Black Wedding Cake. Mrs. J. J. Sloan. Recipe

Black Wedding Cake Recipe - Mrs. J. J. Sloan

Introduction:
The Black Wedding Cake is a traditional recipe that has been passed down through generations. Originally crafted by Mrs. J. J. Sloan, this cake is rich and flavorful, making it a perfect choice for special occasions like weddings. The cake's unique combination of ingredients, including molasses, raisins, currants, and spices, gives it a dark, almost black appearance. In this recipe, we will guide you through the process of creating this spectacular dessert.

Fun Facts:
- The Black Wedding Cake is believed to have originated in the mid-19th century and became popular during the Victorian era. It was traditionally served at weddings due to its symbolic color and rich taste.
- The dark color of the cake symbolizes fertility, prosperity, and happiness.
- The use of spices in this cake reflects the influence of exotic flavors from the spice trade in the past.
- In some cultures, it is believed that a couple who shares a piece of Black Wedding Cake together will have good luck and a long-lasting marriage.

Recipe:

Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar
- 1 cup molasses
- 1 cup sweet milk
- 3 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 5 well-beaten eggs
- 2 pounds raisins
- 1 pound currants
- ½ pound chopped citron
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ a nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Gradually add the molasses and sweet milk to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition.

4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. Set aside.

5. Beat the eggs thoroughly and gradually incorporate them into the creamed mixture.

6. Gradually add the sifted flour mixture to the batter, mixing until well combined.

7. In a small bowl, dredge the raisins, currants, and chopped citron with a little flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake. Set aside.

8. Add the allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the batter, mixing well to incorporate the spices evenly throughout.

9. Gently fold in the floured fruits into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

10. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

11. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

12. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

13. Once completely cooled, the Black Wedding Cake is ready to be enjoyed! Optionally, you can decorate it with icing, frosting, or marzipan for an extravagant touch.

Similar Recipe Dishes:
If you enjoyed making the Black Wedding Cake, you might also like these similar recipe dishes:

1. Gingerbread Cake: Like the Black Wedding Cake, gingerbread cake features warm spices and dark molasses. The ginger adds a delightful kick to this moist and flavorful cake, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.

2. Fruitcake: Fruitcake is another classic dessert that shares similarities with the Black Wedding Cake. It is loaded with dried fruits such as raisins, currants, and candied citron. The cake is often soaked in liquor, giving it a rich and distinct flavor.

3. Spiced Rum Cake: This moist and aromatic cake is infused with spiced rum and features a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. The dark color of the cake, along with the boozy flavor, makes it reminiscent of the Black Wedding Cake.

Conclusion:
The Black Wedding Cake is a timeless recipe that has been cherished by families for generations. Its rich, dark color and deep flavors make it a perfect centerpiece for special occasions. Whether you're planning a wedding or simply want to indulge in a decadent treat, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy!