Easy Stack Cake
A moist, flavorful stack cake featuring warm spices and applesauce, perfect for cozy gatherings or dessert lovers seeking a homemade treat with rich, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease and flour six 9-inch round pans.
- Blend sugar, molasses, and melted shortening together.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add flour alternately with buttermilk to the mixture.
- Stir in salt, soda, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
- Mix until smooth.
- Pour 1 cup of batter into each prepared pan.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes at 350°F.
- Let the cakes cool completely.
- Stack the layers, spreading applesauce generally between each layer.
- Sift confectioners' sugar on top layer.
- Optionally, use apple butter instead of applesauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute by mixing milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5 minutes. Adding a pinch of ground ginger can enhance the spice profile. This Easy Stack Cake can also be adapted with different fruit fillings if applesauce isn't available.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delightful when served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy dessert experience. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside Bowl 'N' All Spinach Dip as an appetizer for a casual gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stacked cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you plan to keep it longer, refrigerate it to maintain freshness, but allow it to come to room temperature before serving. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Stack Cake contains roughly 1271 calories, with 14g protein, 148g carbohydrates, and 72g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (36% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1675mg per serving (73% 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 sweetener instead of molasses?
Yes, you can substitute molasses with honey or maple syrup, but it will alter the flavor profile. If using honey, consider using slightly less as it is sweeter than molasses. Keep in mind that the cake's color will also be lighter with these alternatives.
Can I freeze the layers of the cake?
Absolutely! You can freeze the individual cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before stacking and adding applesauce. This makes it easy to prepare in advance for special occasions.
What can I substitute for shortening?
You can replace shortening with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil for a richer flavor. If you prefer a healthier option, consider using applesauce or yogurt as a partial substitute, which can also enhance moisture in the cake.
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).