Taste of the South Southern Cakes 2022

READERS WHO FOLLOW Taste of the South and our special editions will know that while I am an enthusiastic consumer of cakes, breads, bars, and cookies, I am seldom the baker. When I do choose to bake something from scratch, I reach for one of a few tried-and-true, crowd-pleasing recipes that I’ve held onto throughout the years. Cast-iron skillet cakes (like the Strawberry Skillet Cake we feature at tasteofthesouthmagazine.com) are my favorites, but I will sometimes take the extra step and turn out a simply decorated layer cake. This special collection is packed full with some of our best sheet cakes, layer cakes, Bundts, and icebox creations. From Southern classics like Lady Baltimore Cake (page 59), Lane Cake (page 58), and Old-Fashioned Red Velvet Cake (page 51) to new twists including…

1 CAROLINA GROUND Serious bakers know that quality ingredients are the key to creating quality products. That’s what drives this Asheville-based mill that sources Southern-grown grains and mills them the old-fashioned way, preserving the flavor of all parts of the grain by stone-grinding each batch of flour. carolinaground.com 2 MUDDY POND SORGHUM MILL SYRUP Produced by the Guenther family deep in the hills of Tennessee, this pure sorghum syrup is the ultimate sweet addition to freshly baked treats. Sorghum can also be used as a lighter substitute for molasses. muddypondsorghum.com 3 VITAL FARMS EGGS The best eggs come from pasture-raised chickens, but a steady supply wasn’t easy to find before Vital Farms came along. This Texas company produces ethical food on a large scale. They have enlisted more than 100 family-owned farms, bringing high-quality eggs…

LEMON-ALMOND SOUR CREAM POUND CAKE MAKES 1 (12-CUP) BUNDT CAKE Bundt cakes are quintessential Southern desserts, and the use of self-rising flour makes this one even easier to bake. 1 cup salted butter, softened2 cups granulated sugar6 large eggs, room temperature3 cups self-rising flour*¼ teaspoon kosher salt1 cup sour cream2 tablespoons lemon zest3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, divided1 teaspoon almond extract1½ cups confectioners’ sugar1 tablespoon whole milk1 teaspoon unsalted butter, meltedGarnish: toasted sliced almonds 1. Preheat oven to 325°. 2. In a large bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar with a mixer at medium speed until fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes, stopping to scrape sides of bowl. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. 3. In a medium bowl, combine flour and salt. In a small bowl, combine sour cream, zest, 2…

SKILLET CARROT CAKE MAKES 1 (9-INCH) CAKE This simplified version of a classic springtime dessert is every bit as rich and delicious as its lovely layered counterpart. CAKE 1 cup all-purpose flour1 teaspoon baking soda½ teaspoon kosher salt1 teaspoon ground cinnamon½ teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg1 cup granulated sugar⅔ cup vegetable oil2 large eggs1½ cups finely grated carrot1 (4-ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained¼ cup sweetened flaked coconut¼ cup pecans, chopped CREAM CHEESE FROSTING 4 ounces cream cheese, softened¼ cup unsalted butter, softened½ teaspoon vanilla extract2½ cups confectioners’ sugarGarnish: chopped pecans 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Spray a 9-inch cast-iron skillet with cooking spray. 2. For cake: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. 3. In a medium bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, oil, and eggs. Add sugar mixture to flour mixture, stirring just until…

TRADITIONAL CARROT CAKE MAKES 1 (9-INCH) CAKE A bounty of spices and fruit packs this cake with divine layers of flavor and a sublime texture. CAKE 3 cups all-purpose flour1½ cups firmly packed light brown sugar1 tablespoon baking powder1 tablespoon ground cinnamon2 teaspoons baking soda½ teaspoon kosher salt½ teaspoon ground allspice½ teaspoon ground ginger½ teaspoon ground nutmeg⅔ cup whole buttermilk⅔ cup canola oil2 teaspoons vanilla extract4 large eggs4 cups grated carrot (10 to 12 medium carrots)2 (8-ounce) cans crushed pineapple, drained1 cup golden raisins CREAM CHEESE FROSTING 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened1½ cups unsalted butter, softened3 pounds confectioners’ sugar2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Spray 3 (9-inch) round cake pans with baking spray with flour; line bottoms of pans with parchment paper. 2. For cake: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar,…

BANANA-CARAMEL ICE CREAM CAKE MAKES 1 (9-INCH) CAKE Layered and topped with ice cream and drizzled with a rich, buttery sauce, this easy-to-make cake is sure to impress. CAKE 1 (18.25-ounce) package butter recipe yellow cake mix, batter prepared according to manufacturer’s instructions*½ cup chopped pecans, toasted½ gallon vanilla ice cream, softened CARAMEL RUM SAUCE ¼ cup unsalted butter1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar½ teaspoon ground cinnamon¼ cup light rum2 tablespoons water2 to 3 bananas, sliced ¼ inch thick 1. Preheat oven to 350º. Spray 3 (9-inch) round cake pans with baking spray with flour. 2. For cake: In a large bowl, combine batter and pecans. Divide batter equally among prepared cake pans, and tap pans on countertops to remove air bubbles. 3. Bake according to package directions or until a wooden pick inserted in centers of layers…