Lane Cake White Four-Layer Cake with Filling: A Timeless Southern Classic
Lane Cake, an iconic Southern dessert that has stood the test of time, is a multi-layered delight featuring a rich, creamy filling loaded with toasted nuts, raisins, and coconut, all sandwiched between delicate, fluffy cake layers. This Lane Cake White Four-Layer Cake is the perfect combination of sweetness, texture, and a subtle touch of brandy flavor, creating a dessert that’s sure to impress at any occasion.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Recipe Category: Dessert
- Recipe Yield: 4-8 inch cake layers
Ingredients
Below are the ingredients needed to create this elegant dessert, carefully separated into cake and filling components. Be sure to gather all items before you begin to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
For the Cake:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 1 cup (2 sticks) |
| Granulated Sugar | 2 cups |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| All-purpose Flour | 3 1/4 cups |
| Baking Powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Egg Whites (stiffly beaten) | 8 |
For the Filling:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 1/2 cup |
| Granulated Sugar | 1 1/4 cups |
| Water | 8 tablespoons |
| Egg Yolks | 1 |
| Brandy Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Chopped Pecans | 1 cup |
| Raisins | 1 cup |
| Flaked Coconut | 1 cup |
For the Frosting (optional):
You can top your cake with a fluffy seven-minute frosting or your favorite white creamy frosting for a perfect finish.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
For a complete understanding of the nutritional content, here is an approximation of the values based on the whole recipe. Please note, the exact values will vary depending on specific ingredient brands and portions.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2126.7 kcal |
| Total Fat | 103g |
| Saturated Fat | 52.3g |
| Cholesterol | 566.7mg |
| Sodium | 1377.8mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 282.3g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.1g |
| Sugars | 193.3g |
| Protein | 29.1g |
Instructions
This recipe involves several steps, from preparing the cake layers to cooking the filling and assembling the finished masterpiece. Be patient and take your time to create each component with care.
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers
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Grease and Flour the Pans: Start by greasing four 8-inch round cake pans. Dust each one lightly with flour, tapping out the excess to ensure your cake layers will release easily after baking.
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
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Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is crucial for a soft, tender cake texture, so be sure to take your time.
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Add Vanilla: Add in the vanilla extract and continue to beat until it’s fully incorporated.
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Mix the Dry Ingredients: Sift the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt into a separate bowl. This helps prevent clumping and ensures a smoother batter.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing gently after each addition until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser cake.
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Fold in the Egg Whites: Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold them into the batter. This step will ensure your cake layers rise to perfection, creating a light and airy texture.
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Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cakes as baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.
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Cool the Cakes: Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Afterward, carefully invert the pans onto a cooling rack, letting the cakes cool completely before assembling.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
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Set Up the Double Boiler: In the top part of a double boiler, combine the granulated sugar and butter. Use a whisk to beat them together until smooth and well combined.
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Incorporate the Egg Yolks: Add the egg yolks to the sugar-butter mixture and continue to beat until fully incorporated.
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Add Water and Brandy Extract: Stir in the water and brandy extract, making sure everything is well combined.
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Cook Over Boiling Water: Place the top part of the double boiler over simmering water in the bottom part. Stir frequently to prevent the mixture from scorching. Allow the mixture to cook and thicken, which should take about 10-15 minutes. The consistency should resemble that of a thick custard.
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Add Nuts, Raisins, and Coconut: Once the filling has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the chopped pecans, raisins, and flaked coconut. Let the filling cool completely before using it.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
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Layer the Cakes: Place one cake layer on a serving platter or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of the cooled filling over the top, ensuring it reaches the edges. Repeat this process for the remaining layers, stacking the cakes one on top of the other.
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Frost the Cake: Once all layers are filled, top the cake with a fluffy seven-minute frosting or your favorite white creamy frosting. You can either spread it smoothly over the top and sides or pipe decorative swirls for a more elegant presentation.
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Chill and Serve: Let the cake chill for a few hours to allow the filling to set and the flavors to meld together. This will also make slicing easier. When ready to serve, cut the cake into generous slices and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
This Lane Cake White Four-Layer Cake with Filling is a stunning centerpiece for any special occasion. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a delightful dessert for afternoon gatherings, weddings, or holiday celebrations. The rich, nutty filling and delicate cake layers offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture that will have your guests coming back for seconds.
Tips and Variations
- Make Ahead: You can bake the cake layers in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to two days. The filling can be prepared a day ahead and kept in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Flavor Variations: If you prefer a different nut, you can substitute walnuts or almonds for the pecans. For an even more festive touch, try adding a splash of your favorite liqueur to the filling for extra depth of flavor.
- Frosting Alternatives: While a fluffy seven-minute frosting is a classic choice, you can also use a simple buttercream or cream cheese frosting for a richer option.
This Lane Cake White Four-Layer Cake with Filling is a beautiful and delicious dessert that will impress everyone who tries it. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or bringing a treat to a potluck, this cake is sure to be the star of the show.
