Alabama Lane Cake (Traditional Southern Classic)

Alabama Lane Cake (Traditional Southern Classic)

Ingredients

• For the cake layers:

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240ml) milk
• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
• 4 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 8 large egg whites
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• For the filling:

• 8 large egg yolks
• 1½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (120ml) unsalted butter
• ½ cup (120ml) evaporated milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (150g) raisins
• 1 cup (120g) chopped pecans
• ½ cup (120ml) bourbon (or grape juice as a substitute)
• ½ cup (80g) shredded coconut

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and prepare three 8-inch round cake pans by greasing and lining them. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Pour in the milk gradually, mixing as you go.

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gently fold this into the creamed mixture. Add the vanilla extract and mix until just combined.

In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the egg whites into the batter, keeping as much air as possible in the mixture. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake until the cakes are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the layers cool completely before assembling.

To prepare the filling, combine the egg yolks, sugar, butter, and evaporated milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly as the mixture thickens into a custard-like consistency. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla, raisins, chopped pecans, coconut, and bourbon. Allow the filling to cool until it thickens further.

To assemble, place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of filling over it. Repeat with the next layers, finishing with the filling on top. This cake is traditionally left unfrosted on the sides, allowing the rich filling to shine through.

Let the cake rest for several hours before serving so the flavors can fully develop. Each slice will be rich, moist, and filled with that signature Southern charm.