Lane Cake, also known as “Prize Cake,” is a classic Southern dessert with a rich history and flavor. Invented by Emma Rylander Lane in the 1890s, this four-layer white cake features a decadent bourbon-spiked raisin filling. The cake’s base is a variation of the old-fashioned 1-2-3-4 cake recipe, which uses eight egg whites for a spongier texture. The filling traditionally includes egg yolks, sugar, butter, raisins, bourbon, and vanilla, with modern versions often adding pecans and coconut flakes.
Lane Cake gained cultural significance through its mention in Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird, where it was described as “so loaded with shinny it made me tight.” It has become a symbol of Southern hospitality and indulgence, often served at celebrations and family gatherings