🍳DailyRecipes
Dessert

Classic Smith Island Cake

A beautiful Maryland specialty featuring many thin, delicate cake layers coated in a rich fudge icing.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 American· August 25, 2026
Classic Smith Island Cake
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
30 minutes
Cook
60 minutes
Total
1 hour 30 minutes
Serves
12

If you are looking for a dessert that really wows your guests, this is the one. It is the official state dessert of Maryland for good reason. The combination of moist yellow cake and smooth, pourable chocolate icing is absolutely delicious.

While it might look like a big project, it is actually quite straightforward because the thin layers bake in just a few minutes. Make sure to have your pans ready and keep an eye on them so they stay tender.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar for icing
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter for icing
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream for icing
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease several round cake pans.

  2. 2

    Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl.

  3. 3

    In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy, then beat in the eggs one at a time followed by the vanilla.

  4. 4

    Gradually mix in the dry ingredients and the milk until you have a smooth batter.

  5. 5

    Spread a thin, even layer of batter into your prepared pans and bake for about 8 to 10 minutes per layer until the edges are lightly golden.

  6. 6

    Remove the layers from the pans carefully and let them cool on a wire rack.

  7. 7

    To make the icing, combine the sugar, butter, cream, and cocoa in a saucepan over medium heat.

  8. 8

    Bring the mixture to a boil and let it bubble for 2 minutes before removing from the heat to cool slightly.

  9. 9

    Stack the cake layers on a plate, spreading a generous amount of fudge icing between each one.

  10. 10

    Pour the remaining icing over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a finished look.

💡 Tips

Let the cake sit for at least an hour before slicing so the icing sets nicely. You can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. It tastes even better the next day once the flavors have settled.

#Cake#Dessert#Baking#Maryland#Classic

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