Smith Island Cake is not just an ordinary dessert; it’s a symbol of history, community, and deliciousness. Designated as the official state dessert of Maryland in 2008, this cake has a story that dates back centuries, intertwined with the lives of the people on Smith Island.
The Origins of Smith Island Cake
Smith Island, located in the Chesapeake Bay between Maryland and Virginia, is the only inhabited island in Maryland. Settled by the British in the 1600s, the island has a population of around 200 people today. The isolation of the island has preserved many of its traditions, including the making of Smith Island Cake.
The exact origin of the cake is debated, but most accounts trace it back to the early 1800s, or even as far back as the 1600s. The island’s fishermen would often go out on long trips, sometimes for a week at a time. Their wives would send them off with this special cake, which served multiple purposes. Firstly, the men loved sugar, and the cake provided a much-needed energy boost. Secondly, the numerous layers of chocolate icing helped to keep the cake moist, ensuring it would last longer at sea. And finally, the cake was a symbol of love and home, a reminder of thefamilies they had left behind.
Another factor that contributed to the unique design of the cake was the lack of electricity on the island until the 1950s. Without electric ovens, home cooks had to rely on wood stoves. Baking a thick cake layer evenly was nearly impossible with the equipment they had. So, they got creative, pouring small amounts of batter into multiple pans and baking them one by one. This resulted in the ultra-thin cake layers that are characteristic of Smith Island Cake.
The Making of Smith Island Cake
The Layers
Smith Island Cake typically consists of 8 – 14 ultra-thin layers. The most common flavor for the cake layers is yellow, made from a simple batter combining sifted all-purpose flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and buttermilk. However, variations such as white cake, lemon, carrot, coconut, and strawberry are also popular.
The batter is carefully poured into greased and parchment-lined 9-inch cake pans. Since the layers are so thin, it’s important to spread the batter evenly. Each layer is baked individually, which may seem time-consuming but actually doesn’t take much longer than baking a few thick layers. The thin layers bake in about 12 minutes each, and if you have multiple pans, you can bake several at once. This method ensures that each layer is baked evenly, without the risk of over or under-baking that can occur with thicker cakes.
The Icing
The icing is what really makes Smith Island Cake stand out. The traditional icing is a chocolate fudge icing, which is cooked on the stovetop. The ingredients usually include butter, heavy cream, chopped chocolate (semi-sweet, bittersweet, or unsweetened depending on taste), sugar, a little corn syrup for shine (optional), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
The icing is cooked until it thickens, and then it needs to cool down before being spread between the cake layers. This icing is similar to hot fudge in taste and thickness when it’s warm, but it “sets” on top of the cake, more like a thick chocolate glaze. The beauty of this icing is that it seeps down into the thin cake layers as it sets, creating a moist and chocolatey experience with every bite.
The Flavor Profile
When you take a bite of Smith Island Cake, the first thing you notice is the moistness of the cake layers. The combination of the buttermilk in the yellow cake batter and the chocolate icing that soaks into the layers results in a tender and incredibly moist texture. The yellow cake itself has a mild, sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich, chocolatey fudge icing.
The chocolate icing provides a deep, indulgent chocolate taste. Depending on the type of chocolate used, it can be slightly bitter (if bittersweet or unsweetened chocolate is the main ingredient) or sweeter (with semi-sweet chocolate). The addition of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor, bringing out the richness of the chocolate.
Variations of Smith Island Cake
While the classic Smith Island Cake with yellow cake layers and chocolate fudge icing is the most well-known, there are many variations. Some bakers use white cake layers instead of yellow for a lighter flavor. Lemon-flavored Smith Island Cakes are also popular, where the lemon zest and juice are added to the cake batter, and a lemon curd or lemon-flavored icing may be used in addition to or instead of the chocolate fudge.
Carrot cake versions feature grated carrots in the cake layers, along with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The icing can be a cream cheese icing or a combination of cream cheese and chocolate fudge. Coconut Smith Island Cakes incorporate shredded coconut into the cake layers, and a coconut-flavored icing or a chocolate icing with a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top can be used.
Where to Find Smith Island Cake
Smith Island itself has a few places where you can find this delicious cake. The Smith Island Bakery, located in the building where the first cake bakery was established, is the only remaining commercial bakery on the island. Here, you can get the traditional cakes made with the recipes passed down through generations.
In Maryland, there are many bakeries that bake and sell Smith Island Cakes. The Smith Island Baking Company in Crisfield reports selling around 30,000 cakes per year. Classic Cakes in Salisbury, owned by two native Smith Island women, produces more than 20 flavors of the cake.
Thanks to modern technology, you can also order Smith Island Cake online and have it shipped to you. Goldbelly, for example, offers Smith Island Cakes from various bakeries, allowing people all over the country to enjoy this Maryland delicacy.
The Cultural Significance of Smith Island Cake
Smith Island Cake is much more than a dessert; it’s an integral part of the island’s culture. It represents the community spirit, as it was originally made by the women of the island to send their husbands off on fishing trips. It’s a symbol of love, home, and togetherness.
For the islanders, making and selling the cakes also provides a source of income. With the decline of the fishing industry, the cottage bakers on the island rely on the sale of Smith Island Cakes to make ends meet. The designation of the cake as the state dessert of Maryland in 2008 has helped to raise awareness of the island and its unique culture, and has also given a boost to the local economy.
Conclusion
Smith Island Cake is a fascinating dessert with a rich history, unique making process, delicious flavor, and significant cultural value. Whether you’re a fan of chocolate, yellow cake, or just looking to try something new, this cake is definitely worth a taste. So, the next time you’re in Maryland or have a chance to order one online, don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience the magic of Smith Island Cake.
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