Mother Sawyers' Stack Cake

Prep: 30 min Cook: 8 min Cuisine: American

A rich, spiced layered cake with molasses and warm spices, perfect for festive occasions or cozy gatherings, offering deep flavors and nostalgic comfort.

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Ingredients

  • 1 c. molasses
  • 1/2 c. sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 tsp. soda
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 2/3 c. buttermilk
  • 1 c. shortening
  • 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp. ginger
  • 1/2 tsp. allspice
  • 1 tsp. vanilla

Instructions

  1. Make dough as you would for cookies, adding enough plain flour to make a stiff dough.
  2. Roll out the dough thin and cut with desired size lid for uniform shape.
  3. Bake on a cookie sheet at 375°F for 7 to 10 minutes until golden brown.
  4. Cool slightly before adding apples.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using dark molasses instead of light. If you're out of buttermilk, you can substitute it with milk mixed with a little vinegar or lemon juice. Ensure the dough is not too sticky by adding flour gradually until you achieve a stiff consistency. Rolling the dough thinly will yield crispier layers, perfect for stacking. This cake pairs beautifully with Apple Goodies for a delightful dessert spread.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the stack cake with a generous layer of spiced apples in between the layers for added sweetness and flavor. It can also be enjoyed with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on the side. This delicious dessert is perfect for gatherings and pairs well with coffee or tea, making it a great choice for afternoon snacks or dessert at family meals.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover stack cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it, where it can last up to a week. To reheat, simply place individual pieces in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven at a low temperature until just heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mother Sawyers' Stack Cake contains roughly 819 calories, with 4g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (32% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 645mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).

819 kcal 41% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.2g 8% DV
Total Fat 64.2g 82% DV
Carbs 36.3g 13% DV
Fiber 0.4g 1% DV
Sugar 8.6g 17% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 644.9mg 28% DV
Potassium 329.6mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 84.1mg 28% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 47.7mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 0.8mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0.8mcg 4% DV
Calcium 418.5mg 32% DV
Iron 1.3mg 7% DV
Contains Egg

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 make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake layers ahead of time and store them separately. Just make sure to wrap them well to keep them fresh. Assemble the cake with the apples on the day you plan to serve it for the best texture and flavor.

What kind of apples work best for the filling?

For a balanced flavor, opt for tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape well and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cake. You can also mix different varieties for added depth.

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

You can reduce the sugar by half or use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Additionally, try substituting some of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt to lower the fat content while keeping it moist.

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).

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