Big Mama’s Amalgamation Cake – A Southern Classic with Layers of Flavor
If you’re looking for a showstopping cake that’s rich in tradition and flavor, Big Mama’s Amalgamation Cake is a must-try. This vintage Southern dessert is a true labor of love, featuring a tender white cake layered with a decadent fruit-and-nut filling and covered in a billowy boiled frosting. Every bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and nostalgia, making it the ideal centerpiece for special occasions, holidays, or Sunday family dinners.
In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through how to make this irresistible Southern masterpiece, including pro tips to ensure perfection. Let’s get baking!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Time-Tested Tradition – This is a true heirloom recipe passed down through generations, capturing the essence of Southern hospitality.
Incredible Layers of Flavor – The moist cake, nutty fruit filling, and fluffy frosting create a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
Perfect for Special Occasions – Whether for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a birthday, this cake is sure to impress.
Unique & Nostalgic – Unlike common layer cakes, the fruit-and-nut filling sets this recipe apart with a candy-like richness.
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Ingredients & Their Roles
For the Cake:
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature – Adds richness and a tender crumb.
3 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure and stability.
2 teaspoons baking powder – Ensures a light, fluffy texture.
¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
2 cups granulated sugar – Sweetens and tenderizes the cake.
1 cup whole milk, room temperature – Keeps the cake moist and helps incorporate the flour smoothly.
5 egg whites, room temperature – Adds volume, giving the cake its signature light and airy texture.
For the Fruit Filling:
5 egg yolks, room temperature – Creates a custard-like texture for a rich, velvety filling.
1½ cups granulated sugar – Sweetens and helps caramelize the filling.
1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter – Enhances flavor and smoothness.
1 cup raisins – Adds natural sweetness and chewiness.
1 cup sweetened grated coconut (fresh is best!) – Brings a tropical twist and subtle crunch.
1 cup chopped pecans – Provides a buttery, nutty contrast.
For the Boiled Frosting:
2 cups granulated sugar – The base for the classic, marshmallow-like frosting.
¾ cup water – Helps dissolve the sugar and create a smooth syrup.
1 teaspoon cream of tartar – Stabilizes the egg whites and prevents crystallization.
2 egg whites, room temperature – Whipped into stiff peaks to create a light, fluffy frosting.
For the Sugared Pecans (Optional, but so good!):
1 tablespoon unsalted butter – Helps coat the pecans evenly.
1 egg white – Helps the sugar adhere to the pecans.
1 tablespoon water – Ensures even coating.
2 cups pecans – Adds a crunchy, caramelized topping.
½ cup granulated sugar – Creates a delicate, sweet crust on the pecans.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans and set them aside.
2. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This aerates the dry ingredients, leading to a lighter cake.
3. Cream the butter and sugar in a stand mixer on medium-low speed until pale and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
4. Alternate adding flour and milk, beginning and ending with the flour. The batter will be thick—this is normal!
5. Whip the egg whites in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form (3-5 minutes).
6. Gently fold a portion of the egg whites into the batter to lighten it, then fold in the rest.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
8. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then invert them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Fruit Filling
1. Combine yolks, sugar, and butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat.
2. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens into a candy-like consistency (about 10 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and stir in the raisins, coconut, and pecans.
4. Set aside and keep warm while assembling the cake.
Step 3: Make the Boiled Frosting
1. In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and cream of tartar. Heat over medium, stirring until dissolved.
2. Increase heat and bring to a boil. Do not stir after this point!
3. Let the syrup cook until it reaches 240°F (soft-ball stage). Use a candy thermometer for accuracy.
4. While the syrup cooks, beat the egg whites in a stand mixer until soft peaks form.
5. Slowly pour the hot syrup down the side of the bowl while beating the egg whites on medium speed.
6. Continue beating until the frosting cools and becomes thick and glossy (5-10 minutes).
Step 4: Make the Sugared Pecans (Optional but Delicious!)
1. Preheat oven to 300°F. Grease a baking sheet.
2. Whisk egg white and water in a bowl until foamy.
3. Coat the pecans in the egg mixture, then toss in sugar.
4. Spread on the baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.
5. Cool completely before using as decoration.
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Step 5: Assemble the Cake
1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the warm fruit filling over the top.
2. Top with the second layer, bottom side up, and spread the remaining fruit filling over it.
3. Frost the sides of the cake with the boiled frosting.
4. Garnish with sugared pecans for extra crunch and elegance.
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Pro Tips for the Perfect Amalgamation Cake
Use fresh coconut for the most authentic flavor.
Ensure egg whites are room temperature before whipping for maximum volume.
Do not stir the boiling syrup to prevent crystallization.
Cool the cakes completely before assembling to avoid melting the frosting.
Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
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Serving Suggestions
Pair this decadent Southern cake with:
A hot cup of coffee or sweet tea.
A scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
A drizzle of warm caramel sauce for an elegant touch.
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Final Thoughts: A Cake Worth the Effort
Big Mama’s Amalgamation Cake is the ultimate celebration of Southern baking—a rich, layered masterpiece that’s well worth the time and effort. With its tender cake, nutty fruit
filling, and fluffy frosting, this dessert is bound to become a new family favorite.
Make this cake for your next special gathering, and watch as everyone falls in love with its old-fashioned charm and irresistible taste!
