Smith Island Cake

Total Time Prep: 40 min. Bake: 40 min. + cooling
Yield 10 servings
Test Kitchen Approved
Meet Smith Island cake—a beloved Maryland dessert that's rooted in community and coated in chocolate.

Ingredients

  • 1-1/2 cups butter, softened
  • 2-1/4 cups sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1-1/2 cups buttermilk
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3-3/4 cups cake flour
  • 2-1/4 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • FROSTING:
  • 3 cups sugar
  • 1-1/2 cups evaporated milk
  • 8 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons baking cocoa
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt; set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, beating well after each addition. Add dry mixture to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk.
  3. Grease and line two 9-in. cake pans. Add 3/4 cup batter to each pan, spread evenly. Bake 10-12 minutes. Let stand in pans 5 minutes; cool completely on wire racks. Repeat with remaining batter until 8 cake layers are baked.
  4. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine sugar and evaporated milk. Cook until sugar is dissolved. Add chocolate, cocoa and butter. Cook until thickened, 6-8 minutes longer. Remove from heat; add vanilla.
  5. Place 1 cake layer on a serving plate; spread with 4-5 tablespoons frosting. Repeat layers. Top with remaining cake layer. Frost top and sides of cake with remaining frosting.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 1198 calories, 58g fat (36g saturated fat), 180mg cholesterol, 605mg sodium, 159g carbohydrate (112g sugars, 5g fiber), 14g protein.

© 2025 RDA Enthusiast Brands, LLC