Looking for a showstopping dessert that will impress everyone at your next gathering? Look no further than the decadent and delicious Best Smith Island Cake. Originating from the shores of Maryland’s Smith Island, this traditional recipe features layers of moist cake and rich chocolate icing, perfect for indulging your sweet tooth and wowing your guests. Dive into this delightful dessert and enjoy the flavors of a classic American treat!
Best Smith Island Cake
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 cups sugar
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 cup boiling water
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix until well combined.
5. In a small bowl, mix the cocoa powder with the boiling water until smooth. Take 1 cup of the cake batter and fold it into the cocoa mixture.
6. Divide the plain batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Spread the chocolate batter over the top of the plain batter in the pans, dividing it equally between the three pans.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean.
8. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cakes to wire racks to cool completely.
9. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the delicious chocolate icing:
Ingredients for Chocolate Icing:
– 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
– 4 tablespoons whole milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
10. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and cocoa powder until well combined.
11. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, alternating with the milk, and mix until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
12. Once the cakes are completely cooled, assemble the Smith Island Cake by layering the cakes with the chocolate icing between each layer.
13. Use the remaining icing to cover the top and sides of the cake, creating a smooth and even finish.
14. For an authentic touch, you can opt to add traditional Smith Island Cake crumbs to the sides of the cake. Simply crumble baked cake layers and press the crumbs gently onto the frosted cake.
Enjoy your homemade Best Smith Island Cake with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a delightful treat that is sure to please any crowd. The layers of moist cake and rich chocolate icing come together to create a dessert that is both elegant and comforting, making it a perfect choice for special occasions or simply as a sweet indulgence for you and your loved ones. Dive into this delightful recipe and savor the taste of a classic American favorite!
