The Lady Baltimore cake is a distinctive dessert that stands out due to its unique combination of ingredients. This white layer cake, filled with fruit and nuts and topped with meringue frosting, offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that have made it a favorite in Southern cuisine. In this article, we will explore the specific ingredients that contribute to the cake's unique character and how they come together to create a memorable dessert experience.
The Cake Base
At the heart of the Lady Baltimore cake is its white layer cake base. This cake is made using a combination of flour, sugar, and egg whites, which gives it a light and airy texture. The absence of egg yolks in the batter helps maintain the cake's pristine white color, making it an elegant choice for special occasions.
The cake's delicate flavor is often enhanced with vanilla extract, which adds a subtle sweetness that complements the other ingredients. The use of cake flour, rather than all-purpose flour, contributes to the cake's fine crumb and tender texture. This attention to detail in the cake's base is what sets the Lady Baltimore cake apart from other desserts.
The Filling
One of the defining features of the Lady Baltimore cake is its rich and flavorful filling. This filling typically consists of a mixture of dried fruits and nuts, which add both texture and depth of flavor to the cake. Commonly used fruits include figs, raisins, and dates, while nuts such as pecans and walnuts provide a satisfying crunch.
The combination of fruits and nuts is often bound together with a meringue or boiled frosting, which adds a light and airy element to the filling. This frosting not only enhances the cake's overall flavor but also helps to keep the layers moist and cohesive. The interplay of these ingredients creates a harmonious balance that is both satisfying and indulgent.
The Frosting
Topping off the Lady Baltimore cake is its signature meringue frosting. This frosting is made by whipping egg whites with sugar until they form stiff peaks, resulting in a light and fluffy texture. The meringue is then spread over the cake, creating a smooth and glossy finish that is both visually appealing and delicious.
The meringue frosting adds a touch of sweetness to the cake, complementing the flavors of the fruit and nut filling. Its airy texture also provides a contrast to the denser cake layers, making each bite a delightful experience. The combination of these elements is what makes the Lady Baltimore cake a truly unique and memorable dessert.
