Ingredients for Smith Island Cake
The ingredients for Smith Island Cake are simple, combining pantry staples like yellow cake mix, evaporated milk, butter, and cocoa powder to create a layered cake that’s rich, moist, and decadent. To make Smith Island Cake, you’ll need:
For the cake:
Large eggs: Bind the cake batter.
Evaporated milk: A classic baking ingredient that doesn’t require refrigeration, evaporated milk adds creaminess and richness to the cake layers.
Tap or bottled water: Thins the batter to spread evenly for multiple layers.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist, ensuring a tender crumb.
Butter: Contributes to the cake’s flavor and richness.
Yellow cake mix: A convenient base for the cake, shortening the ingredient list and prep time.
For the frosting:
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
Cocoa powder: Gives the frosting a rich chocolate flavor and color.
Evaporated milk: Adds richness and thins the frosting to a spreadable consistency.
Cold butter: Gives the frosting a buttery richness and glossy sheen.
How To Make Smith Island Cake
Assembling this cake is a fun and rewarding process, as ultra-thin layers of yellow cake are stacked with a luscious chocolate frosting. While visually striking, it’s deceptively simple to put together. Full instructions are below, but here’s a brief recap before you get started:
Step 1. Prepare the cake: Mix all ingredients to combine in a bowl. Portion roughly 3/4 cup batter into 9-inch cake pans lightly coated with cooking spray. Spread batter evenly over the bottom of each pan. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven until the edges start to brown.
Step 2. Prepare the frosting: Stir to combine powdered sugar, cocoa, and evaporated milk in a medium saucepan. Add cold butter. Cook over high heat, stirring constantly, until butter is melted. Remove from heat; whip icing a few times.
Step 3. Assemble: Glue first cake layer to cake board with a dollop of icing. Frost evenly with icing, and top with additional layer of cake. Repeat until all cake layers have been stacked. Frost the top and sides of cake.
Smith Island Cake Variations
Give this classic cake a custom spin by experimenting with different flavors, fillings, and toppings:
Cake layers: Add a flavorful addition to the cake layers by mixing in sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or fresh lemon zest for a citrusy touch.
Cake mix flavor: Switch up the base by choosing different cake mixes, like spice, carrot, red velvet, chocolate, mocha, or any other flavor you love.
Frostings: Replace the classic chocolate frosting with cream cheese frosting, vanilla buttercream, fruit preserves, chocolate hazelnut spread, or even lemon curd for a bright twist.
Toppings: Garnish the cake with shredded coconut, colorful sprinkles, chopped nuts, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries for an eye-catching and delicious presentation.
Our Tips for the Best Smith Island Cake
To achieve the perfect Smith Island cake, careful assembly is key. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your cake turns out beautifully:
Beat batter until smooth: Mix your batter thoroughly to create fluffy and consistent layers.
Measure batter into pans: Use a kitchen scale or measuring cup to portion the batter into pans for the most even results.
Avoid overbaking: Keep a close eye on your layers, baking just until set to keep them moist.
Cool completely before frosting: Allow the layers to cool completely (or chill until cold) before stacking to keep the cake from sliding as you build.
Chill before serving: Refrigerate the assembled cake to help it firm up, making it easier to slice and serve.
If you don’t have multiple pans: If you only have one or two cake pans, bake the layers one at a time, unmold, and let the pans cool between batches.
Can I Make Smith Island Cake Ahead?
To prepare Smith Island Cake ahead, you can bake the cake layers in advance. Prepare as directed and cool completely, then wrap each layer individually with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to two days or freeze for up to three months, thawing in the refrigerator overnight if frozen before using.
Prepare the frosting and assemble the cake as directed. Store the finished cake in the refrigerator, letting it stand at room temperature 30 minutes to an hour before serving.
How To Store Leftover Smith Island Cake
To keep your leftover Smith Island Cake fresh, store slices in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly or in an airtight container for up to five days. You can also freeze leftovers for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and let stand at room temperature about 30 minutes to an hour before serving to let the cake and frosting soften.