Lane Cake Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• ½ cup (120ml) bourbon ½ cup (120ml) bourbon
• 1 cup (150g) dried mixed fruits (such as raisins, currants, and chopped apricots) 1 cup (150g) dried mixed fruits (such as raisins, currants, and chopped apricots)
• 1 cup (100g) chopped pecans 1 cup (100g) chopped pecans
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened (for the frosting) 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened (for the frosting)
• 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar (for the frosting) 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar (for the frosting)
• ¼ cup (60ml) whole milk (for the frosting) ¼ cup (60ml) whole milk (for the frosting)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the frosting) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the frosting)

Nutrition

• Calories: 480 kcal / 2010 kJ
• Fat: 24g (Saturated Fat: 12g)
• Carbohydrates: 62g (Sugar: 45g)
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. 2.
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. 3.
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. 4.
   Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk and bourbon. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
6. 6.
   Fold in the dried fruits and chopped pecans.
7. 7.
   Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
8. 8.
   Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
9. 9.
   Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. 10.
    In the meantime, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
11. 11.
    Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a generous amount of frosting between each layer and on the top and sides of the cake.
12. 12.
    Decorate the cake as desired and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Dried mixed fruits — Soak the dried fruits in warm water or bourbon for 15 minutes before using to ensure they are plump and moist.
• Bourbon — If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute the bourbon with apple juice or apple cider for a similar flavor profile.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more intense bourbon flavor, brush each cake layer with a small amount of bourbon before adding the filling.
• To make the cake extra moist, brush the layers with a simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water before frosting.
• If you don't have three 9-inch cake pans, you can use two 9-inch pans and adjust the baking time accordingly.
• Make sure the cakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
• To enhance the presentation, garnish the cake with additional chopped pecans and dried fruits.

Serving advice

Serve the Lane Cake at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Presentation advice

To create an elegant presentation, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh mint leaves. Place the cake on a decorative cake stand or serving platter.