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Classic Lane Cake Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped candied cherries
- 1/2 cup bourbon

Special equipment needed:
- 3 9-inch cake pans
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Offset spatula
- Cooling racks

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 9-inch cake pans.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

4. Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition.

5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk and extracts, and beat until just combined.

6. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.

7. Fold the egg whites into the batter until just combined.

8. Stir in the pecans, raisins, cherries, and bourbon.

9. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.

10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

11. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

12. Once the cakes are cool, stack them on top of each other with a layer of frosting in between each layer.

13. Frost the entire cake with your favorite frosting and decorate with additional pecans, raisins, and cherries as desired.


Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
12 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 528
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 118mg
Sodium: 174mg
Potassium: 245mg
Carbohydrates: 67g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 48g
Protein: 5g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- If you don't have bourbon, you can substitute it with apple juice or orange juice.
- You can use any type of nuts you prefer, such as walnuts or almonds.
- You can substitute the candied cherries with dried cranberries or chopped apricots.

Variations:
- You can add shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist.
- You can use different types of alcohol, such as rum or brandy, instead of bourbon.
- You can make a chocolate version of this cake by adding cocoa powder to the batter.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form to ensure a light and fluffy cake.
- Don't overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense cake.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

Storage instructions:
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat the cake, place it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the cake on a cake stand and decorate it with fresh flowers or fruit.

Garnishes:
Additional pecans, raisins, and cherries.

Pairings:
Serve the cake with a glass of bourbon or a cup of coffee.

Suggested side dishes:
Fresh fruit salad or a green salad.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cake is too dry, try adding more milk to the batter.
- If the cake is too dense, make sure you're not overmixing the batter and beating the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- If the cake is sticking to the pan, make sure to grease and flour the pans well before adding the batter.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and all equipment thoroughly before preparing the cake. Store the cake in an airtight container to prevent contamination.

Food history:
The Lane Cake, also known as the Alabama Lane Cake, was invented by Emma Rylander Lane in the late 1800s. It is a traditional Southern cake that is typically made with raisins, pecans, and bourbon.

Flavor profiles:
The Classic Lane Cake is a sweet and nutty cake with a hint of bourbon.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the cake as a dessert or as a special treat for a celebration.

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Region: American

Taste: Rich, Sweet, Buttery, Moist, Flavorful, Aromatic