Smith Island Cakes Maryland

Smith Island Cake is one of Maryland’s most famous foods and has been the official state dessert of Maryland since 2008. It originated on Smith Island, a small island community in the Chesapeake Bay that is accessible only by boat.

The History

The cake dates back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. Island women would bake these cakes for their husbands who worked as watermen, oystermen, and fishermen on the Chesapeake Bay. The many thin layers and cooked frosting helped the cake stay fresh during long trips on the water.

Maryland State Dessert

The Maryland General Assembly officially designated Smith Island Cake as the state’s dessert in 2008. Supporters famously served slices to legislators in Annapolis to help promote the bill.

Modern Flavors

While the traditional version is yellow cake with chocolate icing, today’s bakeries offer many varieties:

• Coconut
• Lemon
• Strawberry
• Red Velvet
• Orange Cream
• Cookies & Cream