Centennial Apple Butter Stack Cake
A rich, spiced apple butter stack cake with layers of moist dough and flavorful apple butter, perfect for fall gatherings or holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, salt, baking powder, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice.
- In a separate bowl, beat 2 eggs and 1/2 cup buttermilk.
- In a large saucepan, beat 2 cups molasses and 1 teaspoon baking soda until the molasses turns a light beige color.
- Add the molasses mixture to the egg and buttermilk mixture and mix well.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients and mix to a uniform batter.
- Turn the dough out onto a heavily floured board and knead half of the mixture at a time until smooth.
- Divide the dough into 14 equal portions.
- Roll each portion out to fit a round cake pan.
- Bake each layer in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until cooked through and golden brown.
- Once cooled, spread apple butter between layers to assemble the cake.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider substituting half the shortening with unsweetened applesauce. Make sure to knead the dough gently to avoid toughness, and if you prefer a richer flavor, you can add a touch of vanilla extract. If you find the dough sticky, add a little more flour gradually until manageable, but avoid overworking it.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cake at room temperature, layered with apple butter between each slice. It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea, making it a delightful afternoon treat. Consider serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. This cake is perfect for gatherings or as a comforting dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake layers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. If frozen, wrap layers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and they can last for up to 3 months. To reheat, place layers in a warm oven for a few minutes until soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Centennial Apple Butter Stack Cake contains roughly 941 calories, with 5g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 69g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), calcium (43% of the Daily Value), and iron (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 800mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sweetener instead of molasses?
Yes, you can substitute molasses with honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that this will alter the flavor profile. If using a lighter sweetener, you might want to add a bit of brown sugar to mimic the depth of flavor that molasses provides.
What can I do if my cake layers are too thick?
If your layers are too thick, try rolling them out thinner next time for a more even bake. You can also adjust the baking time—thicker layers may require a longer bake to ensure they are cooked through. Alternatively, you can slice thicker layers horizontally to create thinner ones.
How can I enhance the flavor of the apple butter?
To enhance the flavor of the apple butter, consider warming it slightly and adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. For a more complex taste, you can mix in a splash of bourbon or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Homemade apple butter, like that made with rhubarb pie filling, can provide a unique twist.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).