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Old-Fashioned Stack Cakes

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Old-Fashioned Stack Cakes, also known as Appalachian Apple Stack Cakes, feature thin, biscuit-like cake layers stacked with rich, spiced apple filling. Over time, the layers soften as the apple filling seeps through, creating a moist, flavorful dessert that embodies rustic Southern tradition.

Ingredients

Cake Layers

  • 1/2 cup shortening or lard
  • 1 cup sugar (granulated or brown)
  • 1/2 cup molasses or sorghum syrup
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk

Apple Filling

  • 4 cups dried apples (or fresh apples, peeled and chopped)
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 2 cups water or apple cider

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease cake pans or cast iron skillets.
  2. To make the apple filling, place dried apples in a saucepan with water or cider. Simmer until soft, then stir in brown sugar and spices. Continue cooking until thickened and spreadable. Cool before using.
  3. Cream the shortening with sugar and molasses until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the creamed mixture until a stiff dough forms.
  5. Divide dough into 6–8 portions. Roll each portion into a thin round about 8 inches in diameter.
  6. Bake layers individually for 8–10 minutes or until lightly golden. Cool completely on wire racks.
  7. To assemble, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of apple filling on top. Continue stacking, finishing with a plain top layer.
  8. Cover the cake and let it rest for 24–48 hours at room temperature so the flavors meld and layers soften.
  9. Slice and serve at room temperature, optionally with whipped cream or powdered sugar dusting.

Notes

  • Resting the cake for at least 24 hours is essential for flavor and texture.
  • Use apple butter as a shortcut for the filling if desired.
  • Molasses or sorghum syrup gives a deeper, more authentic flavor.
  • Chilling the dough before rolling makes handling easier.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/old-fashioned-stack-cakes/