The Smith Island Cake is one of Maryland's most unique desserts. Once found only on Smith Island and nearby mainland communities, this unusual cake is available throughout the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
No one is sure when the Smith Island women started baking cakes composed of several pancake-thin layers that are iced with chocolate or other types of icing.
Historians claim the cakes originally had as few as four layers although a modern day Smith Island cake usually has more layers. A perfect Smith Island cake today is often considered to have 10 layers and stand about three inches high.
Commercially produced Smith Island cakes come in a wide range of flavors. Home made versions often fetch premium prices at bake sales and fundraiser auctions.
