Appalachian Apple Stack Cake
The Appalachian apple stack cake is a traditional layered dessert from the Southern United States, known for its thin cake layers and rich apple filling.
Equipment
- 1 9-inch round cake pan greased and floured
- 1 electric mixer
- 1 Mixing Bowl large
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Apple Filling
- 4 cups dried apples
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
- In a large saucepan, combine dried apples and water. Simmer over medium heat until the apples are tender, about 20 minutes. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, and cloves. Cook for another 5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- In another large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool on a wire rack.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of apple filling over the layer. Repeat with remaining layers and filling, ending with a cake layer on top.
- Cover the assembled cake with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for at least 12 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the cake to soften.
- Slice the cake carefully using a sharp knife. Serve as is or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Notes
Pro Tips: Ensure your layers are thin for the best texture. Resting the cake overnight enhances the flavors. Ingredient Substitutions: Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. How to Serve: Pair with tea or ice cream for a delightful dessert. Storage & Freshness: Best enjoyed within a few days of making. Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the apple filling a day ahead to save time.