Smith Island Cake
Indulge in the decadence of a classic *Smith Island Cake*, Maryland’s official state dessert and a true showstopper for any celebration. This stunning multi-layered cake features eight ultra-thin layers of moist vanilla sponge, each delicately stacked and generously coated with a rich, homemade fudge frosting. The combination of butter, whole milk, and a touch of vegetable oil ensures unparalleled softness in the cake, while the luscious cocoa-and-evaporated-milk frosting adds a deep, chocolatey contrast. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or special gatherings, this iconic dessert not only looks impressive but is also a labor of love that's surprisingly approachable to make. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a slice of authentic coastal tradition!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
- 2.5 cups Granulated sugar
- 1 cup Unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup Whole milk
- 0.5 cup Vegetable oil
- 5 Large eggs
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
- 1.5 teaspoons Baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 1 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups Confectioners’ sugar
- 1 cup Evaporated milk
- 0.5 cup Unsalted butter (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour 8 (8- or 9-inch) round cake pans, or prepare as many pans as you have and plan to bake the layers in batches.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine.
Add the softened butter, milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix with an electric mixer on low speed until just combined, then increase the speed to medium and beat for an additional 2 minutes until the batter is smooth.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Each layer will be very thin. Use a spatula to level the batter in each pan.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges pull slightly away from the pan and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the layers to cool for 5 minutes in the pans, then carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Repeat with remaining batter if baking in batches.
While the cake layers are cooling, prepare the fudge frosting. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder, confectioners’ sugar, and evaporated milk. Place over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly.
Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking the frosting for 3-5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
Let the frosting cool for about 10 minutes, or until it thickens enough to spread but is still pourable.
To assemble the cake, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of fudge frosting over the top. Repeat with the remaining layers, ending with a layer of frosting on top. Use the remaining frosting to coat the sides of the cake.
Allow the cake to set for at least 1 hour at room temperature or refrigerate for 30 minutes to help the frosting firm up.
Slice and serve. Enjoy your authentic Smith Island Cake!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
8943 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 462.7 g | 593% | |
| Saturated Fat | 229.1 g | 1146% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 67.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1744 mg | 581% | |
| Sodium | 2646 mg | 115% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 1222.3 g | 444% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 95.5 g | 341% | |
| Total Sugars | 791.8 g | ||
| Protein | 144.8 g | 290% | |
| Vitamin D | 17.1 mcg | 86% | |
| Calcium | 1584 mg | 122% | |
| Iron | 60.8 mg | 338% | |
| Potassium | 5657 mg | 120% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
