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Lady Baltimore Cake is a classic Southern dessert that combines layers of light, fluffy cake with a decadent filling and frosting. This cake is a showstopper at any event, from family gatherings to elegant dinners. Despite its sophisticated appearance, this version of the Lady Baltimore Cake is simplified to make it easier to prepare without sacrificing any of its delicious flavor.

The history of Lady Baltimore Cake traces back to the early 20th century, where it became popular after being served at the inauguration of a U.S. president. Named after the famous city of Baltimore, this cake has maintained its status as a beloved treat for generations. The layers of vanilla cake, filled with a rich and flavorful frosting made from egg whites, nuts, and dried fruits, make it a truly unique and special dessert.

What’s great about this Easy Lady Baltimore Cake is that it doesn’t require any fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. With just a few simple steps, you can create this deliciously elegant cake in no time. Whether you’re making it for a holiday, birthday, or any special occasion, this cake will always impress with its delicate sweetness and beautiful presentation.

Why Easy Lady Baltimore Cake Works

Selling Points:

• Elegant & Impressive: The multi-layered structure of this cake, combined with the intricate filling, makes it perfect for special occasions and celebrations.
  
• Fluffy and Light: The cake layers are light and airy, creating a wonderful contrast to the rich and creamy frosting.
  
• Fruit and Nut Filled: The frosting includes a blend of dried fruits and nuts, adding both sweetness and texture to every bite.
  
• Quick & Easy: Although Lady Baltimore Cake sounds complicated, this version simplifies the process without sacrificing taste.
  
• Great for Gifting: This cake makes a perfect gift for family and friends during special events.
  

What You Need for Easy Lady Baltimore Cake

For the Cake:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup whole milk

For the Frosting:

1 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup water

2 egg whites

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

1/2 cup chopped dried fruit (raisins, currants, or cherries work well)

How to Make Easy Lady Baltimore Cake

1. Prepare the oven and pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and set them aside.
   
2. Make the cake batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
   
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, but do not overmix.
   
4. Bake the cake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
   
5. Prepare the frosting: In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat. In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually pour the hot sugar syrup into the egg whites while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
   
6. Add flavor and texture to the frosting: Once the frosting has reached stiff peaks, stir in the vanilla extract, chopped nuts, and dried fruit.
   
7. Assemble the cake: Once the cake layers are completely cool, spread a layer of the fruit and nut-filled frosting between the two cake layers. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
   
8. Chill and serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the frosting to set. Slice and enjoy!
   

Tips for Easy Lady Baltimore Cake

Room temperature ingredients: Make sure the butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before you start baking for the best results.

Don’t overmix: Overmixing the cake batter can lead to a dense cake. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.

Use fresh nuts and dried fruit: For the best flavor, use fresh nuts and dried fruit in the frosting. This ensures that the frosting will have a delicious, fresh taste.

Allow the cake to cool completely: This helps prevent the frosting from melting when you spread it on the cake.

Substitutions and Variations

• Nut-Free Version: If you prefer a nut-free cake, simply omit the nuts from the frosting. You can replace them with additional dried fruit or even coconut flakes for texture.
  
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the butter with a non-dairy butter alternative and use dairy-free milk to make the cake dairy-free.
  
• Gluten-Free Option: To make the cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the flour blend includes xanthan gum to help with structure.
  

Make It Healthier

• Reduce sugar: You can reduce the sugar in both the cake and frosting by about 1/4 cup each for a slightly less sweet version.
  
• Use whole wheat flour: If you want to make the cake a little healthier, you can swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour.
  
• Low-fat frosting: You can substitute half of the sugar with a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit for a lower-calorie frosting.
  

Closing For Easy Lady Baltimore Cake

The Easy Lady Baltimore Cake is a deliciously elegant dessert that’s perfect for any celebration. Its layers of fluffy cake, rich frosting filled with fruits and nuts, and subtle vanilla flavor make it a true standout. The best part about this recipe is how simple it is to create a cake that looks and tastes as if it came from a professional bakery.

Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion, a holiday, or just a weekend treat, this cake is sure to become a new favorite. Its unique combination of flavors and textures makes it an unforgettable dessert that will wow your guests. So, take the time to bake this beautiful cake, and enjoy a slice of Southern history and flavor!

Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Lady Baltimore Cake

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the cake layers a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Prepare the frosting the day of serving to ensure it stays fresh and fluffy.

Can I freeze Lady Baltimore Cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake layers individually wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Frost the cake after thawing the layers.

Can I substitute the egg whites for something else?
If you’re looking for an egg-free version, you can use an egg substitute like aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) in place of the egg whites to create a meringue-like frosting.

Can I use fresh fruit in the frosting?
While fresh fruit can add a burst of flavor, it’s best to stick with dried fruit in the frosting to prevent excess moisture from affecting the texture of the frosting.

What can I serve this cake with?
This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea, coffee, or even a glass of dessert wine. It also goes perfectly with fresh fruit for a light balance to the richness of the cake.

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make both the cake layers and frosting a day or two ahead of time. Just be sure to store the cake layers in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Frost the cake just before serving.

2. How do I store leftover cake?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have any leftover frosting, store it in the refrigerator and rewhip it before using it again.

3. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake layers without the frosting. Wrap each layer in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw the layers before frosting and serving.

4. Can I use a different type of nut for the frosting?
Absolutely! While walnuts and pecans are traditionally used, you can experiment with almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios for a different flavor. Make sure to chop the nuts finely for better texture.

5. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to substitute for the regular flour. Be sure to check that your blend contains xanthan gum, which helps with the cake’s structure and texture.

6. Can I reduce the sugar in the frosting?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar in the frosting if you prefer a less sweet version. Start by cutting the sugar by 1/4 cup and adjust to taste. Keep in mind that the frosting may be slightly less stiff with less sugar.

7. Can I add fresh fruit to the frosting?
While fresh fruit is delicious, it’s not recommended in the frosting since it could make it too runny. Stick to dried fruits like raisins, currants, or cherries, which are the traditional options for Lady Baltimore Cake.

8. Can I make a smaller version of this cake?
Yes, you can scale down the recipe to make a smaller cake. Simply cut the ingredients in half and bake the cake layers in smaller pans, adjusting the baking time as needed.

9. Can I make this cake without egg whites?
If you need to make the cake without egg whites, you can try using a vegan meringue substitute like aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) or a store-bought egg replacer. This will give the frosting a similar texture.

10. Can I add other flavors to the frosting?
Certainly! You can infuse the frosting with flavors such as orange zest, almond extract, or lemon extract. Just be sure to add the flavoring in small amounts, tasting as you go.

The Easy Lady Baltimore Cake is the epitome of Southern elegance, blending light, fluffy cake with a rich and flavorful frosting filled with nuts and dried fruits. It’s a perfect dessert for any special occasion or celebration, impressing guests with both its taste and appearance.

With this simplified version, you get all the flavors and textures of the classic cake, but without the time-consuming steps that traditionally come with it. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, holiday, or just because, this cake will quickly become a favorite in your dessert rotation.

Don’t be intimidated by the seemingly intricate details; this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. Whether you’re a novice baker or an experienced one, you’ll find that this cake comes together beautifully and tastes just as wonderful as it looks.

We hope you enjoy making this delicious cake as much as you’ll enjoy eating it. Share it with your friends, family, or guests – and savor the compliments that come with such a wonderful dessert. Happy baking, and enjoy your slice of Southern history!