15 The Lane Cake Recipe Southern Living Unlock Flavor Sensations!
Published on: Apr 30, 2024
The lane cake, also known as the "prize cake" or "Alabama lane cake," is a beloved dessert in the Southern region of the United States. This rich and indulgent cake is made with layers of fluffy white cake, filled with a rich mixture of pecans, raisins, and coconut, and topped with a decadent bourbon-laced frosting. This traditional recipe has been passed down through generations and has become a staple at holidays, family gatherings, and special occasions. Let's dive into the history and steps to make this classic southern dessert.
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Unsalted
Pound cake is a staple in Southern baking, and for good reason. This classic dessert is rich, buttery, and oh-so-delicious. It's also incredibly versatile, making it the perfect base for a variety of flavors and add-ins. Whether you're a baking pro or just starting out, this Southern pound cake recipe is a must-try.
When it comes to Southern desserts, pineapple cake is a true crowd-pleaser. This moist and flavorful cake is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to potlucks. With a light and fluffy texture, this cake is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
Cornbread is a Southern staple, and this recipe for Southern skillet cornbread is one of the best out there. Made with simple ingredients like cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk, this cornbread is moist, fluffy, and full of flavor. Plus, it's cooked in a cast iron skillet, giving it that classic Southern touch.
For a traditional Southern pound cake, you can't go wrong with this recipe for butter pound cake. Made with just a handful of ingredients, this cake is rich, dense, and full of buttery flavor. It's the perfect dessert to enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Smothered chicken is a classic Southern dish that's perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal. This recipe uses bone-in chicken thighs, which are cooked low and slow in a flavorful gravy made with onions, garlic, and herbs. Serve it over rice or with a side of collard greens for a true Southern meal.
Collard greens are a staple in Southern cooking, and this recipe for classic Southern collard greens is a true winner. Slow cooked with onions, garlic, and a touch of vinegar, these collard greens are tender, flavorful, and oh-so-delicious. Serve them as a side dish or add some smoked ham hocks for a heartier meal.
Cornbread dressing is a must-have side dish for any Southern holiday meal. This recipe takes classic cornbread dressing to the next level by adding in some flavorful additions like sausage, celery, and herbs. It's the perfect complement to your turkey or ham and is sure to become a family favorite.
Oxtails are a Southern delicacy, and this recipe for smothered oxtails is a must-try for any meat lover. Slow cooked with onions, garlic, and a rich gravy, these oxtails are fall-off-the-bone tender and full of flavor. Serve them over rice or with some Southern-style greens for a truly satisfying meal.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
No Southern meal is complete without a batch of homemade biscuits. This recipe for classic Southern biscuits is simple and foolproof, resulting in flaky and buttery biscuits every time. Serve them with some sausage gravy or use them to make a breakfast sandwich.
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food, and this Southern version takes it to a whole new level. Made with a creamy cheese sauce and topped with a buttery breadcrumb topping, this baked mac and cheese is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
If you're looking for a more traditional version of mac and cheese, this recipe for Southern baked mac and cheese is the way to go. Made with a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, this mac and cheese is ultra-creamy and full of cheesy goodness.
Caramel cake is a Southern specialty, and this recipe is as good as it gets. Moist yellow cake layers are filled and frosted with a rich and buttery caramel icing, resulting in a cake that's both beautiful and delicious. It's the perfect dessert for any special occasion.
If you love pecan pie, you have to try these Southern pecan pie bars. They're made with a buttery shortbread crust and topped with a gooey and nutty filling. These bars are perfect for serving at parties or as a sweet treat any time of day.
Peach cobbler is a classic Southern dessert that's perfect for showcasing the delicious flavor of fresh peaches. This recipe takes it to the next level by adding in a buttery and flaky biscuit topping. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate summer dessert.
If you're looking for a traditional collard greens recipe, this one is a winner. Made with smoked turkey and a touch of sugar for a touch of sweetness, these collard greens are flavorful, tender, and oh-so-delicious. Serve them with some Southern cornbread for a classic Southern meal.
Pimento cheese is a Southern classic that's perfect for snacking, spreading on sandwiches, or using as a dip for veggies. This recipe adds a twist to traditional pimento cheese by using a blend of cheddar and pepper jack cheese, resulting in a spicy and flavorful spread that's sure to be a hit.
Cabbage is a staple in Southern cooking, and this recipe for Southern cabbage is a must-try. Cooked low and slow with bacon, onions, and a touch of vinegar, this cabbage is tender and full of flavor. Serve it as a side dish or add some smoked sausage for a hearty meal.
No Southern meal is complete without a batch of homemade cornbread. This recipe for Southern cornbread is simple and delicious, making it the perfect side dish for any meal. Serve it warm with some butter and honey for a truly satisfying treat.
Sausage gravy is a Southern breakfast staple, and this recipe is one of the best out there. Made with simple ingredients like sausage, flour, and milk, this sausage gravy is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for topping your homemade biscuits.
Hush puppies are a classic Southern side dish that's perfect for serving alongside fried fish or barbecue. This recipe for Southern hush puppies is simple and delicious, resulting in crispy and flavorful bites that are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
The History of the Lane Cake
The lane cake has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. It is said to have been created by Emma Rylander Lane, a resident of Clayton, Alabama. Lane entered her recipe for "prize cake" in a baking contest at the county fair in Columbus, Georgia in 1898. She won first place and the cake was later renamed "lane cake" in her honor. The recipe was then published in a cookbook called "A Century of Progress in Dixie" and quickly gained popularity throughout the South. Today, the lane cake is still a beloved dessert and has even made appearances in literature, most notably in Harper Lee's famous novel "To Kill a Mockingbird."
The Secret Ingredient: Bourbon
One of the most unique and beloved aspects of the lane cake is its use of bourbon in the frosting. This addition not only adds a delicious flavor to the cake but also pays homage to the South's rich bourbon-making history. Lane cake bakers often use Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey in their recipe, as it is a popular choice among Southern bakers. The bourbon adds a subtle warmth and depth to the frosting, making it stand out from other cake frostings.
The Perfect Pairing
While the lane cake is a delicious treat on its own, it is often paired with a glass of sweet tea or a cup of coffee. The sweetness of the cake pairs perfectly with the bitterness of these drinks, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. It is also commonly served alongside other Southern staples such as peach cobbler or homemade biscuits. This classic dessert is a perfect addition to any Southern meal.
Bringing a Taste of the South to Your Table
Now that you know the history and unique ingredients of the lane cake, it's time to try making it yourself! With its layers of moist cake and rich filling, topped with a buttery bourbon frosting, this dessert is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So gather your ingredients and get ready to bake a taste of the South in your own kitchen. Serve it at your next gathering and watch as your guests rave about this classic Southern delicacy.
