroughly.
5. Beating Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks.
6. Folding in Egg Whites: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cake batter, ensuring a light and airy texture.
7. Baking: Divide the batter between two Criscoed and floured layer cake tins. Bake in a moderate oven for approximately twenty-five minutes, or until the cakes are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Creating the Filling:

1. Boiling Sugar and Water: Put sugar and water in a saucepan and stir until boiling. Add a pinch of cream of tartar.
2. Making Syrup: Boil the sugar-water mixture until it forms a soft ball when tried in cold water, or reaches 240°F.
3. Preparing Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
4. Incorporating Syrup: Pour the boiling syrup slowly and steadily into the beaten egg whites while continuing to beat. Add vanilla and beat until the mixture thickens.
5. Adding Candied Fruits: Gently fold in the chopped candied cherries and pineapple, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Layering the Cake: Place one of the baked cake layers on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of the filling on top.
2. Adding the Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top of the filling.
3. Frosting the Cake: Spread the remaining filling on top and around the sides of the cake, creating a beautifully frosted appearance.

• Lady Baltimore Cake is a true embodiment of Southern grace and culinary finesse. As you enjoy a slice of this masterpiece, you’re not just savoring a dessert but indulging in a rich tradition that pays homage to an era of refined tastes and celebrations. The layers of cake, the intricate filling, and the delicate frosting all come together to create a dessert that is not only visually stunning but a true delight for the senses. Each bite tells a story of heritage, hospitality, and the love that goes into crafting a cake fit for a lady.