Smith Island Cake Recipe: How to Make Maryland’s Famous Layered Dessert

Last updated on April 3rd, 2025 at 01:17 am

The Recipe

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Smith Island Cake Recipe

Smith Island Cake is a Maryland favorite, with layers of yellow cake and rich chocolate fudge frosting. A must-try for dessert lovers! Perfect for any occasion.

Type: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keywords: Smith Island Cake, Maryland cake recipe, chocolate cake, dessert recipe, Smith Island, layered cake, fudge frosting, American desserts

Recipe Yield: 10-12 servings

Calories: 450

Preparation Time: PT45M

Cooking Time: PT1H

Total Time: PT1H45M

Recipe Ingredients:

• 3¾ cups all-purpose flour (sifted, spooned, and leveled)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¾ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1½ cups unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 5 large eggs (room temperature)
• 2½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1½ cups buttermilk (or 1 tbsp vinegar + 1 cup milk for a quick swap)
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter (cut into pieces)
• 4 oz bittersweet chocolate (chopped)
• 1⅔ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tsp corn syrup (optional for shine)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Summary

Smith Island Cake is a Maryland favorite, with layers of yellow cake and rich chocolate fudge frosting. A must-try for dessert lovers! Perfect for any occasion.

Tips

• Make sure layers are even by weighing your batter portions.
• Let the frosting cool at room temperature to the perfect consistency.
• Use fresh, room-temperature ingredients for the best texture.
• Let the cake rest overnight for a deeper flavor.
• Refrigerate leftovers for a longer shelf life.

Listen to the Podcast

March 13, 2025 · Season 2 : Chop and Pop · Episode 18

5 Min · By Sorrel Calver

Learn how to make Smith Island Cake Recipe, Maryland’s famous layered dessert, with this easy step-by-step guide.

For The Reading Lovers

I’ll admit, I’d never tried Smith Island cake until a reader suggested it. After baking it, I’m completely hooked! It’s like biting into 8-10 soft yellow cake layers, all covered in rich fudge frosting. This dessert isn’t just any treat—it’s Maryland’s official state dessert, celebrated for over a century.

The Smith Island Baking Company, run by Brian and Joy Murphy, has mastered this recipe. They’ve kept the tradition alive for generations. Are you ready to make a piece of Maryland’s history in your kitchen? Let’s explore the smith island cake recipe that has been a local favorite for years.

Key Takeaways

• Smith Island cake’s 8-10 layers and fudge frosting make it Maryland’s iconic maryland smith island cake recipe.
• Originating in the 1800s, it became the state dessert in 2008, celebrated in bakeries like Brian and Joy Murphy’s Smith Island Baking Company.
• Uses pantry staples like yellow cake mix and evaporated milk, with tools like a KitchenAid mixer for smooth layers.
• Store layers up to two days or freeze for months—perfect for last-minute celebrations!
• Its history ties to Chesapeake Bay families, where wives made frosting for husbands away on fishing trips.

Whether you’re new to baking or have years of experience, this smith island cake recipe is easy to follow. It combines tradition with simple steps. Let’s make your kitchen a part of Maryland’s culinary heritage!

The Rich History Behind Maryland’s Iconic Smith Island Cake

Imagine a dessert that started as a survival tool and became a cultural symbol. The traditional smith island cake began centuries ago on Maryland’s remote Smith Island. Women made ultra-thin layers of cake and fudgy frosting to keep their husbands nourished during long oyster-harvesting trips. This signature maryland dessert recipe wasn’t just sweet—it was a lifeline.

Origins of the Smith Island Tradition

Picture this: 1600s fishing villages where resourcefulness ruled. Smith Islanders realized thin cake layers paired with fudge frosting stayed fresh longer than pies or breads. By the 1800s, these layered cakes became a staple. Key facts:

• 8,000-acre island, 900 acres habitable
• Only 200 year-round residents today
• First recipe published in 1994 by Frances Kitching

How Smith Island Cake Became Maryland’s Official Dessert

In 2008, lawmakers celebrated this tradition by making it Maryland’s official dessert. Over 1,000 slices were sampled during the bill’s debate! The signature maryland dessert recipe gained momentum when the Smith Island Baking Company launched in 2009—shipping 40,000 cakes annually today.

Cultural Significance of the Multi-Layered Masterpiece

Those eight layers weren’t just for show. Each layer absorbs fudge, creating moisture in a place where fresh ingredients were scarce. Today, the cake’s legacy faces challenges: rising sea levels threaten the island itself. Yet its story lives on through bakeries like Darren and Kathey Jones’ shop, which offers classes to preserve this Chesapeake tradition.

What Makes an Authentic Smith Island Cake Recipe Special

The authentic Smith Island cake is more than a dessert. It’s a layered masterpiece with a rich history. Each cake has 8–10 thin layers, baked at 350°F for 10–12 minutes. These layers are incredibly thin, just ¼-inch thick.

Early bakers on Smith Island used wood-fired ovens. They baked thinner batter portions to avoid burning.

The cake’s special touch is its fudge frosting. Unlike buttercream, this frosting is warm and pourable. It seeps into every layer as it cools. This creates a moist, evenly flavored cake where every bite is a perfect mix of cake and frosting.

“Each matriarch had her own tweaks,” says folklorist Elaine Eff. “But the core is always that fudgy embrace between layers.”

• Thin layers (8–13) baked separately
• Fudgy frosting cooked to 230°F for proper consistency
• No air pockets—layers must be perfectly level when stacked

Making the authentic Smith Island cake requires patience. Layers cool on wire racks, then stacked while the frosting is warm. This ensures the frosting blends with the cake, not just sits on top.

Even today, the Smith Island Bakery in Ewell sticks to this tradition. It shows that tradition is not just about flavor, but also technique. Now you’re ready to try making this magic in your own kitchen.

Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Smith Island Cake

Creating a homemade Smith Island Cake begins with knowing its key ingredients. Each part, from the cake’s soft texture to the rich fudge frosting, is vital. Here’s what you need to make this Maryland favorite at home.

For those airy layers:

• 3¾ cups sifted all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¾ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1½ cups softened unsalted butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 5 room-temperature eggs
• 2½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1½ cups buttermilk (or 1 tbsp vinegar + 1 cup milk for a quick swap)

IngredientQuantity Unsalted butter6 Tbsp (cut into pieces) Bittersweet chocolate4 oz (chopped) Granulated sugar1⅔ cups Heavy cream1 cup Corn syrup2 tsp (optional for shine) Vanilla extract1 tsp SaltPinch Flexibility is key! Here’s how to adapt without losing that signature taste:

• Swap buttermilk with 1 tbsp vinegar + 1 cup milk (mix, let sit 5 mins)
• Replace corn syrup with honey or golden syrup if unavailable
• Use dark chocolate (60-70% cacao) for deeper flavor

Quality is essential—use fresh, room-temperature ingredients. With these basics, you’re set to create 8–12 layers like a pro.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need for Smith Island Cake Success

Mastering the easy Smith Island cake starts with the right tools. Let’s break down what you need to turn this layered masterpiece into a reality—no professional setup required!

Must-Have Baking Tools

First, gather these essentials:

• 9-inch round cake pans (3 recommended for efficient baking)
• Parchment paper rounds (non-negotiable for preventing sticking)
• Medium saucepan (for melting frosting ingredients)
• Electric mixer (hand or stand—hand mixing works but takes more effort)

Optional Equipment That Makes the Process Easier

These upgrades simplify assembly:

• Cake turntable (eases frosting and layering)
• Offset spatula (spreads batter and frosting like a pro)
• Cooling racks (space-saving and essential for layer stacking)

Setting Up Your Workspace for Efficiency

With these basics, even beginners can conquer this Maryland classic. Remember—organization turns this layered wonder into an achievable easy Smith Island cake triumph!

Step-by-Step Smith Island Cake Recipe

Learning the best Smith Island cake recipe takes patience and care. We’ll make it easy with simple steps. This way, you can enjoy the baking process.

1. Prepare the frosting first: Start by melting butter, chocolate, sugar, cream, and corn syrup in a saucepan. Boil for 1 minute. Then, add vanilla and salt. Let it cool for 1–2 hours while you bake the layers.
2. Bake the layers: Mix dry ingredients first. Then, cream butter and sugar until it’s fluffy. Add dry mix and buttermilk alternately to the batter. Pour ¾ cup batter into greased pans. Bake at 350°F for 12 minutes per layer. Cool each layer for 5 minutes before flipping onto racks.
3. Assemble: Place layers on top of each other with ¼ cup frosting in between. Use the rest of the frosting to cover the top and sides. Chill for a bit to set the frosting.

“The secret? Let the frosting cool naturally—rushing it makes it too soft. I learned this the hard way!”

Pro tip: Use a bench scraper to smooth frosting between layers. For a Chesapeake twist, swirl in a dash of bourbon into the frosting for a grown-up touch. This best Smith Island cake recipe rewards attention to timing—your layers will thank you!

Mastering the Art of Layer Assembly and Frosting

Building your homemade smith island cake’s layers needs patience and care. Let each layer cool completely before frosting. This stops the frosting from melting into the cake. A turntable makes spreading frosting easy, but a sturdy plate works too.

1. Place the first layer on a plate or stand. Spoon 1/4 cup frosting between each layer—it acts like glue.
2. Spread frosting outward with an offset spatula, angling it slightly for a smooth base. The frosting should cling to the spatula before pulling away.
3. Chill the cake uncovered for 30 minutes after assembling. This gives it that glossy finish.

Techniques for Perfectly Even Cake Layers

Pro tip: Weigh batter portions before pouring into pans. Divide batter into 8 equal parts for an 8-layer cake. This ensures even baking and layer heights. Always tap pans gently to remove air bubbles.

The Secret to Smooth, Glossy Frosting

Warm frosting is key. Keep your chocolate frosting between 90-95°F with these tips:

• Reheat in 10-second bursts in the microwave if it thickens
• Stir vigorously with a whisk to reintroduce air bubbles
• Use a bench scraper to smooth outer edges before final frosting

Troubleshooting Common Assembly Problems

Remember, a little imperfection adds charm. That drip of frosting down the side? It’s part of the homemade smith island cake’s rustic charm. Now, go create your masterpiece!

Popular Variations of the Traditional Smith Island Cake

The traditional smith island cake is a Maryland favorite. It has yellow layers and rich chocolate frosting. But, bakers have made it into a canvas of flavors. Now, you can find dark and light chocolate layers in a marble pattern or a Neapolitan version with strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate swirled.

Try these tasty variations while keeping the cake’s layered tradition:

• Lemon zest added to batter with a tangy lemon buttercream filling
• Coconut flakes folded into batter and frosting topped with toasted coconut
• Seasonal berries sandwiched between layers for summer celebrations
• Nutty versions with chopped walnuts or pecans mixed into frosting swirls

A table comparing classic vs. modern takes:

When trying these ideas, remember to keep layers thin (under ¼ inch). The traditional smith island cake has 8-14 layers. This is what makes it special. Whether you’re making a black-and-white marble cake or a fruity summer version, keep the layers thin. Local bakers say, “The layers make it Smith Island—it’s like edible architecture,” says Charm City Cakery’s head baker.

Tips From Maryland Locals for the Best Smith Island Cake

Maryland’sauthentic Smith Island Cake thrives on tradition. This is true when it comes to serving and preserving its layered perfection. Locals share secrets to keep every bite tasting like it just came from a Chesapeake kitchen.

Storage and Serving Recommendations
Store unfrosted layers in airtight containers at room temperature for 1–2 days. For longer life, wrap each cooled layer in plastic wrap and foil. Frozen cakes keep up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then let sit at room temperature 1–2 hours before serving. Pro tip: The flavors deepen after 24 hours, so assemble the day before your event.

• Refrigerate assembled cakes for up to 1 week—just let them warm slightly before slicing.
• Keep leftovers in a cake dome or covered container to lock in moisture.

Make-Ahead Strategies
Bake layers up to 3 days ahead and freeze them individually. Prepare frosting 2–3 days early—simply rewarm it gently on the stove. For last-minute magic, assemble the cake the morning of your gathering and let it sit at room temp until serving.

Pairing Suggestions From Chesapeake Kitchens
Serve slices with a glass of cold milk or Maryland’s Boordy Vidal Blanc wine. Locals crab feast hosts recommend ending the meal with a thin slice and a dollop of whipped cream. During strawberry season, top with fresh berries for a vibrant contrast.

“A good Smith Island Cake needs time to breathe. Let it rest overnight—trust me, it sings louder the next day.”
—Mrs. Kitching’s 1981 cookbook

Whether freezing layers or pairing with local flavors, these tips ensure your cake mirrors the care that’s made it Maryland’s beloved treat. Now go forth and savor that layered legacy!

Conclusion: Celebrating Maryland’s Delicious Heritage One Layer at a Time

Every slice of Smith Island Cake has a story. It’s about resilience, tradition, and the skill of Chesapeake bakers. This cake, Maryland’s official state dessert, celebrates community and craft.

It doesn’t matter if you make 8 or 12 layers. The goal is to remember the hands that made this recipe over generations. Each frost-kissed layer is a tribute to their hard work.

This cake is easy to make, with a 45-minute prep time. Its rich chocolate frosting makes it irresistible. Store it in the fridge for up to seven days, and remember, a little imperfection is charming.

The recipe can be adapted in many ways, from vegan to bold flavors like lemon-cream cheese. Share it at any celebration or just enjoy it on a weekend. Every bite connects you to the island’s history and the joy of baking.

Smith Island’s legacy shows that tradition and innovation can go hand in hand. Whether you stick to the classic or try new fillings, this cake brings past and present together. Frosting the final layer is not just about finishing a dessert. It’s about honoring a tradition that has lasted for centuries.

So, grab your tools and dive into the process. Let this cake become a part of your family’s story. Remember, every great recipe starts with one brave first layer.

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