Old-Fashioned Apple Stack Cake
Old-Fashioned Apple Stack Cake features tender layers of spiced cookie-like dough filled with sweet apple butter, ideal for cozy gatherings and autumn celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sift flour together with baking powder, salt, ginger, soda, cinnamon, and vanilla.
- Beat eggs and sugar together with the butter until well combined.
- Mix all ingredients to form a cookie-like dough.
- Prepare 8 or 9-inch pans by greasing and lining with wax paper.
- Sprinkle the pans with flour.
- Pat a thin layer of dough into each pan and bake until brown and crisp, about 12 minutes.
- Repeat the process until all layers are baked.
- Spread apple butter, applesauce, or dried apples between each layer, on top, and on the sides of the cake.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the molasses with brown sugar. If you prefer a spicier cake, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the dry ingredients. Ensure your butter is softened for easier mixing, and when patting the dough into the pans, use a light touch to avoid dense layers. This cake pairs beautifully with Gumdrop Applesauce Cake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Old-Fashioned Apple Stack Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. It can be accompanied by a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee. For a delightful twist, try pairing it with Flora Raper's Candied Yams as a side dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake layers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, wrap individual layers in foil and warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old-Fashioned Apple Stack Cake contains roughly 1140 calories, with 18g protein, 208g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (53% of the Daily Value), iron (42% of the Daily Value), and protein (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1334mg per serving (58% 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 other fruit fillings instead of apple butter?
Absolutely! You can experiment with other fruit preserves like peach, raspberry, or even a mixed berry compote. Just ensure the filling is thick enough to hold the layers together without making the cake soggy.
How do I know when the cake layers are done baking?
The layers are done when they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven and the thickness of the layers.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the layers a day in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature. Assemble the cake with the filling on the day you plan to serve it for the best texture and flavor.
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).